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Unique reference number SC437069 Inspection date 12/07/2012 Inspector Tracy Murty Type of inspection Full Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 09/11/2011 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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Brief description of the service

This local authority service exists to provide a range of short break services for families living in the area who have a child who has a severe learning disability and associated needs. An outreach service is also provided by the staff team. The service is able to support children and young people with complex health needs that do not require specialist nursing care. The service is also registered with the Care Quality Commission.

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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

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Overall effectiveness

The overall effectiveness is judged to be good .

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Overall effectiveness

This short break service provides a highly personalised standard of care for children from the local area. A committed, dedicated and highly trained staff team ensures that children enjoy a very positive stay. The building and grounds have been purpose built to meet the needs of those children using the services. The very high standard of accommodation and facilities enable children to learn and develop their skills, while having fun.

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Overall effectiveness

A wide range of activities and opportunities is provided for children, both on-site and in the wider community. Children feel supported and well cared for by staff at all times. Parents and carers report total satisfaction in the care provided to their children during their stay. Other professionals praise the Registered Manager and staff team for their skills, commitment and focus on meeting the individual needs of each child.

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Overall effectiveness

Children feel supported to develop new skills, which assists them in preparing for a move to adult services. Children's contribution to the day-to-day running of this service is evident on many levels. Their wishes, feelings and views are sought and children report looking forward to each visit. Children feel safe and protected from harm during their stay, a view shared by parents, carers and professionals.

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Overall effectiveness

As a result of this inspection, three areas for improvement have been identified, none of which has any direct or adverse impact on the quality of care received by children or their safety.

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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) ensure that the registered person provides a copy of the statement of purpose to the HMCI. (Regulation 4(2)) 29/07/2012

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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 the written record of each supervision held for each member of staff details the length of each supervision (NMS 19.5)  ensure that the written development plan is reviewed annually. (NMS 15.2)

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Outcomes for children and young people

Outcomes for children and young people are good .

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Outcomes for children and young people

Children develop a positive self-image during their stay at this service. A highly dedicated staff team ensures that they experience a wide range of activities, which enables them to form and sustain positive attachments. Detailed information on each child enables staff to work with them to further develop their skills and confidence during their stays.

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Outcomes for children and young people

The service provides for a wide range of complex health needs. The purpose built facilities can cater for a wide range of needs to a very high standard. Children receive highly personalised care, taking into account their diverse needs at all times. Parents report confidence in knowing that their children's health care needs will be met during their stay in this service. Recording is of a very good standard for each child and further ensures that their health needs are consistently met.

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Outcomes for children and young people

Social workers report excellent communication between the staff team and educational providers. Staff attend educational meetings and reviews for those children receiving a service here. This ensures consistency of care and enables staff to meet children's needs when they arrive from educational settings. One independent reviewing officer reported feeling that improving outcomes for children was a clear priority of this service.

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Outcomes for children and young people

Children take part in a wide range of activities and events in the local community when staying at this service. Staff promote a good understanding of equality and diversity in the local and wider communities, both in this country and others. Children have taken part in learning about other religious faiths and celebrations, such as Diwali. They are encouraged to learn about other cultures in relation to their food, dress and practices. This is undertaken in such a way as to be fun and informative for them at all times.

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Outcomes for children and young people

Communication with parents and carers of children is very good. One parent reported a high level of satisfaction with the feedback they receive from the staff team about their child. The parent stated that 'the staff are brilliant' and said that they have total peace of mind when their child is staying there. Parents and carers are actively encouraged to be involved in all aspects of their child's care. Regular feedback forms and summaries provide parents and carers with detailed information about their child's stay. Parents and carers feel welcomed at the home by the staff team. One social worker commented 'I feel lifted every time I visit this service.'

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Outcomes for children and young people

A particular strength of the service is its preparation of children for moving into adult services. Clear and detailed plans ensure that children receive support to prepare for adult life. Staff set realistic aims and objectives for each child during their stay. Regular review of such plans ensures that they are adapted to meet the needs of each child over a period of time. Social workers praise the staff team for ensuring that children with complex behavioural needs receive support and guidance, which will assist them in accessing a wider range of adult services than may have been possible.

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Quality of care

The quality of the care is outstanding .

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Quality of care

Children enjoy very positive and constructive relationships with staff and each other. The staff team ensures that children feel very much part of the running of the service. Their contribution to the service on a daily basis ensures that there is a real culture of continuous improvement. Parents report total confidence in all of the staff. One parent reported that they have 'total peace of mind' when their child is at this service, thanks to the commitment and skills of the staff team.

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Quality of care

The contribution of children to the service has included them being involved in naming the service before it opened. This demonstrates the total commitment of the Registered Manager and staff team from the inception of the service to children's inclusion in decision-making. One child stated that they feel listened to by staff and stated 'the staff are really good, the care is great, the activities are good'. Children report that they are aware of how to make a complaint. There have been no reported complaints since the service opened last year. This reflects the high level of engagement of children, their parents and carers in all aspects of their care. Feedback is sought following each stay from children and shared with parents and carers. Parents and social workers state very high levels of satisfaction with this level of communication. A wide range of positive feedback has been received by the service since it opened. One parent stated 'I would highly recommend this service to

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Quality of care

Short break care plans for each child reflect their complex and diverse needs. The staff team ensures their attendance at all relevant meetings, in order to further ensure consistency of care. Regular reviews of plans by the staff team, in consultation with other involved agencies takes place. Staff proactively support children when moving into adult service provisions. This has included them visiting adult short break provisions with children, in order to ensure a smooth transition. Children feel supported by the totally dedicated staff team at all times.

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Quality of care

The purpose built facility enables children to access a wide range of activities during their stay. Bedrooms are fully adapted to meet their complex physical and health needs. The outside play area has a wide range of equipment, which children helped to choose before the service opened last year. Inclusion of both able-bodied and less mobile children has been fully considered. A vegetable plot has been made, which children take responsibility for during their stays. This promotes independence and a real sense of belonging. Children learn skills in food preparation and learn to take some responsibility for their environment.

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Quality of care

Children take part in a wide range of activities and events in the community. They regularly go out for meals at local restaurants, access local parks and leisure activities. They also consider specific cultural events and sample foods from other cultures as part of those activities. The individual needs and likes of children are considered to an exceptionally high level. Staff support them to continue to access and take part in activities they already enjoy, whilst also encouraging them to try out new activities. This enables children to make informed choices, to widen their horizons and to develop in confidence. One young person stated 'I am really enjoying my time spent here.'

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Quality of care

The service is purpose built and located within a local community. The design and lay-out of the service takes fully into consideration the needs of those children accessing it. All rooms and outside areas are wheelchair accessible. Specialist equipment enables children to enjoy a wide range of experiences during their stay. A sensory room is equipped to an excellent standard and provides stimulation and enjoyment for children during their stay. Children can personalise their bedrooms, including selecting their own bedding and have their own key for their doors.

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Quality of care

Personal safety is given a very high priority by the staff team. Children take part in fire safety training when they start using the service. They receive a certificate once completed. This is undertaken in such a way by the staff team as to make children feel supported, included and to have a real sense of personal achievement. Their individuality is celebrated at all times, with staff knowing the profile of each child in detail. This is again supported by the excellent communication, which takes place between staff, parents, carers and other professionals. One member of staff stated that 'the whole staff team and management work particularly hard to ensure that the service is 100%.'

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Safeguarding children and young people

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

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Safeguarding children and young people

Children are safe and report feeling safe within this service. There have been no reported incidents of abuse, exploitation or bullying since the service opened last year. The staff team work exceptionally hard to ensure that children feel safe and protected from any actual or potential harm at all times. Imaginative work has been done with children to ensure they understand various forms of abuse. This has been achieved through the use of drama and role-play with staff and children.

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Safeguarding children and young people

There have been no reported incidents of children going missing since the service opened. The service takes great pride in ensuring that individual risk assessments promote the safety of all children at all times. Additional security measures were taken in relation to one particular child, following a risk assessment and discussions with a parent. This reflects the on-going commitment of the staff team to ensuring that children's safety is a main priority at all times. Parents report total confidence in knowing that their children will be kept safe from harm when using this service. The use of feedback forms following each visit further enhances this practice.

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Safeguarding children and young people

One social worker praised the staff team for their commitment to safeguarding the children. Staff report any and all concerns to relevant social workers and managers promptly, following local and nationally agreed procedures. One parent stated their satisfaction that the staff contact them if they have any concerns about their child during their stay. Any accidents or injuries receive prompt attention and consideration by the staff team. Detailed records of any such incidents are maintained and parents and carers informed in a very timely manner.

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Safeguarding children and young people

The use of physical intervention is minimal and reflects the competence of the staff team and their detailed understanding of each child. Possible triggers for a deterioration in behaviours are recorded and updated. Staff work closely with parents, carers and educational providers to ensure any potential difficulties are identified and planned for. This ensures that children feel safe and that staff can pre- empt potential challenging situations and respond with sensitivity. Children's dignity is maintained as a result of such attention to detail.

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Safeguarding children and young people

The recruitment and selection of staff for this service is robust. It ensures that unsuitable people do not work within the service and further promotes children's physical and emotional well-being. The Registered Manager has implemented a system for ensuring that all relevant checks and vetting are undertaken before any new member of staff commences working for the service. Reviews of all relevant checks are carried out routinely, with the support of administration staff within the service. This attention to detail and commitment of the management contributes greatly to the sense of safety and security for children and their parents and carers.

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Safeguarding children and young people

The environment in which children stay is physically safe and considerable attention to the planning of the service ensures children remain safe. High staffing ratios during the day and night provide children with a safe and secure place to stay, with parents reporting having no concerns or worries for their children. Children know who they can contact if they have any concerns. Information is provided in such a way as to enable them to understand it, based on their individual communication needs. Children have access to a telephone to make calls without recourse to the staff. They can also use a mobile phone to make calls from their bedrooms unsupervised. Children have details of who they can contact outside of the service and report confidence in the staff looking after them at all times and feeling safe and happy.

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Leadership and management

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

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Leadership and management

The service is effectively and efficiently managed by a very committed and dedicated Registered Manager. There have been no complaints reported since the service opened last year. The Registered Manager has put in place clear systems for staff to follow, in the event that any complaints or concerns were raised.

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Leadership and management

The service demonstrates a real capacity for continuing improvement, based on the work that has been done since its opening last year. The Registered Manager and Deputy Managers work closely and positively to ensure that the service continues to meet the needs of children and improves. As this is the first inspection since the service opened last year, there were no requirements or recommendations to address. The service has a very detailed and focused Statement of Purpose. Aims and objectives for the service are clearly set out and there is clear evidence of them being met by the staff team. A copy of the Statement of Purpose has not been provided to Ofsted to date and an action has been set to address this shortfall.

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Leadership and management

Children receive their own personalised children's guide when they start using this service. This clearly sets out what they should expect from their stays and is presented in a very user-friendly way. Parents and placing authorities report confidence in the services provided and clarity of understanding about the aims and objectives of the service.

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Leadership and management

The Registered Manager undertakes monthly monitoring of the services provided. This also includes audits of all children's files and consideration of the monthly reports produced by the independent visitor. The Registered Manager takes all recommendations and suggestions very seriously. The independent visitor had highlighted that the bathrooms had a rather medical feel to them. The Registered Manager promptly ensured that this was addressed and they now present as welcoming and child-friendly. The Registered Manager is keen to ensure that the staff team continually strives to improve the services they provide and welcomes feedback and suggestions.

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Leadership and management

The service has a development plan in place. This sets out a range of areas for consideration by the staff team and Registered Manager. The Registered Manager is keen to ensure that areas identified from monitoring and quality assurance processes are included in the development plan. The development plan has not been reviewed within the past year however, and an action has been set to address this shortfall.

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Leadership and management

The Registered Manager is able to identify how the service has added value for children since they started using this service. One child is now reported to be sleeping better, since the introduction of mood lighting to the bedrooms. Through clear setting of targets, children's behaviours improve over time. One parent reported that their child 'always comes back from their stay calm and happy.'

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Leadership and management

The physical environment is maintained to a very high standard throughout. Staff undertake daily checks to ensure that all areas of the building are maintained to a high standard. This includes checks of toys and games, outside space and communal areas. Prior to each child arriving for their short break stay, staff ensure that their bedrooms are personalised and presented in a very welcoming manner. Children enjoy their time here, with one stating 'I wish I could go there every week, because I think it is good fun.'

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Leadership and management

Staff receive regular supervision and training. The recording of supervisions is detailed, but does not include the length of each session. An action has been set to address this shortfall. Staff report feeling supported in their roles by the Registered Manager and Deputy Managers. Staff set the team meeting agenda, which further evidences the commitment of the Registered Manager to the inclusion of all involved in the service. Staff retention in this service is extremely good, with most staff having worked for this service for many years. A social worker praised the staff team for how well they communicate with each other. They stated that hand-over meetings provided detailed and clear information for staff coming on shift.

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Leadership and management

Relationships between the local community and the service are very good, with no reported complaints to date. The Registered Manager is keen to promote open communication and welcomes the views of others at all times. Work was completed prior to the service opening last year, to ensure the privacy of both children and neighbours was fully considered. This included the erecting of bamboo screens to outer fences and window tints to overlooked rooms. This has further ensured a harmonious relationship with the local community, whilst promoting and protecting the dignity of children using the service.

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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 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.

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