Children's Home run by Action for Children in Northumberland

Unique reference number SC000673 Inspection date 29/03/2012 Inspector Bill Drumm Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 31/01/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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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, in partnership with the local authority and health trust, provides short breaks residential care for children and young people, aged from 6 years old up to 17 years old, who have moderate to severe learning disabilities.

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Progress

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

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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 January 2012, the overall effectiveness of the home was judged to be good. Three requirements and seven recommendations for improvement were made. All of these have been fully met. Young people were observed to be happy at the home and relaxed in the company of staff. They remain well cared for and safe.

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Progress

A requirement was made at the last inspection to review and update the home's Statement of Purpose to include all the matters listed in Schedule 1 of the Children’s Homes Regulations 2001. The manager of the home has subsequently undertaken a comprehensive review of this document and it now includes all the information required. As a result, it better describes the services and facilities in the home and better informs parents, staff and placing authorities how the needs of young people are met.

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Progress

Another requirement was to review the register of attendance maintained at the home. A full review of this document has been carried out and the legal status of each young person is now recorded.

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Progress

The third requirement was to ensure the prompt referral to the local authority of any allegation or suspicion of abuse and neglect of a young person. There have been no child protection concerns at the home since the last inspection. The home's manager has, however, used team meetings and individual supervision sessions to remind staff of their individual responsibilities in this area. In addition, staff training has been reviewed and updated. Staff therefore better understand how to protect young people from abuse and exploitation.

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Progress

Two recommendations were made in relation to the young people's guide to the home. The guide has been reviewed and updated and now includes photographs of the home and its interior. In addition, the guide now includes the contact arrangements for each young person's independent reviewing officer as well as those of the Children's Rights Director. This helps young people to have a better understanding of what the home is like and who they can speak to if they are unhappy about their care.

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Progress

One recommendation was that the Registered Manager should ensure that the home’s missing person procedures are compatible with those of the police and local authority. The home's manager has held meetings with the responsible police authority and a joint procedure has been agreed. Staff are now also aware of their individual responsibilities in the event of young people going missing. Staff respond appropriately to young people on their return.

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Progress

Separate recommendations were made for improvement to records that are kept in relation to restraints, sanctions, fire safety checks and recruitment checks. These have been met. Records of sanctions and restraints now better demonstrate that young people know why sanctions and restraints are used. Similarly the content of other records have improved. Those held in relation to fire now show the checks that are made to protect staff, visitors and young people from potential harm. Records held in relation to the recruitment of staff demonstrate that staff are assessed as being suitable to work with young people.

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Progress

One final recommendation was made in relation to the monitoring of the home by the manager. The manager has systems in place to measure the quality of the service and care provided to young people. This information helps to plan further improvements and continued development. Copies of these reports are forwarded to Ofsted for their consideration.

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Progress

In addition to the above, the home has made other improvements. Several meetings have been held between the home's manager and the principal of a local college. The aim is to help young people experience and access a wider range of opportunities, particularly in the evenings and during school holidays, by sharing resources and activities. Such activities may include pottery, car mechanics and farm work. The home has also started working towards achieving a recognised award for countering bullying. This will help staff better understand the issues involved and keep young people safe.

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Progress

No requirements or recommendations have been made following this inspection.

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