Children's Home run by Keys Educational Services Limited in Lincolnshire

Unique reference number SC363422 Inspection date 14/03/2012 Inspector Deirdra Keating Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 30/08/2011 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 children's home run by a private organisation provides care and accommodation for up to three young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties, aged between 12 and 17 years.

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Progress

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

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Progress

This is a satisfactory service which is judged to be making satisfactory progress following this interim inspection. The home has partly met the previous requirements and recommendations of the last full inspection. A requirement was left for the service to work proactively with local authorities to help young people resume full time education. The service has worked with the local authority and this has been successful for some young people. There is clear evidence and chronology of actions taken by the home to instigate meetings and appointments to meet young people's educational needs and identify any barriers. However, this has been partly unsuccessful and young people are not all happy with their educational placements plans which are yet to materialise.

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Progress

There were several recommendations raised at the last inspection which included improvements to the home's environment. Refurbishment has been undertaken and the home is clean, comfortable and homely. However, lockable storage facilities for young people have not been provided. Overall, the home's appearance is much improved and young people benefit from a comfortable and well-kept house. There is some minor damage although records indicate that damages are very recent and repairs are underway.

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Progress

The home was asked to ensure that staff are qualified or working towards a level 3 qualification. Some staff are part way through this training and two are booked for enrolment. This means that young people are cared for by staff who have the knowledge and skills to care for them. An additional recommendation was raised in relation to specific training for family contact which has not been met and therefore has been raised again.

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Progress

Young people achieve satisfactory outcomes in most areas of their lives, they speak fondly of staff and say they are supported well. Young people are provided with healthy meals and taken to outside health appointments regularly. However, there are times when young people smoke in their bedrooms which does not contribute to a healthy lifestyle or meet the house fire and safety rules. There are some altercations between young people over domestic issues and use of house resources. Young people say that in general these are sorted out with support from staff. During the inspection young people appeared calm and relaxed as they played board games with staff.

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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 that all young people's bedrooms incorporates a lockable facility to store their valuables (NMS 10.3)  provide staff with training where they are involved in supervising and facilitating contact arrangements for young people (NMS 9.2)  ensure children understand their health needs and how to maintain a healthy lifestyle with specific regard to smoking. (NMS 6.2)

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