Children's Home run by Kent County Council in Kent

Unique reference number SC403850 Inspection date 29/02/2012 Inspector Pippa Greed Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 13/06/2011 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 is a council-run, short break service for children and young people. The home caters for up to six young people living with a learning and/or a physical disability. This includes young people with complex needs and those on the autistic spectrum.

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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 full inspection in June 2011, the overall effectiveness rating for the home was judged as good with one requirement and two recommendations made. The home has suitably addressed these.

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Progress

The home demonstrates continued improvement in the quality of care provided with a clear and focused commitment to service development and achieving positive outcomes for young people. This has included: evaluating, embedding and enhancing the current level of service; consulting young people and their families; addressing actions identified from Regulation 33 visits; improving on the care planning process; supporting long-term transitional planning and ongoing staff training development.

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Progress

Since the last inspection, the manager and staff team have been extremely proactive in monitoring young people's care needs. This has ensured that young people are receiving care in a consistent and stable manner. The manager and staff team continue to seek the views of the young people and significant people in their lives. Staff are skilled and knowledgeable about the young people in their care. However, the Statement of Purpose and children’s guide do not outline how young people are supported to express their concerns if any.

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Progress

The manager has an effective and detailed care planning system. There is strong evidence of young people’s wishes and preferences. Young people are supported to make choices through skilled observation and communication aids. This means young people benefit from a service that is vigilant and sensitive to their wishes.

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Progress

Families and young people's views are an integral part of the care planning process. Parents comments included statements such as: 'The staff are really good'; 'Communication is very good and we couldn't have coped without them' and 'Much improved since manager took over and our child likes coming here.'

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Progress

The manager has an effective monitoring and recording system for behavioural incidences. These are comprehensive, good quality and detailed. The records cover incidences and use of restraints if and when used. This actively safeguards young people and staff. Young people have the advantage of being cared for by a skilled and observant staff team. The home failed to ensure that an appropriate notification to the relevant authorities was made following an event in the home. This oversight does not impact on the outcomes for young people.

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Progress

As part of the development plan, the manager has identified areas for further improvements such as enhancing photographs and resources for communication tools. Young people benefit from support to make their choices known.

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Progress

Staff involve young people in decisions that affect their care and progress within the home. This includes activity planning, exploring the community and developing daily living skills. For example; arts and crafts; playing computer games; going on a shopping trip; developing social skills around mealtimes and practising personal care routines. This means young people are making progress in learning, social and independence skills. Young people also enjoy a range of well-equipped facilities such as indoor soft play area, sensory room and activity rooms. The home provides a large outdoor space including a field which allows young people to enjoy outdoor pursuits such as go-karting and bike rides.

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Progress

Staff continue to benefit from regular supervision, team meetings and group opportunities to discuss the needs of the young people. This promotes continuous updates and improvement on how young people's care is being given. The service ensures staff develop their skills and knowledge through induction, supervision and certificated training. Staff report that they feel supported; encouraged to develop their confidence in ways of working and have opportunities to further develop their skills or career.

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Progress

The manager and staff team have young people's well-being at heart and provide skilled support. Staff are genuinely enthusiastic about their care of young people and there is a commitment to providing an excellent quality service.

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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 the Statement of Purpose and children's guide includes a summary of what the home sets out to do for children, how they can find out their rights, how a child can contact Ofsted if they wish to raise a concern with inspectors, and how to secure access to an independent advocate (NMS 13.5)  ensure all significant events relating to the protection of children accommodated in the home are notified by the registered person of the home to the appropriate authorities and appropriate action is taken following the incident. (NMS 24)

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