Children's Home run by Keys Care Limited in Lincolnshire

Unique reference number SC370899 Inspection date 29/02/2012 Inspector Pete Hylton Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 13/12/2011 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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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

This home is one of a number of homes operated and managed by an organisation which is a national provider of care and education for young people. The home is registered to offer care and accommodation for up to three male young people who may have emotional and or behavioural difficulties.

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Progress

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

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Progress

At the last inspection in December 2011, this home was judged to be good and two recommendations were made.

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Progress

Staff now record the timescales for sanctions given to young people. This means that young people and staff are now clearer about the duration of any sanction. This recommendation has therefore been met. All staff are either qualified or working towards the required qualification at level three. The manager has ensured that all staff without the necessary qualification are now working towards this. Therefore, this recommendation has also been met.

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Progress

There have been few restraints since the last inspection. All incidents are appropriately recorded and external monitoring of these records has identified where further improvements could be made. Positive behaviour is rewarded in the home. Sanctions are given to young people who display negative or challenging behaviour. All sanctions are appropriate and young people are actively encouraged to record their views. This helps the staff to evaluate the effectiveness of such measures. However, some sanctions are disproportionate. For example, the same sanction is given for several different misdemeanours. This means that young people do not fully understand the consequences of their actions. A recommendation has therefore been made. The manager acknowledges there is disparity in the application of sanctions and is planning to review the use of sanctions in the home, seeking the views of young people. A further recommendation has therefore been made in

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Progress

respect to having a clearer policy on managing behaviour.

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Progress

The majority of the home is well presented, homely and comfortable. Some areas are in need of attention. There is a damaged wall on the upstairs landing and some cupboards in the home’s utility area are in need of replacement. Similarly, the garden has areas which are littered. These areas are used by the young people so a recommendation has been made.

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Progress

Young people are all aware of how to complain. There has been one complaint since the last inspection which has been effectively handled. Young people benefit from a home where they are able to express their views to the staff. Regular key working sessions ensure that these views are formally recorded in records kept by the home. There are notable improvements since the last inspection. For example, the frequency of structured discussions with young people has increased and the manager has established a system whereby all incidents are thoroughly discussed and recorded with the young people. This means that patterns and trends emerging from behaviour are monitored.

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Progress

The home has demonstrated improvement since the last inspection. Recent staff promotion means that the manager is assisted by senior care workers. This has enabled the manager to focus on strategic plans for the home. The manager's own monitoring is effective and the development plan is comprehensive and clearly identifies areas for development. Further plans include monitoring practices in addition to those required under regulations. Staff meetings regularly discuss the monthly audits of the home by the external visitor. The manager and staff team discuss ways to address any shortfalls. Furthermore, the views of young people are actively sought in the planning and development of the service. The manager is committed to further improving the home.

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Progress

Equality and diversity is effectively promoted and managed in the home. All young people are encouraged to celebrate their cultural heritage. Furthermore, the care given to young people is based on their individual needs and preferences. The home benefits from therapist support which further enables young people to explore and understand their backgrounds. Young people are actively encouraged to voice their opinions, for example, choosing meals and also discussing activities and plans for the home. The staff team are committed to helping young people progress and this is reflected in the warm and caring relationships evident in the home.

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Progress

Young people continue to make good progress. In some cases, progress has been exceptional. For example, young people who previously went missing for long periods of time prior to arriving at the home have significantly reduced this behaviour. Young people enjoy participating in a range of activities. These include sporting clubs, cadets, camping trips and accessing the local community for cinema trips. All young people who are of school age are regularly attending education and making good progress. Where young people have left school and are without a positive outcome, the home is working hard to address this and actively encourage participation.

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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 the home has a clear written policy on managing behaviour, which includes supporting positive behaviour, de-escalation of conflicts, discipline, control and restraint, that all staff understand and apply at all times (NMS 3.3)  ensure that sanctions and rewards for behaviour are clear, reasonable and fair and are understood by all staff and children (NMS 3.8)  ensure that the home provides a comfortable and homely environment and is well maintained and decorated, avoidable hazards are removed as is consistent with a domestic setting and risk reduction does not lead to an institutional feel. (NMS 10.3)

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