Children's home SC033408

Unique reference number SC033408 Inspection date 15/03/2012 Inspector Louisa Bayley Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 24/08/2011 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

The home is managed by the local authority and offers short-term emergency placements. The home is registered for six young people of either gender with emotional and behavioural difficulties. The home works closely with placing authorities and education providers to provide short-term assessments of young people.

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Brief description of the service

The home can provide placements for six young people and, additionally, one young person on remand under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act.

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Progress

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

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Progress

At the last full inspection in August 2011, the overall effectiveness of this home was judged as good. Two requirements and four recommendations were raised, all of which have been addressed.

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Progress

The Registered Manager post has been vacant since October 2011. A second recruitment drive has taken place and interview dates are scheduled. The staff team has experienced a period of uncertainty regarding the management of the home. However, good interim arrangements are in place and staff say they feel supported. The home has addressed shortfalls identified at the full inspection in regard of the recording of physical restraint and records of recruitment. Regular monitoring of care takes place through Regulation 33 visits and Regulation 34 reporting. The acting manager is actively reviewing systems and processes for effectiveness. There is a development plan in place and a clear focus on improving outcomes for young people.

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Progress

Young people in this home benefit from positive relationships with experienced and committed staff. Consistent boundaries are in place and young people feel cared for. One young person said, ‘I love living here, I do not want to leave.’ Staff ensure that appropriate risk assessments are in place and reviewed regularly. This is particularly important due to the level of vulnerability of the young people accommodated. Recommendations from the full inspection related to ensuring that lone working is fully risk assessed and there is adequate staffing during holiday periods. The home has addressed both of these areas. Lone working rarely takes place, except in an emergency, and there are procedures in place to follow should the need arise. The rotas reflect adequate staffing and the acting manager is reviewing this area to identify further improvements. Consequently, young people receive the level of supervision they need and staff take action to mitigate identified risks.

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Progress

At the last inspection, two further areas for improvement were identified regarding the physical environment of the home. The telephone is now in working order, ensuring young people are able to make calls without reference to staff. The grounds have been tidied and staff have worked with young people to take ownership of clearing litter. The home is in a good state of repair following some periods of damage.

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Progress

Staff place importance on communal social occasions, such as meal times. Young people engage well with this, contributing to menu planning and helping with cooking. Meal times also provide opportunities for informal discussion where young people are encouraged to express their views. A young person talked of his involvement in planning a gym area in the house. The young person has helped to price equipment and develop a business plan. The staff team and young people have discussed the plans with a representative from the local authority. Plans are currently evolving. As a result, young people feel listened to and that their ideas are valued.

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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) appoint an individual to manage the children’s home and give notice to the HMCI of the name of the person appointed; and the date on which the appointment is to take effect (Regulation 7 (1)(2)) 08/06/2012

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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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