Children's Home run by Westgate Lifestyle Project Limited in Hounslow

Unique reference number SC409851 Inspection date 16/02/2012 Inspector Caroline Wilson Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 19/10/2011 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This is a children's home registered to care for up to four young people. The home is owned and operated by a private provider.

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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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Progress

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

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Progress

This home was judged as good at the last inspection. It still provides good outcomes for young people and it has met the statutory requirement within timescales to ensure that young people are informed of the outcome of any complaint. However, some of the administration systems within the home are not fully met. This has led to a satisfactory progress judgement.

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Progress

The recording of the frequency of supervision is ad-hoc and does not adequately evidence that all staff are receiving supervision at regular intervals as set out in the National Minimum Standards (NMS). It is clear where some staff have been provided with support to promote the welfare of young people as well as their own personal development needs, but not for all.

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Progress

The Registered Manager is in negotiations with the local authority to provide her staff with mandatory training so that they can continue to be trained to a professional standard. The dates for this have not been set. The training ensures that staff are up to date with changes in legislation, health and safety issues and care practice. In the interim, all staff are undertaking NVQ training to support their professional development. This enables them to provide good responses to young people's needs.

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Progress

Regulation 34 monitoring is undertaken. However, current practice does not effectively assess whether staff consistently follow the home's policies and procedures and to redress any matters that arise. This has been identified as a need by the Registered Manager and structures are being put in place to address this. The impact of this is offset by arrangements for Regulation 33 monitoring of the home by an independent person. This monitoring is highly effective in ensuring that the home continues to provide a good service for young people. It is transparent in identifying areas in which the home does well, as well as any weaknesses. The Registered Manager responds well to any recommendations set to ensure that the home effectively promotes and safeguards the welfare of the young people placed.

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Progress

Safeguarding policies have been updated in accordance with the London Safeguarding Children's Board guidance. These clearly set out the procedures to be followed in the event of any allegation or disclosure. Staff have a good understanding of these and how they relate to practice. Staff are alert for any signs that might indicate that a young person is in at any at risk of harm and enables young people to be safe and feel safe.

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Progress

Young people are now informed about the outcome of any complaints. This enables them to feel that their concerns are taken seriously and that their feelings have been respected.

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Progress

Young people are provided with the necessary skills to prepare them for independent living. They receive support that enables them to competently cook, clean and do well in other aspects of independent living. Young people continue to be aware of the importance of being involved in some form of day time activity, such as education or employment. This helps to provide young people with a sense of self worth and have a positive focus of what they can achieve in life.

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Progress

The manager is now accredited with Registered Manager's status. She has the relevant experience and skills to meet the assessed needs of young people who live in the home. The Registered Manager is currently undertaking a management course which has proved beneficial in enhancing her understanding of her duties. In particular, it has enabled her to further identify the home's weaknesses so that it continues to provide good care.

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Progress

Young people know what behaviour is expected of them. They each receive a copy of the children's guide which clearly sets out the house rules and the conduct that is expected. These are re-enforced during regular key work sessions and house meetings. Young people are supported in behaviour management by staff and where relevant, external agencies. The home has good relationships with the community support police. They visit regularly on an informal basis with the aim of building good relationships between themselves 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 staff receive appropriate supervision. (Regulation 27 (4) (a )) 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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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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