Children's Home run by BREAK in Norfolk

Unique reference number SC040191 Inspection date 25/01/2012 Inspector Louisa Bayley Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 20/10/2011 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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Brief description of the service

This children's home is owned by a registered charity. The home provides long-term accommodation for four young people, of either gender, aged between eight and 18 years.

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Progress

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

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Progress

At the last inspection in October 2011, the overall quality rating for the home was judged as satisfactory. Six requirements and three recommendations were raised.

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Progress

There has been an improvement in the quality of care provided and an emphasis placed on developing the service. Risk assessments are in place for young people who have been issued with front door keys. Additionally, there is a protocol in place between the home and the local police. This details the procedure to follow should young people go absent without permission. Child protection concerns have been recorded. While not all concerns have been notified to Ofsted, it is clear that appropriate action has been taken and procedures have been followed. Young people are able to access the payphone during reasonable hours without restriction or reference to staff. As a result, young people have benefited from a more robust approach to safeguarding.

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Progress

The manager has addressed issues of damage within the home. Repairs have been made and some areas of the home have been redecorated, with further work scheduled. Staff have displayed photographs of young people and the team around the home. This results in a more welcoming and homely feel, with personalised living areas.

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Progress

Young people benefit from appropriate educational engagement. Staff support those of school age to attend their education provision. Young people who are no longer in compulsory education are assisted by staff to find courses and work. Staff ensure that independence plans are in place; young people are encouraged to budget, shop, cook meals and manage laundry in preparation for moving on. Key workers engage with the organisation's transition team to ensure transition plans are in place. This means that young people are equipped with the skills they need as they move to a more independent living environment.

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Progress

Recording systems in the home have improved. Records are more accessible which helps ensure staff are well informed. The terminology used in report writing and record keeping is factual and descriptive. Consequently, there is improved clarity of information which benefits staff, young people and other professionals. The manager has made improvements to monitoring the quality of care. This is in progress and under continuing development. Consultation is developing and staff report they are being creative in engaging young people to ascertain their views. An example of this is discussion during the monthly meal out, rather than formal meetings. Young people also have a book available for them to make comments regarding the home. The manager provides a written response to any comments made. Additionally, staff meet with social workers to gain their views on the quality of care. This enables a frank and honest discussion leading to plans to improve

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Progress

communication. A member of staff said, 'inviting social workers to our monthly key working meetings has been successful. It benefits the young people, and that is why we are here.' Staff have put a record of improvements in place which clearly shows how issues have been dealt with. The manager has written a development plan, detailing areas of focus over the coming year. This provides targets and direction aimed at improving the quality of care and outcomes for young people

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Statutory Requirements

This section sets out the actions which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Children's Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The registered person(s) must comply with the given timescales.

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure that if any of the events listed in column 1 of the table in Schedule 5 takes place, the registered person, without delay, notifies the persons indicated in respect of the event in column 2 of the table. (Regulation 30 (1)) 03/03/2012

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Recommendations

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

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