Children's home SC025688

Unique reference number SC025688 Inspection date 19/03/2012 Inspector David Putnam Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 21/12/2011 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 home, run by a company, provides accommodation for a maximum of eight young people including those with emotional or behavioural difficulties. Additional services, such as counselling, therapy and education can be provided through the parent organisation in response to assessed need. Accommodation is over three floors. As there is no lift it may be unsuitable for young people with restricted mobility.

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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 the home was judged to be good overall. Four requirements were made. The home has fully addressed these. Improved systems for recording restraints, assessing risk, and monitoring and reviewing the quality of care are now in place. Two recommendations were also made. The majority of these have been met. Staff now receive regular supervision in line with their supervision agreements. Some documentation relating to the recruitment and qualifications of staff have yet to be transferred from the organisation’s head office. The impact this has upon young people is limited, however, the recommendation is made again at this inspection.

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Progress

The home demonstrates continued improvement in the quality of care and outcomes for young people. Young people who previously did not attend school now regularly attend education provided by the parent organisation. Young people go missing less frequently. The same level of care and support is offered to them while they are missing and on their return. Young people now engage better with staff and other support services available through the parent organisation. These services help to meet the emotional and psychological needs of young people.

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Progress

Staff report that the attitudes of young people have improved. In particular, outbursts and aggression towards staff are noticeably reduced. Records reflect this. There have been no restraints of young people since the last inspection. Sanctions are focused on reducing negative behaviours of young people and are proving to be effective. There has been a significant reduction in the number of notifications made to Ofsted. Only one was received in three months compared with 14 during the previous nine months.

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Progress

Staff continue to provide support to young people after they move out of the home, into independent living. Staff see this as a natural extension of their role. Young people benefit directly from this. They know they can call staff in a crisis, or simply to ask for advice or support. Staff continue to visit young people and at times, provide meals or washing facilities in the home. Residents’ meetings continue to play an important part in the running of the home. Young people have the opportunity to influence decisions that affect them. For example, since the last inspection staff have decorated the downstairs communal areas. The young people were consulted about the colour schemes, which were chosen together with staff.

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Progress

The safety of young people has improved as a result of appropriate checks being made. A fire risk assessment and a separate health and safety audit have been completed since the last inspection. Staff undertake monthly fire drills and weekly fire checks of the premises. These checks have recently highlighted that a powder extinguisher is missing from the kitchen. A requirement is made to ensure this is replaced promptly.

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Progress

At the time of this inspection managers had informed Ofsted of their intention to resign the registration of this home. Young people and staff are aware of this decision. The young people declined to take part in the inspection process. However, one young person said they were pleased the home was closing, as they would rather be in foster care. Although the other young person was not seen, staff report that they are upset by the decision.

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Progress

Staff take time to get to know the young people well. They consistently seek the views of young people and strongly advocate for them in meetings with other professionals. Currently they are supporting young people to express their views about future placements. Staff recognise the importance of endings and are working with the young people to make this a positive experience. The staff team continues to be led by a strong manager. Together, all staff remain committed to maintaining a high standard of care for the young people.

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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 adequate precautions against the risk of fire are taken, including the provision of suitable fire equipment. (Regulation 32 (1) (a)) 16/04/2012

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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 the children's home has a record of the recruitment and vetting checks which have been carried out on those working (including volunteers) for the children's home which includes all matters listed in this national minimum standard. (NMS 16.3)

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