Children's Home run by Family Care Associates Limited in Shropshire

Unique reference number SC020595 Inspection date 05/03/2012 Inspector Julian Parker Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 16/12/2011 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 is a privately owned children's home for up to four young people of either gender from eight years to 17 years. The home cares for children and 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 inspection in December 2011, the overall quality rating for the service was judged as good, with two recommendations being made. Progress has been made subsequently but one recommendation requires further attention to become fully compliant.

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Progress

Young people's health and first aid needs are well met. They attend all professional health appointments locally with staff, who promote attendance. Any missed or refused appointments are rebooked and young people are encouraged to attend to ensure their physical health needs are met. Staff seek permission for medical treatment from those with parental responsibility where young people are not of sufficient age or ability to take decisions. Effective support promotes the health of young people.

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Progress

Placement plans receive ongoing review and attention, ensuring these accurately reflect the current issues in the young person’s life. These provide a detailed picture of each young person and set out how their individual needs can be met. The behaviour management aspects of plans receive thorough reassessment following incidents. Risk assessments are implemented, when appropriate, to ensure that behaviour can be consistently managed to keep everyone safe. Through their practice, staff demonstrate that they are well aware of the individual support needs of young people.

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Progress

Improvement was required to the detail recorded when young people return to the home following an unauthorised absence. Although missing from care records are clear, these continue to lack sufficient information to demonstrate that young people have access to an independent person following their return to the home.

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Progress

Young people continue to enjoy a good consistency of care and can develop trusting relationships with staff. Staffing levels at the home remain stable, ensuring young people know who are looking after them. Staff confirm that they receive good support and regular supervision from the home’s manager.

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Progress

There is an effective range of systems within the home to monitor the quality of care provided and the running of the home. The monthly checks of in-house records enable the Registered Manager to identify trends and patterns that may inform improvements to practice. In addition to these internal systems, Regulation 33 monitoring visits are carried out and reports are produced which highlight any shortfalls. This helps staff reflect and improve their practice. A behaviour monitoring system initiated by the provider is being trialled by the home to improve the clinical assessment of young people’s progress.

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Progress

Since the last inspection, staff have effectively engaged with the older children to consult about their futures. Young people are kept fully informed about, and involved in, their individual transition and pathway plans. Staff remain extremely supportive, which ensures that young people are able to eventually move on in a positive, planned manner.

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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 children are helped to understand the dangers and risks of leaving the home without permission and are made aware of where they can access help, for example, through a debrief on their return. (NMS 5.8)

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