Children's Home run by Keys Group Progressive Care & Education Limited in Southampton

Unique reference number SC389174 Inspection date 23/02/2012 Inspector Brian Mcquoid Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 12/12/2011 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This is a children’s home that offers short-term respite placements for up to eight young people with complex care needs. The home, a large detached property, has been specifically converted and extended to meet the needs of the young people it accommodates and contains specialised facilities, such as a sensory room, outside play area and specially designed bathrooms.

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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 good progress.

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Progress

The service was last inspected in December 2011 when all areas were judged to be good with the exception of 'safeguarding children and young people' which was judged to be outstanding. There was one recommendation arising from the inspection. This related to the clearing of rubbish accumulating alongside the building and this was seen to have been satisfactorily addressed. Regulation 33 reports comment positively on how the unit is operating and all staff spoken to felt the unit was running smoothly and described thoroughly enjoying working there.

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Progress

Young people continue to receive good quality care within the unit that meets their individual needs and ensures their safety at all times. They were observed to be happy upon arriving at the unit and seen to be relaxed and comfortable in the company of staff. A parent dropping her child off described the service as being 'brilliant' and was extremely happy with the care being provided for them. Staff clearly understood the needs of individual young people and were observed to be able to communicate and work effectively with each of them. Staff meeting minutes showed how young people were discussed in detail and how reflective practice was used to improve the unit's overall operation and the care provided for individual young people. There is clearly a culture within the unit which encourages and supports the development of the service and the personal development of staff working there. Seeking the views of young people is integral to how the unit

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Progress

operates and they were observed being provided with choices during the course of the inspection. Parents are also routinely surveyed for their views about the unit on a regular basis. A number of improvements have been made since the previous inspection. These include introducing a new filing system, an improved format for recording staff meeting minutes, networking the unit's computers and implementing a new medication policy and procedures. In addition the provider has recently introduced a 'buddy' system for managers of the children's homes within the company which enables effective management support at all times.

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Progress

The unit has very effective monitoring systems in place which ensure the quality of the service and the care provided is maintained at a high level. Good progress is being made and the manager has a clear commitment to the continuing development and improvement of the service, however there is currently no formalised development plan in place that relates specifically to the unit. In addition, with two young people having been accommodated at the unit for several months, the unit's Statement of Purpose does not accurately reflect the services being provided.

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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 the Statement of Purpose accurately reflects the operation of the unit and the services provided for young people. (Regulation 4(1)) 15/03/2012

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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

 devise a development plan specific to the service. (NMS 15.2)

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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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