Children's Home run by Reflexion Care Group Limited in Shropshire

Unique reference number SC366090 Inspection date 19/03/2012 Inspector Denise Perry Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 07/12/2011 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

This privately-owned children's home may accommodate up to two young people, of the same gender, who may have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties and/or learning disabilities.

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Progress

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

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Progress

At the full inspection in December 2011, the home’s overall quality rating was good with one requirement and three recommendations set. The requirement has been met, as the manager has a system in place which allows him to monitor the matters set out in Schedule 6 in order to improve on the quality of care provided. However, this monitoring system does not include any incidents when a young person accommodated in the home goes missing. As a result, a requirement has been made to address this shortfall. One of the recommendations raised at the previous inspection has been met, as the children’s guide now includes contact details of the Children’s Rights Director and Ofsted, should young people wish to raise a concern with inspectors. The company have appointed a new Registered Manager and he is currently addressing the recommendation relating to staff receiving regular supervision. The home’s Statement of Purpose states that staff will receive monthly

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Progress

supervisions. In some cases, this has not happened and if not addressed could impact on staff development and quality of care. The recommendation for the home to develop a written development plan for the future of the home has not been met. This recommendation has been set again.

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Progress

Since the last inspection there have been significant changes to the staff team. This has had an impact on continuity of care for young people. Young people have also commented on this and expressed their dissatisfaction to their key workers. The appointment of a permanent Registered Manager and staff team has been implemented to address this matter and promote stability and consistency of care provided to young people. Staff recruitment and vetting records are maintained in the home to evidence staff’s suitability to work with children. However, some staff records were not available for inspection, as they had not been transferred from the company’s other homes. As a result, a recommendation has been made in line with the national minimum standards.

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Progress

Young people speak extremely positively about the home they live in. One young person said, ‘I absolutely love this home and see it as my home. It’s the safest place I’ve ever lived and I totally feel safe living here.’ Young people are an integral part to the running of the home. They are fully involved through key working sessions and children’s meetings which help set the home’s weekly timetable. Young people receive quality guidance and support from staff which ensures they are supported to make appropriate choices, for example, about their behaviour, relationships and health. This contributes to young people making good progress in their lives.

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Progress

Staff help young people to develop their interest and understanding of healthy eating and how to lead healthy lifestyles. Young people are actively involved in the purchasing of food and preparation of food. This helps promote young people’s independent skills and abilities. Young people are enthusiastic about promoting their health and contributing to the wider society. For example, they have developed an interest in hill walking and have plans to complete a sponsored charity walk in aid of cancer. This is helping young people to make a positive contribution to the community and gain a sense of purpose in their lives.

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Progress

Young people do present with challenging and aggressive behaviours. Staff use physical restraint as a last resort and use alternative methods to support young people to manage their behaviour. This includes engaging with young people in discussion about the various strategies they can use to self-regulate their emotions and behaviours. As a result, significant incidents have reduced. Young people have access to therapeutic support to help them make sense of their past and make progress with their emotional well-being. This is enabling young people to develop tailored strategies that result in improved self-esteem and a greater awareness of self-control.

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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) maintain a system for monitoring the matters set out in Schedule 6 at appropriate intervals. This specifically relates to any incident when a child accommodated in the home goes missing. (Regulation 34 (1)(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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Recommendations

 ensure the children's home has a clear Statement of Purpose which is available to and understood by staff and children and reflected in any policies, procedures and guidance. This specifically relates to staff support and supervision (NMS 13.1)  ensure that there is a written development plan, reviewed annually, for the future of the home, either identifying any planned changes in the operation or resources of the service, or confirming the continuation of the home's current operation and resource (NMS 15.2)  ensure the children's home has a record of the recruitment and vetting checks which have been carried out on those working for the children's home. (NMS 16.3)

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