Children's Home run by Pathway Care Solutions Ltd 04004053 in Nottingham

Unique reference number SC029504 Inspection date 27/02/2012 Inspector Tracy Murty Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Date of last inspection 30/11/2011 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.1

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.

p.2

Brief description of the service

This is a home that provides placements for young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties. It is registered to accommodate up to four children and young people. It is run by a private company.

p.3

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.

p.3

Progress

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

p.3

Progress

At the last full inspection of this home, the overall effectiveness judgement was good. One requirement and three recommendations were made. The home has demonstrated continued improvement in quality of care and outcomes for young people. The requirement and recommendations made at the last inspection have been fully addressed.

p.3

Progress

The staff team provide consistently high quality care to young people. They are committed to ensuring their holistic needs are met on a daily basis. Young people attend educational provisions on a daily basis, supported by the staff team. One young person reported that they have made significant progress since moving to live at this home with their education. Staff support young people to develop independence skills and confidence, which will assist them in later life. Young people contribute to the day-to-day running of the home. They undertake chores within the home and take responsibility for keeping their rooms tidy and undertaking their own laundry. Staff have secured a work experience placement for one young person in the school holidays at a local shop, demonstrating their commitment and dedication. The home has redesigned its sanctions book since the last inspection. This now includes clear and detailed information about the consequences and effectiveness of

p.3

Progress

any measures used. Reviews of all sanctions used are recorded in detail and overseen by the Registered Manager. Staff encourage young people to comment on all sanctions used and to sign for them. If young people decline to comment staff record this in order to demonstrate their attempts to include young people.

p.4

Progress

The home has a clear policy and procedure for staff to follow in relation to undertaking room searches. Such searches are undertaken following clear discussion and agreement that this is necessary. The reasons are explained to young people prior to the search being undertaken and a detailed record is made. Young people are encouraged to make comments following each room search and to sign the records. The use of room searching is measured and only undertaken when there is reason to believe that there may be a danger to young people or others.

p.4

Progress

Staff demonstrate a clear understanding of what they must do if they receive an allegation or have suspicions about the conduct of a member of staff. The Registered Manager has provided clear information about the whistle-blowing policy and procedure to all staff following the last inspection. This is on display and accessible to all staff. Discussions have also taken place in team meetings to further ensure that all staff are aware of what they must do in such situations. One member of staff stated that they were clear as to who they would need to speak with about such matters. They felt confident and able to use the whistle-blowing procedure without fear and with the full support of the Registered Manager.

p.4

Progress

Young people feel safe and are kept safe by the staff team. Detailed and up-to-date risk assessments ensure that young people's needs are considered at all times. One young person reported feeling very safe and supported by the staff. Staff receive training to enable them to perform their roles with confidence and skill. One member of staff stated that they were very impressed with the quality and amount of training that they had received since taking up their position at the home.

p.4

Progress

On the rare occasions that any allegations are made against staff who work with young people these are reported to the local authority designated officer by the Registered Manager. This ensures that full consideration is given to the allegations in line with statutory guidance. The Registered Manager takes such matters very seriously and has demonstrated a commitment to ensuring that young people are protected and staff are supported.

p.4

Progress

A wide range of social activities are offered to young people including tennis, piano lessons, attendance at cadets and swimming. Staff have taken young people abroad on holidays and to local theme parks during holidays. Young people receive their own allowances to pay for clothing and activities and can choose activities they want to be involved in. Young people have recently been involved in an arts project locally for looked after children. They produced artwork of a very impressive standard and were presented with certificates for their achievements.

p.4

Progress

Young people assist staff in preparing meals during the week and in deciding what meals they will have for the coming week. Young people also go shopping with staff and are supported to begin to understand budgeting skills and what constitutes healthy eating. One young person reported that the food was very good, that they liked being able to prepare simple meals with staff support when they were not at college. Young people clearly take pride in their home and in being involved in the day-to-day running of it.

p.4

Progress

Young people's meetings enable young people to discuss any specific issues or concerns they have with staff. The Registered Manager considers all issues discussed and takes appropriate actions. The kitchen in the home has recently undergone a full refurbishment as a result of comments made by the young people. Young people present as being actively involved in their care and confident in being able to express themselves.

p.5

Progress

Reports by the independent visitor are detailed and undertaken every month. The Registered Manager considers and addresses all recommendations made following the visits. Each home is required to provide Ofsted with two copies per year of their management reports. The home has not provided Ofsted with a copy of their management reports to date and a requirement will be made to address this shortfall.

p.5

Progress

Staff record all incidents involving young people in a timely and detailed manner. Given the complex behaviours of the young people there are occasions when they argue and become physically challenging to each other. Accurate and detailed recording of such incidents is not always recorded and a recommendation has been made to address this issue.

p.5

Progress

There is a real commitment to improving outcomes for young people by staff, who demonstrate their knowledge of and dedication to young people. Young people are making improvements in a range of areas, based on their starting points when they moved into the home. Improved educational attendance and achievement can clearly be seen for all the young people. The staff team support each other to ensure that young people have positive experiences, which improve their outcomes and the quality of care they receive.

p.5

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.

p.5

Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) supply to the HMCI a report in respect of any review conducted by the registered person. Provide reports to Ofsted twice per year. (Regulation 34(2)) 27/04/2012

p.5

Recommendations

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

p.6

Recommendations

 ensure regular monitoring, in line with regulations, of all records kept by the home to ensure compliance with the home’s policies, to identify any concerns about specific incidents and to identify patterns and trends. Ensure immediate action is taken to address any issues raised by this monitoring; with particular reference to the recording of any injuries sustained by young people from each other. (NMS 21.2)

p.6

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.

p.7

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).

p.7