Children's Home run by Channels and Choices Kent LLP in Kent

Unique reference number SC385631 Inspection date 09/02/2012 Inspector Angus Mackay Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 06/09/2011 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 registered to provide care and accommodation for no more than three young people, with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. Young people are encouraged to maintain education at their school or college but may attend the company school. Work with young people is advised by a psychotherapist, who also provides support to the staff team.

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Progress

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

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Progress

The inspection judgement was good at the last full inspection on 6 September 2011, with three recommendations being set. The home has successfully addressed all of these and has made good progress in improving access to education for young people and in enhancing the management of the home. The home is excellent at engaging young people in their own care planning. Most local residents enjoy good relationships with the home, evidenced by gift giving at Christmas and positive meetings with the local councillor.

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Progress

The Registered Manager formally left the home on 16 January 2012, to concentrate on his role as area manager. An experienced manager from another home in the company is now managing the home. The revised management arrangement provides stability to the young people in the home and gives structured support, supervision and work planning to the new manager. Young people confirm that they approve of the new manager and staff say that the change is working well to the benefit of the young people. Managers make excellent use of internal and external monitoring information but have not regularly supplied these reports to Ofsted, to provide additional safeguarding for young people.

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Progress

Young people show warmth and affection to staff who respond appropriately. Young people say that they really like staff and can talk freely to them getting assistance with any problems they experience. Young people described the high level of engagement they have in commenting on all entries about themselves and in particular their care plans. They were clear that their views are valued and incorporated into their placement and care plans, supplying examples of this. Managers do not currently incorporate the views of young people into staff appraisals and are developing methods of doing this in future. Young people enjoy a wide range of activities which benefit their health and provide community engagement to aid their personal development. Staff provide encouragement and assistance to young people to further their community activities and the forming of positive relationships locally, enhancing their social development. Young people expressed

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Progress

the view that they would like to have more meetings to allow them more opportunity to collectively address any issues they have. Staff accept this suggestion and are planning to gradually increase the frequency from once a week to daily.

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Progress

The manager has initiated a change in the colour scheme within the home brightening up communal areas and enhancing the environment for young people. Young people confirm that staff consulted them about these changes and that they can have their own rooms as they wish too. Young people gave examples of improvements to their accommodation including new furniture. The provision of an external school has greatly improved the educational opportunities for the young people. Staff assist young people in getting ready for school encouraging them to wear the school uniform and prepare packed lunches. The established routines aid them in preparing for moving to mainstream education. Young people are proud of their good attendance at school and their achievements there. Managers have made significant improvements to the internal organisation of the home and enhancements to safety and security for young people. One example is the provision of the grab

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Progress

bag with current medical permissions and details on young people. Monitoring reports have commented on a minor recording error related to medication. Managers are reviewing the recording of medication to ensure accurate and uniform recording to provide safe care to young people. Managers have modified fire safety procedures and recording to improve their monitoring and enhance the safety of staff and 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 a written report on the conduct of the home is sent to the HMCI at least once a month. (Regulation 33(3-5)) 31/03/2012

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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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Recommendations

 ensure that an evaluation of the monthly monitoring of matters set out in Schedule 6 is sent to HMCI at six monthly intervals (Volume 5, statutory guidance, para.3.14)  ensure that the views of young people are incorporated into annual appraisals for staff (NMS 19.6)  ensure there is a written record of all medication given to children, in particular ensure this is accurately recorded. (NMS 6.15)

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