New Park Project (The)

Unique reference number SC065046 Inspection date 15/03/2012 Inspector Sharron Escott Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 15/07/2011 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 setting is a small children's home owned and operated by a private provider. The home caters for up to four children and young people aged between eight and 17 years of age.

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Progress

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

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Progress

The overall effectiveness of this service was judged to be satisfactory at the full inspection in July 2011. One requirement and five recommendations were made at the full inspection. The home has successfully met four recommendations. This inspection identifies satisfactory progress, with two requirements and one recommendation being raised.

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Progress

This service promotes the views and wishes of young people, capturing them through formal meetings and informal discussions. This ensures that young people feel listened to, their comments contribute to their future and to the running of the home. For example, young people are encouraged to complete their own child- friendly care plan, identify personal targets, menu selection and choice of activities.

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Progress

Consultation with relatives, carers and professionals has improved through the use of consultation forms. These completed documents inform the manager and provider of the strengths of the service and have contributed to the home’s development plan. As a result, young people feel listened to, their requests are considered and as a result, they are making safer choices and achieving positive outcomes.

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Progress

The maintenance programme for the home has progressed and has contributed to a homely and welcoming environment. The home has been fully redecorated, with new carpets fitted and soft furnishings purchased. Young people now have access to a satisfactory range of educational resources to support their learning beyond the school day.

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Progress

Young people's behaviour is managed in a safe and effective manner, using physical intervention sparsely and only in accordance with the Children's Homes Regulations. However, the volume recording these incidents does not fully detail the young people’s views after such an incident, the effectiveness of any consequence, whether any injury has occurred and any subsequent medical treatment administered. This has resulted in the requirement being repeated.

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Progress

A requirement has been raised relating to the home’s monitoring activities and reports. While these are being completed monthly, they do not include opportunities for young people, their parents and persons working at the home to share their views on the quality of care provided. Copies of these reports are not forwarded to Ofsted within the required timescales.

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Progress

Young people are cared for by staff who receive regular supervision and annual appraisals. Staff have completed all mandatory training provided. However, specialist training to recognise and deal with indicators and incidents of bullying has not taken place. As a result, this recommendation has been reinstated to ensure that young people are appropriately safeguarded from potential incidents of bullying.

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Progress

The manager and staff team continue to demonstrate a very strong commitment to young people. Young people continue to make satisfactory progress; developing their independent living skills and achieving socially and emotionally. Young people's overall experience of living at the home is positive. Staff undertake their duties in a warm, supportive and professional manner. Young people are relaxed and at ease in their company and within the environment. Young people also feel safe and comfortable living at the home.

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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

17B (2001) ensure that within 24 hours of the use of any measure of control, restraint or discipline, a written record is made in a volume kept for the purpose of which shall include the effectiveness and any consequence of the measure (Regulation 17B (3)(f)) 30/04/2012

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure Regulation 34 reports are supplied to Her Majesty's Chief Inspector and the system shall provide consultation with children accommodated in the home, their parents and placing authorities. (Regulation 34 (2)(3)) 30/04/2012

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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 staff in the home are trained to recognise and deal with any indications or incidents of bullying. (NMS 3.12)

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