Children's home run by Kids

Unique reference number SC056054 Inspection date 16/03/2012 Inspector Jennie Christopher Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 22/09/2011 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 home is operated by a private organisation and provides short breaks for children and young people between the ages of 6 to 17 years. Children and young people placed have learning disabilities, physical disabilities, sensory impairments or a combination of these.

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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 inspection in September 2011, the service was judged as good with three requirements and four recommendations. The service demonstrates continued improvement in the quality of care provided and has a focused commitment to develop the service to provide positive outcomes for young people. A particular strength is the supportive management structure and the individualised and thoughtful care provided by the staff team.

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Progress

At the last inspection, requirements included improved storage of medication, in particular of controlled drugs; ensuring young people were consulted after a restraint and their thoughts recorded, and to update the Statement of Purpose to include staff qualifications and Ofsted’s new address. All of these requirements have been met. The robust measure of locked medication cabinets now being secured to the wall inside locked cupboards is of particular note.

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Progress

Recommendations set have mostly been met, with accurate recording of restraint still requiring some attention to meet regulations. Some improvements exceed expectations. For example, individualised flow charts have been implemented for each young person detailing their individual needs and the process to follow should they be missing from care. These are used in conjunction with an updated policy and missing from care log. Staff now assess the impact of ‘time out’ with young people. After ‘time out’ has occurred, each young person completes a communication- appropriate questionnaire with staff. This details if they understand the need for time out, how they now feel and how the incident can be prevented from happening again. This has helped young people and staff understand patterns of behaviour further.

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Progress

The application form and interview process now includes closer questions about the reasons for prospective employees leaving previous employment with young people and vulnerable adults. As a result, recruitment practice is enhanced, thus tightening the arrangements which safeguard young people. The much improved restraint log pro forma now shows whether restraint is intermittent. However, the exact timings of restraints are not included in this. Young people continue to receive well-planned care provided by a committed and competent staff team. Newly implemented pen pictures enable staff to have a quick reference of each young person’s needs, likes and dislikes when they stay. Staff provide clear boundaries and respond sensitively to anxiety and distress. Young people have a positive view of the care that they receive and like the staff that care for them. Young people say that they feel safe and like having ‘sleepovers’ with their

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Progress

friends. The practice within the home promotes individuality, positive identity, difference and equality. As a result, young people receive high quality care and support which is based on their individual needs.

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Progress

Since the last inspection, new initiatives have continued to move the service forward. These have included the opportunity for young people to contribute to their records, ensuring their views are known. Young people can now present ‘achievement’ files, to new carers when they move on; this ensures all are aware of young people’s abilities and individual needs. Young people and their parents have been involved in consultation via questionnaires, and have been actively involved in planning and designed a new play area. Monitoring visits also reflect the high level of consultation with young people, staff and parents. All young people who use the service are also actively involved in the Olympic Torch relay and have designed costumes to wear for the event.

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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 a written record is made in a volume kept for the purpose that must include the duration of the measure of restraint. (Regulation 17B (4)(a)) 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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