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Unique reference number SC370956 Inspection date 25/01/2012 Inspector Rebecca Sharp Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 13/12/2011 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

The home is privately owned and is registered to provide care for a maximum of four children with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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Progress

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

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Progress

At the last full inspection, there was one statutory requirement made in relation to the recording of medication. The systems that are currently in place are robust meet regulations. Records are completed accurately and stored individually for each young person.

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Progress

Young people have caused considerable damage within the home recently and this has not yet been rectified due to staff sickness. As a result, the current state of the fabric of the building does not meet standards. Recruitment is underway for maintenance staff and there are plans in place to address this as a matter of urgency.

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Progress

The home has had one new admission since the last inspection, however, they have not yet been supplied with a placement plan from the placing authority which is a breach of regulation. An initial care plan has been devised by staff, along with a number of risk assessments, in order to ensure the young person's needs are being met. Although these records are in place, are individualised, and include the thoughts and feelings of the young person; they have not been signed or dated by the author, the young person, or the social worker, in order to verify the content and evidence the agreement of all parties. This does impact on the young person as the staff are not fully supported in planning for, and executing their care for the individual and are therefore unaware if all their needs are being met.

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Progress

Young people have a positive view about the home, enjoy their time spent with staff and feel safe. They feel that their wishes and feelings are listened to and have the opportunity to take part in many different activities. One young person stated 'I like it here as I've got rules and boundaries and I know what I can and can't do.' This is evidence that the quality of care has remained consistent since the last inspection.

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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

12A (2001) ensure that in the case of a child who is looked after by a local authority, the registered person must cooperate with the child's placing authority in agreeing and signing the plan for the child's placement prepared in accordance with the provisions in regulation 9 of the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations 2010 (Regulation 12A (1)) 27/02/2012

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure that children's case records are signed and dated by the author of each written entry. (Regulation 28 (1) (c)) 27/02/2012

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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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Recommendations

 ensure the home provides a comfortable and homely environment and is well maintained and decorated. (NMS 10.3)

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