Children's Home run by Blackpool Borough Council in Blackpool

Unique reference number SC033611 Inspection date 25/06/2012 Inspector Stephen Trainor Type of inspection Full Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Date of last inspection 02/03/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.1

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.

p.2

Brief description of the service

This children’s home is operated by a local authority. It provides a short break care service for 10 children and young people with a disability aged between five years and 17 years.

p.3

The inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding : a service of exceptional quality that significantly exceeds minimum requirements Good : a service of high quality that exceeds minimum requirements Adequate : a service that only meets minimum requirements Inadequate : a service that does not meet minimum requirements

p.3

Overall effectiveness

The overall effectiveness is judged to be adequate .

p.3

Overall effectiveness

The home's aims and objectives are being fulfilled but there are shortfalls relating to some management systems. Regulation 33 and 34 monitoring reports do not provide an in-depth analysis of information and partners’ views, and this can restrict weaknesses from being identified. A robust body of evidence is not available to support the monitoring of staff practice and develop the home. The staff learning and development programme is in general well coordinated but has not kept staff up to date with professional and legal developments following extensive changes to the inspection frameworks. The Registered Manager has a team plan to promote improvements. The plan is to be reviewed and adjusted in line with inspection framework changes.

p.3

Overall effectiveness

The strengths of this home lie in the stability and experience of the staff team together with the leadership and support from the Registered Manager. Comprehensive arrangements are outlined within placement plans designed to deliver individualised support. The assessment of need specifies the levels of support required. Plans make it clear that staff can only contribute towards the overall arrangements due to the amount of time that young people actually spend at the home. As a result, young people using this service have individual care patterns and experience positive outcomes. Young people thrive and make good progress because of the support provided to them. Staff have a detailed knowledge of the young people they care for and this enables them to meet young people's complex and diverse needs effectively. This home provides a warm and caring environment.

p.3

Overall effectiveness

Staff effectively use a number of communication aids to empower young people to express themselves. Excellent links are maintained with young people's families who are primary advocates for their children. This ensures young people enjoy a positive experience of being away from home. Young people, their families and stakeholders are very positive about the care and support provided for young people at the home. Young people are kept safe and made to feel safe. There are no safeguarding or behaviour management concerns.

p.3

Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

p.4

Recommendations

 ensure the home's learning and development programme keeps staff and management up to date with professional and legal developments; in particular, the new inspection framework, evaluation schedule and grade descriptors (NMS 18.1)  ensure clear and effective procedures are in place for monitoring and controlling the activities of the home; specifically, demonstrate how information within Regulation 33 and 34 reports, including the captured views of children and partners, is being evaluated and used to promote continuous improvement and development (NMS 21.1)  ensure the views of the child's family, social worker, Independent Reviewing Officer and other professionals are sought regularly on the child's care and these views are clearly recorded (NMS 1.4)  ensure the views, wishes and feelings of the children and those significant to them are taken into account in monitoring staff and developing the home (NMS

p.4

Recommendations

1.7)  establish better clarity within management records and ensure all records are accessible for future inspections. (NMS 19)

p.4

Outcomes for children and young people

Outcomes for children and young people are good .

p.4

Outcomes for children and young people

Young people are making good progress relative to their age, level of ability and the length of time they spend at the home as part of their short break agreement. Many of the young people only visit the home for short periods of time but staff make good use of this time to ensure young people have the right support and guidance to enable them to develop their skills. One parent commented, 'The staff always listen to our views, are very supportive and act in the best interests of my child and their future'. This service has augmented learning and development through innovative ways including electronic talking books and communication methods suited to each child. A recent development utilising latest technology, I-Pads, will undoubtedly enhance each child's development and options for communication. All staff are aware of individual's assessed needs and the services and quality of care required to meet

p.4

Outcomes for children and young people

Young people gain many positive experiences during their short breaks, and learn how to interact within a group setting. They learn how to make choices, make responsible decisions, keep themselves safe and at the same time have lots of fun with friends and staff doing stimulating activities. Progress is made in many areas and as a result young people continually develop and mature. Young people are confident and relaxed during their short breaks. Parents confirm that they have full confidence in the ability of the staff to support their children when at the home.

p.5

Outcomes for children and young people

Staff maintain good links with young people's families, social workers and other support services to ensure young people have every opportunities to develop to their full potential. The quality of staff practice and effective communication alleviates any anxieties that parents might have. Parents and social workers confirm that staff are good at meeting the diverse needs of the young people receiving short breaks and overcoming the challenges they may face. This means young people's life opportunities are not limited by the inequalities associated with their disabilities. The excellent ethos and culture established fulfils the service aims and objectives. Plans are high quality and individual targets are being met. Staff work is becoming increasing more focused on achieving outcomes.

p.5

Outcomes for children and young people

Young people achieve personal goals and this helps them to develop a better understanding and appreciation of their personal circumstances. It is clear that many of the young people routinely attend meetings and reviews where they can express their views with confidence. There are occasions when young people cannot participate fully. Young people living at the home are treated fairly and staff practice is capable of supporting their individual needs. Young people gain tremendous benefits from the high levels of personal care and emotional support they receive.

p.5

Outcomes for children and young people

As a short break service the responsibility for young people's education remains with the parents and the local education authority. All young people have good attendance at school and are making good progress relative to their age and understanding. The young people's education is actively supported and promoted. Staff know the educational arrangements in place for each resident. Morning routines support attendance at respective schools. Young people are supported with homework. Effective communication enables teaching staff, parents and the home’s staff, to provide consistent care in the three different settings young people move between. There is effective liaison with local authorities and teachers from respective schools. There is good continuity in the approaches being used to support needs. Telephone contact is frequent and good practice ideas are being shared. A parent confirmed, 'The home works closely with my child's school to ensure his educational

p.5

Outcomes for children and young people

Arrangements for promoting the health needs of young people are good. Staff work in partnership with parents who retain primary responsibility for the health of their children. This ensures staff are fully aware of young people's current individual health needs at the time of their stay including any specific dietary requirements, illnesses or medication needs. Good support is provided for young people to ensure they are enabled to access routine and specialist services and any emergency services, which may be necessary.

p.5

Outcomes for children and young people

Transition plans are being developed through statutory review procedures. Transition planning for the time that the young people move from the home to adult services is managed well. However, there have been occasions when timescales needed to be extended. The home's Registered Manager was instrumental in discussing changes to plans and enabling agreement to be reached. A positive outcome was secured. Programmes operated, routines followed and placement planning are clearly being linked at this service. A skills development and resource folder is evolving and this is linked to the Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA). There is a strong commitment to shaping and improving the transition process. A parent commented, 'My child has made huge progress in this area since attending the home thanks to staff and their practice, help and support'.

p.6

Quality of care

The nature and extent of the assessments prior to agreeing short breaks allow the home and other agencies to construct the support needed around a comprehensive plan that considers the individual within a health and social context. The initial assessment identifies the programmes of care and support to be followed. Comprehensive arrangements are then outlined within placement plans designed to deliver individualised support. The assessment of need specifies the levels of support required. Plans make it clear that staff can only contribute towards the overall arrangements due to the amount of time that young people actually spend at the home. The work undertaken by staff and management is to a good quality and is coordinated very well. Many parents expressed their appreciation on the added value that the service provides for their children and their family unit.

p.6

Quality of care

Young people are cared for by staff who always place their individual needs at the centre of their practice. Staff plan for young people's care and accommodation very well. Admissions are planned in a sensitive way. They carefully assess young people's compatibility with other young people visiting the home. Staffing rota's and deployment are managed well ensuring support can be provided by staff with relevant skill sets. Staff handovers ensure staff are clear on their roles and responsibilities. Plans are supported by clear risk assessments. Staff consistently put these plans into practice ensuring young people receive a highly individualised service. This was particularly evident during mealtime routines and complicated bathing routines.

p.6

Quality of care

Relationships between young people and staff are genuinely warm and friendly. Staff always see young people in a positive light and are fully committed to enabling them to overcome the difficulties they may face to lead safe, happy and fulfilling lives. Staff use excellent communication and interpersonal skills to develop positive and trusting relationships with young people in their care. There is transparent communication with parents. A parent commented, 'The staff will always notify me immediately if anything happens'.

p.6

Quality of care

The home ensures that young people know how to complain. For example, utilising talking books and translating information into different formats. Project work has seen advancements in communication technologies being used and these enhance children's communication systems. Written information is provided to parents who are regarded as primary advocates for young people. Parents completing Ofsted surveys confirmed that they had no cause for concern.

p.7

Quality of care

Staff support young people with their education by having them ready for school and by attending education reviews. The Registered Manager and staff maintain good links with education providers to ensure young people are well supported. Links with education are positive and a number of staff working at the home have also worked with young people in their school setting. This provides excellent continuity of support.

p.7

Quality of care

Healthy lifestyles are promoted. The key worker role is well developed to deliver health promotion work. The home's management are introducing AQA linked to health and well-being. Medication is stored safely within a dedicated room. Records are maintained on the administration of medication. There are clear policies and procedural guidance and these are followed in practice. All staff receive suitable training to support health and well-being and this maintains the quality of care being provided. There are good collaborative links with many different health professionals and agencies. This allows helpful guidance and support to be provided when young people are most in need. Parents commented, 'I have every confidence that if my child was unwell the staff care for him without any problems', and 'Very good treatment well or unwell'.

p.7

Quality of care

Young people are actively engaged in a wide range of enjoyable, stimulating and creative activities. Staff make good use of the resources available for young people within the home and the wider community. They enjoy spending time with young people to ensure their leisure time is purposeful, interesting and fun. A camping trip is planned for the summer and some of the children will be in attendance at the London 2012 Paralympics. Staff can be seen to be going the 'extra mile' with activity planning.

p.7

Quality of care

Young people have short breaks in a suitably designed and very comfortable home. The location of the home ensures young people have access to local amenities and places of interest. The home has been suitably adapted to cater for young people's complex needs, including needs arising from disabilities. For this reason the home's layout has bedrooms on the ground floor as well as the first floor. Bedrooms for non ambulant children tend to be on the ground floor where they are equipped with hoists and have easy access to bathing facilities. The layout of the home and the use of different rooms is well thought out. The home's grounds is equally well thought out and this is reflected in the large, safe, enclosed garden where young people can have hours of endless fun. Resources and play items are good. The garden also utilises raised vegetable beds which have really captured the imagination and sensory development of the young people. Staff are working hard to secure

p.7

Quality of care

additional funding streams to further improve the home's resources.

p.8

Safeguarding children and young people

The service is good at keeping children and young people safe and feeling safe.

p.8

Safeguarding children and young people

Young people are well protected from harm. This is because staff give young people's safety the highest priority and are well trained in safeguarding. They are able to recognise the signs and symptoms of abuse, including issues relating to young people's personal circumstances and abilities. Staff know what to do if they are concerned about the safety of young people and will take decisive action to protect them. Staff work effectively with young people, their families and social workers to promote young people's welfare. The Local Authority Designated Officer for safeguarding confirmed there were no know safeguarding concerns.

p.8

Safeguarding children and young people

Young people's individual plans clearly identify any risks they may face and outline effective strategies to ensure their welfare is protected. Staff ensure plans for young people's safety are consistently put into practice to fully address children's needs. Staff have a clear understanding of young people's vulnerabilities relating to their level of understanding and disability. This enables staff to ensure young people are safe at the home and when out in the community. One parent said, 'My child has no sense of danger but when at the home I never worry or have any concerns'.

p.8

Safeguarding children and young people

High staffing levels ensure young people receive the supervision and support they need to feel safe and protected from harm. Staff ensure children's safety is paramount. There have been no incidents of young people going missing from home and young people are effectively protected from bullying, intimidation and harassment, to promote their welfare. Young people have suitable safeguarding and complaints information.

p.8

Safeguarding children and young people

There is a calm, effective and gentle approach towards behaviour management. This is because staff have developed a good understanding of the times and factors that contribute to young people becoming upset and frustrated. Staff are well trained in behaviour management. They use well planned and effective behaviour management strategies, specific to the needs of the individual, to manage young people's complex and occasionally challenging behaviour. There had been no occasions between inspections when physical restraint was needed.

p.8

Safeguarding children and young people

The home provides young people with a safe place to stay. They are protected from hazards by a range of detailed health and safety procedures, risk assessments and routine fire and maintenance checks to ensure the premises are safe. Fire drills are undertaken regularly and the home is connected directly to the local fire station. In- house training is provided for staff enabling them to devise effective strategies for the evacuation of young people, giving consideration to their individual needs including issues of mobility. Plans cover both day and night time routines and this means that young people can be evacuated in the case of an emergency. Young people benefit from a permanent, experienced and stable staff team. Very few changes had been made to the staffing structure between inspections. Recruitment practice is robust, ensuring only suitable people work with young people. Suitable information is maintained within the home. The main personnel files are managed

p.8

Safeguarding children and young people

centrally by the responsible authority. A new system was recently introduced where references are now verified centrally by a designated representative of the authority. Good practice ensures the vetting of visitors to safeguard young people. No concerns were identified with the home's recruitment procedures.

p.9

Leadership and management

The leadership and management of the children's home are adequate .

p.9

Leadership and management

Young people develop meaningful and lasting attachments from the supportive management culture and the hard work of the staff. Young people are gaining tremendous benefits from the placement experiences being provided by the staff team. It is a strong, child-focused service that is conducive to young people developing their potential. This service is managed by an experienced and fully qualified manager. Partners confirm communication is effective. Parents in particular show great satisfaction with how the service operates.

p.9

Leadership and management

Many practice adjustments are needed to fall in line with a new inspection framework, new evaluation schedule, new regulations and national minimum standards. There was little understanding of changes affecting the service from 2011. There are many challenges ahead but existing good practice can easily be developed around the new inspection framework. The management team has shown that it is perceptive in identifying the home's strengths and the areas where it could perform better. It is the intention of the management team for all levels of staff to influence and shape the service with their ideas. An accurate verbal self-assessment of the service was outlined at the end of the inspection by the home's management team and this will allow realistic and challenging targets to be set.

p.9

Leadership and management

The views of the young people, staff, family members and partners are not fully captured during visits made to the home under the requirements of Regulations 33 and 34. No reports have been issued to Ofsted under Regulation 34. Visits do provide a snapshot in time of what it is like to live in the home, but do not sufficiently evaluate and analyse all processes and data to fully support continuous improvement. The home has a development plan, but this plan does not reflect the new inspection framework and, in particular, the required outcomes for children and how these will be achieved. The Registered Manager has a number of ideas that will be added to this plan. New ways of gathering the views, wishes and feelings of partners and those significant to children, including Independent Reviewing Officers, are planned. These views will contribute to controlling the home's activities. Many views verbally expressed are not being captured in writing and this impacts on the

p.9

Leadership and management

amount of consultation evidence available at inspections.

p.9

Leadership and management

Individual needs, including their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, are being met. Young people and their parents have full confidence in the staff and know who is responsible for them at all times of the day and night. Staffing levels are maintained and a good gender balance is evident within the team. Shift patterns ensure good continuity with routines and procedures. The staff team is consistently supportive, attentive and sensitive to the care they provide for young people.

p.9

Leadership and management

Records at this home show satisfactory clarity in how staff are managed. Management records were not accessible to show how casual staff members induction is provided. Good training attended records were maintained and staff confirm that supervision is taking place. Most staff have relevant qualifications. Many staff hold higher level qualifications. The systems for staff personal development and appraisal had recently changed. An electronic process will be followed in future. The appraisal process does help staff to improve their skills sets. Challenging objectives are being set for staff as part of the management response when valuing individual performance. However, to reiterate more training covering changes to inspection frameworks, evaluation schedule and grade descriptors is needed.

p.10

Leadership and management

Young people’s placements are stable and the home's service history shows a good record in compliance. No requirements or recommendations had been set at the last inspections. There is a system in place to notify persons and appropriate authorities of the occurrence of significant events. No report had been forwarded to Ofsted between inspections. Only one previous incident had been reported to Ofsted. Reporting ensured prompt response to a health matter as well as providing an outcome statement. There have been no concerns or complaints about the home.

p.10

Leadership and management

Staff practice is supported by written guidance, policies and procedures. These documents are also accessible through the responsible organisation’s intranet. Information is written in plain English. The home's Statement of Purpose provides information in accordance with regulations. This provides a section on a developing outreach service being operated from the home. The ethos and working practices of the home meet aims and objectives and this means young people develop their potential as they experience short breaks. The home's management team monitors the number of short breaks being provided to ensure full compliance with Short Break Statutory Guidance and Care planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations 2010.

p.10

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.

p.11

About this inspection

The report details the main strengths, any areas for improvement, including any breaches of regulation, and any failure to meet national minimum standards. The judgements included in the report are made against the Inspections of children’s homes – framework for inspection (March 2011) and the evaluation schedule for children's homes.

p.11