Children's Home run by Benjamin UK Ltd in Bedford

Unique reference number SC412953 Inspection date 08/03/2012 Inspector Natalie Burton Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 23/11/2011 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 home is privately owned and is part of an organisation that has other children's homes. It accommodates up to four young people who have emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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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 November 2011, the overall quality rating was judged as outstanding. Two recommendations were made, one recommendation is fully met and other recommendation has not been met. As a result, the home is judged to be making satisfactory progress. Gas and electrical appliances are now serviced, which ensures that young people live in a suitable and safe physical environment. The safeguarding procedures have not been submitted to the Local Safeguarding Children’s Board. However, there are effective working partnerships with other agencies and staff follow agreed procedures, therefore the impact on young people is minimal.

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Progress

The home continues to provide outstanding care and there is a clear and focused commitment to developing the service further. Young people continue to benefit from living within a well-kept and homely environment and from the continuity of support provided by a stable staff team. Young people are positive about the quality of care and support they receive and confirm they feel safe. Young people who are over school age and not accessing any form of education are provided with a stimulating and structured daily routine, and engage in an independent living programme. This helps to prepare young people for adulthood.

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Progress

Young people do go missing from care. The home’s procedure is now compatible with the local Runaway and Missing from Home and Care protocol and procedure. As a result when young people do go missing, they are protected as far as possible and responded to positively on their return.

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Progress

The home is progressing well with the present development plan, for example, the implementation of an independence programme for young people. Staff are well supported by the manager who has a strong commitment and focus on improvement. Staff are motivated, well organised and understand their roles and the expectations placed upon them.

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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 the registered person and staff work effectively in partnership with other agencies concerned with child protection, with specific regard to submitting a copy of the home's safeguarding procedures to the Local Safeguarding Children's Board. (NMS 4.7)

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