Children's Home run by Care Focus Limited in Suffolk

Unique reference number SC062651 Inspection date 01/03/2012 Inspector Susan Southey Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 18/04/2011 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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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.

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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

The home provides care and accommodation for up to four young people with emotional 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 full inspection in April 2011, the overall quality rating for the service was judged as good, with two actions and four recommendations made. Progress since the last inspection has resulted in all actions and three recommendations being met. The findings of this inspection have produced one action and one additional recommendation. However, these do not directly affect young people. Leaders and managers have made measurable improvements to promote outcomes for young people and evidence planning to support future development.

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Progress

Recent developments in the home include internal monitoring of young people's care plans. Managers and key workers now regularly meet with senior managers to discuss young people’s placement plans. Effective internal working partnerships promote creative thinking. This will support optimum solutions being found to assist young people to reach targets and improve their outcomes.

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Progress

Young people are engaging in nurturing sessions using dolls that display similar behaviours to young babies. Young people are encouraged to care for the baby over a weekend period taking care of all their basic needs including feeding and changing. This provision gives young people an incite into the demands of parenthood which will support them when making plans for the future.

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Progress

Young people live in a small homely environment. Refurbishment of the kitchen has taken place and new soft furnishings purchased. Further development plans are in place to redecorate other areas of the home and to purchase accessories. Young people will be involved in choosing items for the home. Consultation with young people gives them choice in decision-making and affords them the opportunity to make a positive contribution to the running of the home.

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Progress

One recommendation from previous reports remains outstanding. Recording of homely remedies is now in place. However, medication procedures are still not robust to ensure the safe administration of medication for young people. No recording procedures are in place for those young people taking vitamin tablets. In addition, written consent from those who hold parental responsibility does not include homely remedies. Managers have now introduced a rolling programme to purchase books for young people. Purchases made consider the special interests that young people pursue. Examples of the literature now available are fishing and sewing books. Appropriate reading materials will support young people to engage in activities, which encourage learning.

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Progress

Staff share with young people the Ofsted Child Summary Reports which are readily available and displayed in the general office. Access to information in relation to monitoring of the home will inform young people with regard to the effectiveness of the service they receive. In addition, staff now have access to copies of the Ofsted Reports and copies of the National Minimum Standards. Increased staff awareness of legislative policies and regulatory reports will keep them up to date with professional and legal developments to enhance their performance.

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Progress

Regulation requirements from previous reports with regard to recording of information are in place. Details are now on file identifying young people’s named teacher and contact details. In addition, the documentation records young people’s learning needs. Managers and staff have a close relationship with teachers as the education provision is on site. Effective recording of information will further enhance the relationship between home and school.

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Progress

Excellent safeguarding procedures are in place and when young people are at risk, staff take appropriate action to ensure their safety. Young people say that they feel safe and efficient risk assessments are in place to promote their safety. However, managers do not always send reports to Ofsted of notifiable events set out in schedule 5. The impact on young people is negligible but is in breach of regulations.

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Progress

Dedicated staff support contact to maintain and develop family relationships. They chaperone and organise transport to facilitate contact. It is important that young people have constructive contact with their family members whilst giving regard to any limitations or provisions set out in the care plan. Where placing authorities have considered only supervised contact appropriate, managers should ensure that staff have appropriate training, support and supervision if they act as contact supervisor.

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Progress

Effective monitoring of the home has taken place and managers have compiled a report addressing matters set out in schedule 6. Ofsted are now in receipt of the document. The report highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the home and identifies resolutions to address shortfalls. Consultation with young people and stakeholders is undertaken six monthly. Young people and professionals have given positive feedback with regard to the care provided by the competent staff team and managers. Effective monitoring informs practice and demonstrates capacity for continued improvement.

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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 in relation to a children's home any of the events listed in column 1 of the table in schedule 5 takes place, the registered person shall without delay notify the persons indicated in respect of the event in column 2 of the table. (Regulation 30.1) 31/03/2012

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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

 ensure there is a written approved record of all homely remedy medication including vitamin tablets given to children during their placement. Also ensure that medical treatment is authorised with particular regard to homely remedies (NMS 6.15 NMS 6.5)  ensure that staff have appropriate training, supervision and support if they are required to facilitate and supervise contact. (NMS 9.2)

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