Children's Home run by Progress Children’s Services Ltd in Walsall

Unique reference number SC038526 Inspection date 28/02/2012 Inspector Jo Stephenson Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 08/12/2011 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The home offers short breaks for up to five children and young people between the ages of five and 17 years. This service is available to children and young people with a learning disability, a physical disability and/or sensory impairment. The service is operated by a private organisation.

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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 interim inspection has focused on the progress made by the home since the last inspection in December 2011. The overall judgement was good. The service has made satisfactory progress. The home has addressed issues previously raised although further requirements and recommendations have been raised.

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Progress

Young people experience a short breaks service in a caring and supportive environment that enables them to make progress in their lives. Young people are safe and staff have an appropriate knowledge of safeguarding. Staff ensure that robust risk assessments are in place to protect young people from significant harm or accident. Consequently, young people receive a personalised level of care that reflects their vulnerabilities and abilities.

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Progress

Young people participate in meetings and key work sessions. Staff use various non- verbal communication systems to converse with young people concerning their menu options and preferred activities. As a result, young people are empowered to make choices during their stay and contribute to the running of the home. Staff provide care plans and short break plans that are detailed and regularly reviewed. However, young people are not asked to comment on these plans and their views are not recorded. This means they are not involved in all aspects of their care.

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Progress

Development plans, including the relocation of the service to a new home, are in place. However, young people and others significant to them, have not been consulted on the proposed changes to the service they receive. Staff state they have been asked not to inform the young people or others of the pending changes. They fear this will have a negative impact on the trusting relationships they have established. Consequently, the views and wishes of young people, their parents or carers, have not been considered.

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Progress

Following on from the last inspection, substantial improvement have been made to the handling and recording of controlled medication. Staff adhere to robust systems of administration for prescribed medication. However, procedures in place to monitor ‘homely remedies’ are not followed and this means young people may be provided with out-of-date medication.

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Progress

Staff support young people with their education and this continues to be a priority for the home. Young people are encouraged to complete homework during their stay and this means their education is not disrupted. Staff regularly attend education meetings with parents and providers. As a result, young people benefit from a consistent and coherent approach to their care and development.

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Progress

Young people have the opportunity to experience different cultures through diverse menu options and activities. Staff are proactive in assisting young people with their understanding of different backgrounds, using a varied range of communication methods. Subsequently, diversity and equality is promoted in the home in a manner appropriate to the needs and abilities of the young people.

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Progress

The Registered Manager ensures that monitoring systems are in place to consider the quality of care for young people. Measures of control records are now completed appropriately and within suitable time scales. The Statement of Purpose has been updated and reflects the aims and objectives of the service. Staff participate in structured supervision but say they do not always feel supported in relation to the changes being made to the home.

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Progress

Young people enjoy a well-maintained home that is suitably decorated and comfortably furnished.

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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 suitable arrangements for the recording, handling, safekeeping, safe administration and disposal of any medicines received into the children's home. (Regulation 21 (1)) 12/03/2012

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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

 ensue that all children communicate their views on all aspects of their care and support (NMS 1.3)  ensure the views, wishes and feelings of children and those significant to them are taken into account in developing the home. (NMS 1.7)

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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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