Children's home SC042463

Unique reference number SC042463 Inspection date 20/03/2012 Inspector Lynne Busby Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 19/12/2011 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 is owned by a private provider. It can accommodate up to eight young people of either gender. The home focuses on supporting young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties The home is situated close to a bus route and within easy access of either the town centre or alternatively the rural areas.

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Progress

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

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Progress

The home has been closed for just over a year. The registered provider has indicated that the home will not be operational for three months. Should the home decide to accept placements they are required to inform Ofsted of their intention to do so.

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Progress

There are a number of requirements and recommendations made at the last inspection which have not been addressed as the home has not been operational. There is not an up-to-date Statement of Purpose. There is no manager and no staff in post. However, all new staff are to hold the level 3 Children and Young People's workforce Diploma or equivalent. There are systems in place to support staff, but these do not include annual appraisals.

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Progress

Staff have been previously recruited appropriately, with the exception that there are no records of checks made of the reasons a prospective employee left a provision where they previously worked with vulnerable adults or children. Therefore, this is not sufficiently robust.

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Progress

There is a range of polices and procedures in place and information on promoting privacy is available in various polices. However, is not collated to make it easily accessible to staff and give clear guidance. Sanctions records are kept and give young people an opportunity to sign, but there is no space for them to record their views.

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Progress

Health and safety issues in the home had been checked but records did not clearly indicate action taken when improvements were made. The home has had some redecoration and most bedrooms are appropriately maintained, with the exception of one carpet. The carpet in the hallway also requires attention.

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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) keep under review and, where appropriate, revise the statement of purpose and the children's guide; notify the HMCI of any such revision within 28 days (Regulation 5) 29/06/2012

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure the registered person appoints an individual to manage the home and notify Ofsted of the appointment (Regulation 7(1)) 29/06/2012

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) seek verification of the reason why the employment or position ended where a person has previously worked in a position whose duties involved work with children or vulnerable adults, so far as is reasonably practicable. (Regulation 26 (Schedule 2(4)) 29/06/2012

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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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Recommendations

 ensure that young people can record their views on sanctions in the records kept by the home (NMS 3.18)  ensure respect for children’s privacy by reviewing the procedural guidelines for privacy (Volume 5, statutory guidance paragraph 2.34)  ensure risk assessments of the whole children's home environment are carried out, and that any actions needed to minimise any potential harm to the children, such as any shortfalls identified in the health and safety check completed in the home, are carried out (NMS 10.8)  provide a comfortable and homely environment that is well maintained and decorated. Specifically, replace unsuitable carpets (NMS 10.3)  ensure the overall number, competence and deployment of staff is set out in, and can fulfil, the Statement of Purpose and meets the individual needs of all children resident in the home (NMS 17.1)  ensure all care staff attain a minimum level 3 qualification. All new staff are to

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Recommendations

hold the level 3 Children & Young Peoples Workforce Diploma, or be working towards the Diploma within 6 months of confirmation of employment (NMS 18.5)  ensure all staff have their performance individually appraised at least annually by their line manager. (NMS 19.6)

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