Children's home run by Seaside Care Homes Limited in Havering

Unique reference number SC376676 Inspection date 15/03/2012 Inspector Susan Southey Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 09/08/2011 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

The service is a children's home which provides respite care and accommodation for four children and young people from birth to 17-years-old. The home accommodates children and young people who have learning or physical disability who have complex medical needs and who may have life limiting conditions. Young people and children have packages of care varying from living at the home as a semi-permanent placement to occasional overnight stays.

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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 quality rating for the service was judged as outstanding with one recommendation made. This has been met and the home has made further improvements to promote positive outcomes for young people.

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Progress

The registered person closely monitors the recording of information relating to young people. New admission booklets have been introduced which are shared with parents and carers on admission. Staff discuss any relevant changes for young people since their last respite visit. This includes amendments to their medication requirements. One parent commented ‘they were meticulous in their planning of her visit and had a good grip on the complexities of her condition’. Young people benefit from enhanced and safer care through improved record keeping and effective communication.

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Progress

All staff are now enrolled to complete the diploma in care at level 3. Good quality training supports staff to improve their individual skill base and enhance the quality of care received by young people. Managers have also focused on training to safeguard young people. Child protection for children with disabilities and general safety training has been completed. Efficient staff are competent in safeguarding procedures which supports an environment where young people are kept safe.

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Progress

Young people make excellent progress with improved behaviour. Pro-active staff work in partnership with education to develop behaviour management plans. Reward systems and re-assurance methods are examples of strategies used by committed staff. Effective monitoring and the introduction of creative solutions encourage enhanced behaviours for young people.

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Progress

Both registered individuals manage the day-to-day running of the home. Furthermore; they undertake regular internal monitoring reviews, which are sent to Ofsted within the appropriate timescales. However, no independent visitor conducts inspections in the home. The organisation has sought clarity with regard to this requirement and believes they are not in breach of regulations. Monthly Regulation 33 visits are a requirement as the organisation is a limited company. Internal monitoring of the home helps staff to reflect and improve practice and the registered individuals are confident that they have identified an appropriate individual to conduct monthly monitoring visits.

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Progress

Consultation with others is valued by managers with effective quality assurance monitoring sent to young people and stakeholders at regular intervals. Furthermore contact for young people with those who are significant to them is encouraged and facilitated in the home. Stakeholders provide excellent feedback, one parent at a contact visit said ‘she is really happy with the care her daughter receives she has come on in leaps and bounds’ another parent wrote in a monitoring questionnaire ‘I cannot speak highly enough of the home they are professional, also wonderfully caring people who are easy to talk to and genuinely understand the care of your child’.

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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 the home is visited in accordance with this regulation by an employee of the organisation or partnership who is not directly concerned with the conduct of the home. (Regulation 33 (2)(c)) 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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