Children's Home run by Luton Borough Council in Luton

Unique reference number SC033120 Inspection date 09/03/2012 Inspector Linda Leeder Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 06/12/2011 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 home provides short-break care and accommodation for six young people. A local authority owns and operates this setting.

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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 satisfactory, with five requirements and two recommendations made. Good progress has been made since the last inspection and most of the requirements and recommendations have been met.

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Progress

At the last inspection it was required that the registered persons ensure that monitoring visits under Regulation 33 take place monthly and are unannounced. There have been regular unannounced visits by the independent person. The registered persons have not supplied a copy of the report to HMCI on a regular basis. A requirement is made in relation to the supply of the report to HMCI. This has minimal impact on the care of young people.

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Progress

The registered persons were asked at the last inspection to ensure that they review and provide a report under Regulation 34 to HMCI and placing authorities. The Registered Manager has provided a report on a regular basis. This ensures that the Registered Manager regularly reviews and improves the care provided to young people.

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Progress

At the last inspection the registered persons were required to keep under review, and where appropriate, revise the Statement of Purpose. This was particularly in relation to the use of surveillance within the home. The registered persons have now reviewed and continue to revise their Statement of Purpose. The Statement of Purpose includes the position regarding the use of surveillance.

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Progress

The registered persons were asked to ensure that within 24 hours of the use of any measure of control, restraint or discipline in a children’s home, a written record is made in a volume kept for the purpose. The Registered Manager has revised and reviewed how the service records any measures of control. Generally staff are ensuring that they provide clear and concise recording of any measures of control and are following the policy and procedures. There is evidence that the Registered Manager is monitoring recording made by staff and therefore ensuring that young people are provided with measures of control that are appropriate and safe.

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Progress

At the last inspection the registered persons were required to ensure all parts of the home to which young people have access are so far as reasonably practicable free from hazards to their health and safety. This in particular was with regard to generic risk assessments and records of control of substances hazardous to health. There are now robust procedures in place to ensure the safety of young people. Risk assessments are wide ranging and competent. For example, the Registered Manager has provided assessments that look at the risk whilst the home is being decorated and routine maintenance and building work is being carried out. This ensures that young people remain safe whilst work is being carried out to the structure of the home that will ultimately benefit young people.

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Progress

It was recommended at the last inspection that the registered persons ensure records are clear, up to date and stored securely, and contribute to an understanding of the child’s life. Young people’s records are now up to date and the Registered Manager has an effective audit and monitoring system of young people’s files. Young people’s records are stored securely in a locked cupboard. The Registered Manager is reviewing their system of recording so that the files can provide more of an understanding of young people's lives.

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Progress

At the last inspection it was recommended that the registered persons ensure that there is a written development plan, reviewed annually for the future of the home, either identifying any planned changes in the operation or resources of the service, or confirming the continuation of the home’s current operation and resources. There has been a lengthy and extensive consultation process to review the service the home provides to young people and their families. The Registered Manager has a development plan which examines how to improve the care it provides to young people. For example it reflects upon improving communication methods with young people and using these methods to help young people present their views at meetings. The registered persons are also investing resources in the service and fabric of the building and have identified changes in operation that will benefit the service, for example, decorating bedrooms and communal areas and developing a

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Progress

day service that meets the needs of young people and their families.

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Progress

Development plans and effective monitoring systems have improved outcomes for young people. Since the last inspection effective work has been does that will benefit young people further and provide care and support that meet the individual needs of young people.

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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) supply a copy of the report required to be made under paragraph (4) (c) to the HMCI. (Regulation 33 (5) (a)) 12/04/2012

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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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