Children's Home run by Essex County Council in Essex

Unique reference number SC044975 Inspection date 13/03/2012 Inspector Joanna Heller Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 17/11/2011 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 provides respite care and accommodation for up to 12 children with learning difficulties or disabilities and with emotional and behavioural difficulties aged between five and 18 years; it is managed by the local authority.

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Brief description of the service

Twelve children are currently residing at the home of which six were present during the inspection.

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Progress

Since their previous inspection the service is judged to be making satisfactory progress.

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Progress

This unannounced interim inspection focused on the progress made since the last key inspection in November 2011. At the previous inspection the home was rated as satisfactory. At the previous inspection three requirements were set, these related to evidencing robust staff recruitment, staff training in safeguarding and restraint, and health and safety concerns. The requirements which relate to recruitment and health and safety have been met. The requirement relating to staff training in safeguarding and restraint is partially met. All staff now have undertaken safeguarding training; however, restraint training updates have yet to be provided to all staff who may be involved in a restraint. Four recommendations were made at the last inspection, which related to the need to fully implement young people’s communication systems, evidencing aspects of staff recruitment, staff induction and staff support systems.

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Progress

Staff now ensure that all the systems to support young people’s communication are effectively implemented. Newly recruited staff have been employed from within the local authority, therefore the recommendation to evidence telephone calls made to verify references cannot be demonstrated as met. Similarly such employees are not subject to a full induction process. However, limited information is available on how these new staff are to be supported in developing the required skills in their new roles working with young people with disabilities. The home now maintains a checklist evidencing those checks on staff suitability undertaken, such as, criminal records checks.

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Progress

Since the last inspection, the authority has appointed a person outside of the home in response to staff highlighting issues of concern and levels of support. There is a clear written agenda and programme; however, staff remain unclear as to the role of this person and how the process will benefit them. Staff continue to raise issues of concern about staffing levels and management of the home. Staffing is allocated as two staff to each unit, with a senior on duty providing floating support as well as undertaking key tasks, such as, medication. When young people require one to one support this means that staffing levels on a unit should increase, this does not happen on all occasions. The impact of this is that senior staff are required to spend much of their time on that unit. They are therefore are potentially unable to provide floating support to other units and carry out other key duties such as medication.

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Progress

Staff say that despite these concerns they continue to ensure that their worries remain in the office. Staff strive to ensure that the quality of care provided to the young people is high and remains child focused.

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Progress

Updated training in the use of restraint has not been provided to all staff who may be involved in the restraint of a child. However, this is planned to occur within the next two months. Staff are clear that restraint is used only to safeguard the child or other people. The recording of sanctions and restraints is clear; however, none of the restraint records viewed included details of the thoughts and feelings of the child following a restraint. Staff have a good knowledge of safeguarding young people, and know what to do should they become concerned about a vulnerable young person's well-being.

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Progress

All of the young people are thriving and benefit from a committed group of staff. Families highlight the real difference that this service makes to both young people and their families’ lives. Agency staff are used regularly to bridge staff shortages, the impact of this is minimised by the use of regular staff who are competent and experienced. The majority of the agency staff have regularly worked at the setting for a number of years. Regular staffing means that young people are able to receive continuity of support from people who they have developed strong relationships and emotional bonds with. Staff ensure that families are kept informed of their child’s well-being.

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Progress

Care is highly personalised and responsive to the young person’s thoughts, wishes and feelings. Young people enjoy trips out with staff to the local shops and park and regular events such as parties and barbeques are held. Young people play in the garden and play games with staff on a daily basis. There is a strong commitment to young people participating in creative artwork. This is displayed throughout the home brightening up all areas. Children and young people are supported to learn independence skills in preparation for adulthood through the home’s independence programme which includes the popular ‘yes chef’ programme. Young people are able to communicate with staff who understand them and their communication systems. Staff attend children’s schools in order to understand the support systems in place so that they can be implemented at the home. Parents comment how the care ‘mirrors that which is provided at home’.

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Progress

Young people are supported to maintain and develop their skills in all aspects of their lives. Staff monitor the young people’s progress and work closely with parents and placing authorities. The care characteristics of young people mean that bullying as such does not occur. However, staff keep the group dynamics and the behaviour of young people under constant review as well as discussing these issues with the children.

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Progress

Parents and social workers comment on the good quality of care which is highly responsive to the young person’s needs. Parents say that they are confident that they are leaving their child in safe hands and that their children enjoy their stays. Young people spoke about how they liked coming and liked spending time with their friends. Young people also commented on how nice they thought the staff are.

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Progress

The building meets children and young people's needs, providing a balance of personal and communal space. Management and staff have gone to great lengths to make the purpose-built setting as bright and welcoming as possible. Hazardous chemicals are securely stored preventing the risk of ingestion. Food storage arrangements and the cleanliness of unit kitchens is greatly improved since the previous inspection. The chords on all blinds are now securely fixed, preventing a risk of a child becoming entangled. The building is maintained in good order.

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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 all persons employed receive appropriate training; in particular ensure that new staff have appropriate training and guidance in relation to restraint. (Regulation (27)(4) (a)) 19/04/2012

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Reg. Requirement Due date

17A (2001) evidence that following each and every restraint the registered person has spoken to the child in order to obtaining their views and feelings. (regulation 17A (3)) 19/04/2012

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure that at all times there are a sufficient number of suitably qualified, competent and experienced persons working at the home to meet the needs of the children (regulation 25(1)) 02/04/2012

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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

 retain evidence of any telephone enquiries which are made in order to verify written references obtained (NMS 16.1)  ensure that good support is available for staff to confidentially discuss issues of concern within the home (NMS 19.1)  ensure and evidence a good quality induction and development programme for new staff (NMS 18.1)

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