Children's Home run by My Choice Children’s Homes Limited in West Sussex

Unique reference number SC014650 Inspection date 27/03/2012 Inspector Diane Thackrah Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 01/09/2011 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

This is a privately owned children's home that is registered to accommodate three young people of either sex who have emotional and or behavioural difficulties.

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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 on 1 September 2011 the home was judged as being good in all outcome areas. The home continues to have many strengths and has made good progress in meeting the majority of requirements and recommendations made at the last inspection.

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Progress

There has been progress in relation to the appointment of a new manager and an application has been submitted to Ofsted for the registration of this manager. Young people and staff are enthusiastic about the support provided by the new manager. Young people say 'She is the best'. This has helped to ensure that there is effective management and guidance within the service. There have also been improvements in relation to the quality of record keeping. All relevant information regarding child protection investigations is now maintained within the home. Notifications regarding significant incidents are made within relevant timescales and to the relevant authorities. As a result, the promotion of young people's welfare is enhanced as there is a multi-disciplinary approach to their safe care.

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Progress

There has been progress in relation to the information recorded and held regarding allegations against staff. A clear record of events is maintained when an allegation is made and this is held on file in the home. There has also been progress in relation to ensuring that young people are offered the option of being examined by a registered nurse or medical practitioner following a restraint. Staff confirm that this option is always available to young people. As a result, young people's welfare is promoted and protected.

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Progress

There has been little progress in relation to ensuring that shift leaders complete their probationary periods before being placed in charge of the home. Staff members have led shifts whilst still on probation. Whilst this shortfall remains, overall the measures to ensure that young people are cared for by qualified and experienced staff that can meet their needs are satisfactory. For example, all shift leaders have significant child care experience, have undergone a thorough induction and receive regular supervision.

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Progress

There has been a commitment to promoting positive outcomes for young people. Fire safety arrangements in the home remain robust and help to protect young people from harm. There have been environmental improvements including redecoration and new furniture. This helps to ensure that young people benefit from living in pleasant and homely surroundings.

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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 staff at particular times (for example, as leaders of staff shifts) have substantial relevant experience of working in the home and have successfully completed their probationary periods. (NMS 17.5)

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