Children's Home, Residential special school run by Kisimul Group Limited in Lincolnshire

Unique reference number SC034241 Inspection date 19/01/2012 Inspector Rebecca Sharp Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Residential special school (>295 days/year)

p.1

Date of last inspection 08/11/2011 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.1

This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated.

p.2

About this inspection

The purpose of this inspection is to assure children and young people, parents, the public, local authorities and government of the quality and standard of the service provided. The inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000 to assess the effectiveness of the service and to consider how well it complies with the relevant regulations and meets the national minimum standards.

p.3

About this inspection

The report details the progress made by the provider since the last full inspection, identifies any further strengths, any areas for improvement and makes judgements as outlined in the Inspection of children’s homes – framework for inspection (March 2011).

p.3

The inspection judgements and what they mean

Good progress The children’s home has demonstrated continued improvement in quality of care and outcomes for children and young people and where appropriate has addressed all requirements and the large majority of recommendations that were raised at the previous inspection. Satisfactory progress The children’s home has maintained quality of care and outcomes for children and young people and where appropriate has addressed all requirements and the majority of recommendations that were raised at the previous inspection. Inadequate progress The children’s home has failed to address one or more requirements and/or has not met the majority of recommendations and/or the quality of care and outcomes for children and young people have declined since the last full inspection.

p.3

Brief description of the service

The school is one of three owned by the company and is registered as a children's home. The school provides placements of various lengths for children and young people with severe learning disabilities, autism and challenging behaviour. The senior school is situated a few miles away.

p.4

Brief description of the service

The school provides residential accommodation for 39 young people. Education is provided in a separate building situated on site.

p.4

Progress

Since their previous inspection the service is judged to be making good progress.

p.4

Progress

The home was judged as outstanding in all areas at the last full inspection. No statutory requirements or good practice recommendations were made. There is one good practice recommendation made as a result of this inspection.

p.4

Progress

A new piece of guidance has been introduced by the manager which forms part of the corporate induction for new staff. The guidance is called ‘understanding the needs of our pupils’ and includes information and practical strategies to support children and young people with autism, severe learning disabilities and associated challenging behaviour. This provides new staff with a great deal of information around the complex needs of the children and an introduction in how to recognise and manage certain aspects of the behaviours displayed alongside strategies to deal with them. It is a practical guide, developed internally, which instantly enables new staff to promote positive behaviour.

p.4

Progress

The manager recognised a need to update the company’s ‘Recording information guidelines’ since the previous inspection. This gives an in-depth overview of records that require updating on a daily basis and also those which may possibly arise such as incident reports and physical restraint sheets. It highlights to all staff the importance of these records, the legislative requirements, and the need for clear and concise information to be recorded. This, again, equips staff with the necessary information and skills in order to provide high quality care in relation to the recording, reporting and sharing of information.

p.4

Progress

The home provides regular consultation with young people and has a specific form with picture exchange communication system symbols for those children who require this. Pertinent questions are asked such as ‘Are you happy here?’ and ‘Do you feel like you can do enough activities?’ The care team then respond to these questionnaires in a timely manner and attempt to action any requests. The company has purchased a trampoline as a result of the consultation and have formed a trampoline club. Another young person requested to join a football club which has also been enabled. This is clear evidence of how consultation has had a significant effect on the outcomes for young people.

p.4

Progress

There has been an improvement in relation to whistle blowing within the organisation also. There is now a designated telephone number which is an additional measure to support the formal procedure. Staff can now leave a message with their complaint and their contact details, and a designated member of staff will then deal with the issue. This is an innovative development with regards to safeguarding young people, especially in support of staff who work shifts and spend time away from the home. They can contact this hotline upon reflection following an incident, or if they feel uneasy with the more formal procedure. This also shows that the company are dedicated to the safeguarding of the young people in their care.

p.5

Progress

The service remains of an exceptionally high standard with regards to achieving excellent outcomes for young people as a result of committed and enthusiastic quality of care for the young people. One shortfall found during this inspection was in relation to an office which is sometimes used by young people to access the internet. As it is primarily a staff area, there is sensitive information on display which contravenes the confidentiality of young people’s information.

p.5

Progress

The manager has an in-depth improvement plan and strategic overview for the home. This evidences his forward thinking for the service and planning for further development. There is substantial consideration for the consultation of young people and strategies to improve the quality of care, most of which have already been achieved in a short space of time.

p.5

Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

p.5

Recommendations

 ensure that information about individual children is kept confidential and only shared with those who have a legitimate need to know the information. (NMS 22.3)

p.5