Children's Home run by Broadlands Hall Limited in Suffolk

Unique reference number SC060936 Inspection date 13/03/2012 Inspector Louisa Bayley Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 06/06/2011 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 privately owned children's home provides care, accommodation and education for up to 11 young people with learning, emotional and behavioural difficulties, aged between 11 and 18 years.

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Brief description of the service

There is a large education building, which is inspected by Ofsted, in the grounds of the home.

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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 June 2011, the overall effectiveness for this home was judged as good. Two requirements and four recommendations were raised.

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Progress

Maintenance issues identified at the previous inspection, with regard to a dangerous electrical switch, torn curtains and sanitizing required in the bathrooms, have been addressed by the home. The manager has purchased new seating and this is in place in the grounds. The home is presented well, with pictures decorating the walls, giving a homely feel. Mechanical and electronic surveillance systems in the home are detailed in the Statement of Purpose. They are also included in young people’s placement plans. There is, however, no consent on young people’s files regarding the use of these systems.

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Progress

The manager has partially addressed a requirement in respect of checking that all staff are included in fire drills. Although the initials of participants are now recorded, a number of staff have not taken part in an evacuation.

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Progress

Following a recommendation from the full inspection, the manager has developed post-incident forms. The purpose is to engender reflection on how similar incidents could be avoided in the future. As a result, young people are encouraged to think about alternative strategies to manage their behaviour. As part of the post incident process, staff offer examination by a registered nurse or medical practitioner following physical restraint. However, young people are not consistently given this opportunity. This recommendation will remain.

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Progress

Young people benefit from additional choices at meal times. A salad bar option is always available, with jacket potatoes and soup alternatives to the main meal. Young people make suggestions regarding meals they would like. Some young people are undertaking independence training and they develop their menus, with staff support, and learn to cook the meals they have chosen. One young person said: ‘I am very fussy. Staff listen to me when I tell them what I would like to eat, so now I eat more. They have also helped me to make some healthier choices.’

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Progress

The manager undertakes monthly reviews of the matters set out in Schedule 6. Although the reviews are comprehensive, there is no process for the inclusion of consultation with young people, their parents and placing authorities. Regulation 33 reports are completed on a monthly basis. However, these are not consistently lodged in the home for the staff and manager to read, and to make a response. As a result, issues continue to be raised month on month.

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Progress

Young people in the home say they have good relationships with staff and they feel safe. There are weekly meetings for residents, and young people are able to contribute their ideas and opinions to the meetings. Staff meetings are held on a regular basis and young people are the focus of each meeting. Staff say they are supported well by the manager, receive regular supervision and good quality training. As a result, they feel equipped to carry out their roles effectively, contributing to positive outcomes for 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) ensure that where any electronic or mechanical monitoring device is used in the home, the child's placing authority consents to the use of the measure in question; so far as practicable in light of his age and understanding, the child is informed in advance of the intention to use the measure (Regulation 22 (1)(a)(c)) 24/04/2012

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure all staff working in the home and, so far as practicable, young people accommodated there, are all aware of the procedure to be followed in the event of a fire. This refers to recording names of all persons involved in evacuations to check all staff are included in fire drills (Regulation 32 (e)) 24/04/2012

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure that the system established for improving the quality of care in the children's home provides for consultation with children accommodated in the home, their parents and placing authorities. (Regulation 34 (3)) 24/04/2012

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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 young people are given the opportunity to discuss incidents they have been involved in, witnessed or been affected by, with staff to help them understand how incidents can be avoided in future and all young people are given the opportunity to be examined by a registered nurse or medical practitioner (NMS 3.16)  ensure that the registered provider's written report of a visit carried out under Regulation 33 is lodged in the home for the manager and staff to read and to respond. (NMS 21.8)

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