Children's Home run by Benjamin UK Ltd in Buckinghamshire

Unique reference number SC067757 Inspection date 06/03/2012 Inspector Jennie Christopher 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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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

This children’s home is registered to take young people aged 12 up to 18 years and is owned and operated by a private organisation. The home is registered for up to four young people.

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Brief description of the service

The home provides medium- to long-term care for young people who need particular assistance with managing their behaviour, including offending behaviour. Where appropriate, young people are supported in returning home, or supported in managing transitions to more independent settings.

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Progress

Since their previous inspection the service is judged to be making satisfactory 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 requirements and four recommendations set within the inspection report. The home has maintained the quality of care provided, and has a commitment to service development. Young people say a particular strength of the home is the opportunities available to them. Staff are committed and have good aspirations for young people.

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Progress

At the last inspection, requirements set were in relation to providing managers monitoring to Ofsted and inclusion of all required elements in restraint recording. Monitoring has been completed; however it lacks evaluation of the evidence included. Recoding of restraints has been adjusted to meet regulations but is not in a tamper-proof volume. Recommendations concerning recording monitoring and staff recruitment checks have recently been implemented. The Registered Manager is continuing to develop recruitment and applications for the organisation to ensure young people are safeguarded through the recruitment process. Young people who are refusing or excluded from education, whilst being encouraged to access education as recommended, do not benefit from a coordinated staff approach or programme within the home.

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Progress

The home is undergoing continued redecoration and maintenance as raised in the previous inspection, with areas for further development identified by the manager. External doors are locked at night for safety and security; however, one remained locked well into the day. The home is generally in good decorative order and young people confirm they have been involved in the consultation process. New furniture for communal areas promotes a homely environment.

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Progress

Young people continue to receive thoughtful care provided by a committed staff team. Young people say their relationships with staff are good, but that staff are sometimes inconsistent and do not always hand information over to each other. Young people however confirm that they 'feel safe' and can talk to staff if they have problems. Practice within the home promotes individuality and equality. As a result, young people receive quality care and support based on their individual identified needs.

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Progress

Since the last inspection, some work has been done to evaluate the current level of service. Regulatory monitoring happens regularly and young people and staff are consulted during these visits. The appointment of a new deputy manager will benefit young people’s care through specific development areas they have been tasked with.

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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 the routine of the home is organised so as to further children's participation in education with particular attention to those refusing or excluded from education. (Regulation 18 (1)(b)) 10/04/2012

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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 that records of restraint are in a format that cannot be tampered with (Volume 5, statutory guidance, paragraph 2.91)  ensure that the locking of outside doors as a safety measure and/or security precaution is based on careful risk assessments. (Volume 5, statutory guidance, 2.108)

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