Children's Home run by Keys Direct Care Limited in North Northamptonshire

Unique reference number SC033817 Inspection date 01/03/2012 Inspector Suzanne Hogben Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Date of last inspection 14/12/2011 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

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.3

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.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

Brief description of the service

This home is privately owned and is registered to provide residential placements for up to four children with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

p.4

Progress

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

p.4

Progress

At the last inspection in December 2012, the overall quality rating for the service was judged as outstanding with one requirement and one recommendation set within the inspection report. The manager was asked to make improvements in the recording of restraints and to ensure records regarding direct work with young people were maintained and linked to placement plans.

p.4

Progress

The service demonstrates its capacity to improve because it has met the requirement and recommendation set. The manager has ensured that there is a more robust system for recording restraints, which clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of the restraint, and the methods of de-escalation used. The Registered Manager and staff team have demonstrated a continued improvement in the quality of care and positive outcomes for young people. This has included young people making excellent progress and achieving individual goals, for example with their education.

p.4

Progress

The Registered Manager is committed to the development of the staff team as a group and as individuals, therefore young people benefit from a committed, highly skilled and motivated staff. One staff member commented that the staff group is strong and as a result are able to put in place boundaries that help young people in the management of their behaviour. Since the last inspection staff have used key worker books that are completed daily and then reviewed with the young people weekly. As a result young people in this home feel that staff listen to their views and that they have a role to play in the management of their care.

p.4

Progress

The manager has continued to develop practice and make improvements in the care of the young people. Young people’s attendance in education is excellent and staff work hard to provide specific plans, which meet individual needs. One young person is achieving good outcomes from plans that allow the opportunity to work and learn outdoors. As a result, attendance at education is consistent and beneficial. The staff team develop positive relationships with education provisions to support young people in their progress and achievements.

p.4

Progress

Young people develop emotional stability in this home and staff encourage this. One young person commented that, ‘in this house the staff are all settled and know what to do and when they are doing it’ and that, ‘all staff here are fair’. Because of this support young people feel safe and well cared for and feel that they are treated equally.

p.4

Progress

There is a development plan for the home which is reviewed consistently. A new format is under development and this years plan will be in this format. Plans identify the need to develop training, particularly in the area of equality and diversity. In addition a thorough induction programme is part of a structured training plan which aims to meet the needs of all staff. Monitoring within the home is effective and regular monitoring includes the views of young people. Future monitoring will also include the views of family members and professionals.

p.5