Children's Home run by The Caldecott Foundation Limited in Kent

Unique reference number SC037309 Inspection date 11/07/2012 Inspector Sophie Wood Type of inspection Full Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 15/11/2011 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 private children's home is registered to provide care and accommodation for nine children. The home is run by a charitable organisation.

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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

Young people benefit from good quality care which is competently delivered by a stable, well qualified staff team. Young people enjoy appropriate relationships with the staff; they feel valued and empowered. Good quality care plans capture the very essence of individual needs. The team works collaboratively with additional professionals and effectively supports young people to make good progress. Unsafe behaviours are prioritised and addressed. They quickly reduce. Robust child protection systems, including staff recruitment provide solid safeguards.

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Overall effectiveness

One requirement is made from this inspection and this is concerned with the regularity of the Registered Manager's formal supervision.

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Overall effectiveness

Monitoring systems continue to be developed and a recommendation is made to continue to improve upon these. A further recommendation is made in respect of the behaviour management policy.

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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) the registered person shall ensure that all persons employed by him-(a) receive appropriate training, supervision and appraisal. This requirement is made within the context of ensuring the regularity of supervision for the Registered Manager. (Regulation 27 (4) (a)) 13/08/2012

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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

 review the written policy on managing behaviour, which includes supporting positive behaviour, de-escalation of conflicts, discipline, control and restraint. This recommendation is made within the context of the current guidance potentially allowing restraint techniques to be deployed to prevent young people from absconding (NMS 3.3)  continue to review and improve upon the current procedures in place for monitoring and controlling the activities of the home. This recommendation is made within the context of the work currently underway to improve upon Regulation 33 and 34 processes. (NMS 21.1)

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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

Young people grow in confidence because they are highly valued as unique individuals. They learn to make sense of their past experiences and to develop positive coping mechanisms. Young people say they feel happier and they describe excellent relationships with staff members. Quotes include, 'they are strict but kind as well' and 'I know they really care about me.'

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Outcomes for children and young people

Young people enjoy good general health. An educative approach encourages them to take appropriate responsibility with regards to a healthy diet and exercise. Over time, this results in sensible decisions. Young people receive the support they need from external professionals to support their emotional and psychological well-being. Such support nurtures and encourages the development of emotional resilience.

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Outcomes for children and young people

Young people learn to appreciate the value of a good education. All of the young people are attending school and receiving the individual support they need to make progress. Some individuals are now talking of their plans for higher education and potential careers which they did not do when they first moved in.

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Outcomes for children and young people

Young people make enthusiastic contributions to weekly house meetings about the continued running and development of the home. They are learning how to negotiate and they realise the value of sensible debate and discussion. They are growing in confidence and this factor enables them to explore the local community and wider world with ambition.

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Outcomes for children and young people

Young people enjoy regular, safe contact with those who are important to them. Such arrangements are clearly documented and any restrictions are carefully explained in ways which aid the young person's understanding.

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Outcomes for children and young people

Young people are actively encouraged to learn and develop appropriate self-help skills. Such tasks and targets are individually tailored to ensure young people are appropriately stretched, though not overwhelmed. They are developing vital skills which will positively equip them for the next stage of their lives.

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Quality of care

The quality of the care is outstanding .

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Quality of care

The staff team delivers care of exceptionally high quality. Young people are effectively looked after by a cohesive team which uses its collective knowledge and expertise to strive for excellence. The initial target of any new young person is to form positive and trusting relationships with the staff. Great emphasis is placed upon a strong key working system which is robustly monitored through staff meetings and supervisions.

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Quality of care

Young people are very positive about their key workers and say, 'she is the best, I can talk to her' and 'I like doing all the one-to-one things.' Such relationships are not exclusive to the key worker role. Young people are also complimentary about other staff and also members of the school team. They enjoy the security of having a range of safe adults to whom they can go in times of need.

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Quality of care

A wide range of consultation mechanisms effectively capture the views and opinions of young people. Weekly house meetings encourage lively debates and young people confirm they have a real say in things that matter to them. Activities, décor and general rules are heavily influenced by the young people and a representative is always present on staff interview panels. Young people value this inclusive approach and say, 'if you suggest something sensible, it will usually happen.'

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Quality of care

The staff team is also skilled at saying 'no' in a clear and explanatory way, when this is appropriate. Young people are fully aware of how to raise their concerns and issues; this includes informal processes as well as external measures. Formal complaints from any source are rare. Young people, staff and placing social workers attribute this to the home's open and transparent approach which negates the need for such formality. Young people say, 'I just say if something is bothering me and it gets sorted out.'

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Quality of care

Young people receive the care and support they need to enjoy very good health. Important historical health information is comprehensively researched; health and medical needs are known and effectively supported. Staff competently deliver the training and guidance they receive in terms of first aid, medication and food hygiene. Regular physical activity is enjoyed, as are healthy meals. Additional health needs, such as emotional, mental and psychological issues are sensitively provided for, through accessing appropriate external professionals. The additional guidance and group supervision provided for the staff team ensures their full understanding of the use of specific therapeutic techniques. They complement and enhance this aspect of service provision as a result.

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Quality of care

Young people are achieving well at school because they receive the help and support they need. Care staff understand educational targets and are excellent role models in terms of promoting the value of educational achievement. The home provides a conducive environment within which homework is effectively supported. Young people have ready access to the equipment and resources they need. Staff across the home and school work collaboratively. Shared ambitions positively influence the young people and seamless communication is a daily occurrence.

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Quality of care

Comprehensive care plans effectively capture the needs of the young people. Concise, well informed information reliably informs the staff team and it is followed in practice. Young people are encouraged to 'own' their plans; they contribute to their own review meetings and assist the staff to set their own ambitious targets. The Registered Manager routinely scrutinises such plans; meticulous monitoring ensures they are up-to-date. Placing authorities are rigorously chased in the event of any missing information which may impinge upon the quality of the care provided by the home.

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Quality of care

Young people enjoy living in their home. They appreciate the space and privacy it affords. The large garden is highly valued. Furnishings and décor are of very good quality; individual bedrooms are of an excellent standard and truly reflect the personality of each occupant.

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Safeguarding children and young people

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

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Safeguarding children and young people

Young people say they feel safe and suitably protected. Contributing factors include, 'the house is safe', 'staff look after you', 'they sort out bullying' and 'nobody bad can get in.' Staff are acutely aware of any feelings of fear and anxiety which may be harboured by individuals. They provide constant verbal reassurance which is further underpinned by the daily practices of the team. Young people experience high staffing ratios, well planned activities and safe routines.

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Safeguarding children and young people

Acceptable and controlled risks are gradually introduced to demonstrate to young people that they are capable of making informed choices. They are also permitted to make appropriate mistakes, in line with growing up. The staff team are confident with this approach. Safeguarding training is regularly updated and every staff member is fully conversant with the home's child protection procedures. The organisation enjoys a positive relationship with its local authority, placing authorities and the local police. Referrals, consultations and general dialogue demonstrate a transparent relationship between all parties, in the best interests of the young people. Younger children feel safe because staff make appropriate decisions on their behalf. They do not carry the burden of making day-to-day decisions and are encouraged to revisit and experience the joys of being a child. Older teenagers are encouraged to

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Safeguarding children and young people

think more deeply. Staff talk about subjects including smoking, illegal substances, relationships and sexuality in order for them to develop their own safe coping mechanisms.

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Safeguarding children and young people

Young people understand the behavioural rules and expectations of the home. Staff confidently manage situations which may challenge these. They set clear expectations which result in appropriate sanctions should the need arise, in line with good parenting. Young people quickly become familiarised with more appropriate techniques to achieve their goals, such as negotiation, compromise and being richly rewarded for positive conduct. The use of approved sanctions and physical restraint techniques noticeably reduces for individuals quickly. Young people say, 'I'm getting better at managing my anger' and 'I don't need to hit out so much now.' All such incidents are comprehensively documented and scrutinised by senior managers. The prescribed documentation mentions the permissible use of physical restraint to prevent absconding. Although no actual examples are noted as being used, the service is asked to review this guidance in terms of its potential to restrict the liberty

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Safeguarding children and young people

Examples of young people being missing are extremely rare. Staff implement robust procedures which are in line with local authority and police protocols when such incidents do arise. Placing authorities are fully aware and the home works collaboratively with partner agencies to reduce such incidents.

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Safeguarding children and young people

Young people are suitably protected from potential sources of harm and abuse. Robust recruitment procedures provide stringent safeguards; prospective staff are subject to rigorous short listing and checking procedures before they have contact with young people. Visitors are supervised and all allegations of staff misconduct, although rare, are thoroughly investigated and managed in a way which protects all parties.

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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

Young people live in a well-run, efficiently managed home. A dynamic Registered Manager delivers the aims and objectives of an up-to-date Statement of Purpose because she and her team work collaboratively for the same shared goals. Staff are passionate about making a positive difference for the young people in their care. They take full advantage of the organisation's training opportunities and a good number complete additional courses in their own time. Their commitment is tangible and young people positively respond to this.

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Leadership and management

The home welcomes the inspection process. Ongoing feedback is also sought from young people, external professionals and placing authorities. Four recommendations were made from the last inspection and all have been positively responded to. Placement plans have been updated to better reflect the needs arising from a young person's cultural background and heritage. Written descriptions bring individuals to life and fully capture their unique personalities and needs. Staff have received additional training in this regard and say, 'I've really benefitted' and 'I take better account of cultural influences now.' Development plans are being devised and the organisation is getting better at picking up patterns and trends from improved monitoring processes.

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Leadership and management

Senior managers recognise the strengths and weaknesses of the provision. Regulation 33 visits are under ongoing review as the service strives to find the best possible ways of driving improvements. The Registered Manager shares information transparently, such as notifications, and placing social workers receive regular updates. Written case records are regularly scrutinised to ensure good quality.

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Leadership and management

The staff team is well supported through good quality training. Staff meetings and individual supervisions provide good clear guidance and support for the team. The Registered Manager feels she is well supported by the senior management structure and she is currently undertaking further professional training. However, it is noted that her own formal supervision meetings have been irregular over recent months.

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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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