Children's Home run by Keys Nhcc Ltd in Shropshire

Unique reference number SC020607 Inspection date 15/10/2012 Inspector Pete Hylton Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 09/05/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The home provides care for up to three children or young people. The service is for children and young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties aged between age 8 and 17 years; it is privately owned. There is also a satellite property that may provide care for an additional child or young person.

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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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Progress

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

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Progress

At the last inspection in May 2012, the overall effectiveness of this home was judged to be adequate. Five requirements and seven recommendations were made, all of which have now been fully addressed.

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Progress

The exterior of the home and satellite home are now more thoroughly checked. This has led to improvements in the presentation of both properties and young people now benefit from a home that is internally and externally well presented. The purchase of additional waste containers means that refuse is now appropriately stored. A protective wall has been built around the oil pipe in the car park. The risk of this pipe being struck or damaged is now appropriately managed.

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Progress

The satellite property has now been redecorated with new carpets fitted throughout. This has significantly improved the presentation of the home and it is now homely, warm and comfortable. Consultation with the local fire and rescue authority has enabled the Registered Manager to make sure that fire safety is now more rigorously managed. The installation of specialist locks to the front and rear doors of both properties means that young people and staff can safely and quickly evacuate in the event of fire. Updates are now sent to Ofsted following the outcome of child protection enquiries. This ensures that the regulator is able to review the home’s response to safeguarding and other serious incidents.

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Progress

The views of young people are now sought following the use of all restraints, sanctions and disciplinary measures. This enables the Registered Manager to effectively review such measures and young people know that their views are respected and acted upon.

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Progress

Young people are now more involved in community based activities. For example, they enjoy regular horse riding lessons and trips to the local swimming baths. There have also been improvements in the activities provided within the home. A quiet area is now used for study, homework tasks and key working discussions. An internet enabled computer is provided in this area for young people to use in support of their educational studies.

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Progress

The internal layout at the satellite property is much improved. The freezer and storage cabinet have been more appropriately located. Young people now benefit from a more homely and domestic environment. The main house is similarly well presented and young people are encouraged to personalise their rooms and contribute their ideas about the décor in communal areas.

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Progress

Young people are fully supported in settling into the home and are provided with a range of appropriate literature, including contact details for advice and support agencies. However, the contact details for the Children’s Rights Director are missing from the young person’s guide. A recommendation has been made to address this shortfall.

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Progress

Training has been given to staff in equality and diversity issues. Furthermore, key work sessions focus on issues including: race, religion, gender, sexuality, drug and alcohol awareness, and personal safety. Young people are developing a better understanding of issues which affect their emotional and physical wellbeing and are supported in making progress.

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Progress

The home’s development plan now includes the satellite property and clearly sets out the planned developments over the coming year. There has been progress in relation to planned improvements; most notably with the standard of decoration and additional staffing in the home. An increase in permanent staffing has led to a reduction in agency and casual staff being used. Young people are now benefitting from a stable staff team and are developing positive relationships as a result. The Registered Manager is assisted by a deputy manager and senior team. This ensures that staff are regularly supervised and any concerns are shared and acted upon.

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Progress

Restraint is used only for the purposes of keeping young people safe and is appropriately recorded. Sanctions are similarly recorded and the views of young people are actively sought. The Registered Manager effectively monitors all records and, where necessary, discusses incidents with staff and young people to reduce their frequency. Young people are rewarded for positive behaviour and this is recognised and celebrated within the home. Effective links with placing authorities and, where appropriate, parents, ensures that the progress of young people is appropriately shared. The frequency of young people going missing has reduced and young people feel safe at the home.

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Progress

Complaints from young people are effectively handled and recorded. Young people feel that their views and concerns are listened to and respected. Regular formal and informal meetings with young people ensure that their views are sought and acted upon. A young person commented: ‘I am able to discuss things with staff.’

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Progress

In addition to meeting all the requirements and recommendations arising from the last inspection, the home has also made improvements in other areas. Staffing levels have increased and a senior member of staff is always on duty. This ensures that the home is consistently well managed and that the staff team have clear direction in their duties. New staff are supported through regular supervision and all staff are trained to the required level or undertaking required qualifications. Regular staff meetings ensure that the progress of young people and improvements to the quality of care are routinely discussed, and acted upon where necessary. Regular monitoring visits from the organisation’s senior managers further drive improvements in the home. All young people are engaged in educational placements and are making good progress. A young person commented: ‘Staff help me with education and help me to get to work. Staff really meet my needs.’

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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 children's guide includes the contact details for the Children's Rights Director. (NMS 13.5)

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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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