Children's Home run by MGM Care Services Ltd in Telford and Wrekin

Unique reference number SC438427 Inspection date 25/10/2012 Inspector Julian Parker Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Date of last inspection 05/07/2012 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

Sunningdale Cottage is a small private children's home looking after up to two young people aged from 10 to 17 years who may have learning disabilities or emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

p.3

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.

p.3

Progress

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

p.3

Progress

At the last inspection in July 2012, the overall quality rating for the service was judged as satisfactory, with three requirements and two recommendations being made. The provider has subsequently updated the Statement of Purpose for the home clarifying the nature and scale of the service provided. Improvements to the recruitment, selection and supervision of staff have ensured that only competent people with appropriate skills receive employment to look after the vulnerable young people cared for by the home.

p.3

Progress

Young people have their health and first aid needs met thoroughly. Wherever necessary, commissioned, specialist advice and training provides staff with enhanced understanding that improves their practice. The manager always seeks permission to provide medical treatment from those with parental responsibility where young people are not of sufficient age or ability to make decisions.

p.3

Progress

Young people’s access to mainstream education in placing authority schools receives thorough support from the home. Staff ensure that young people are transported to and from their education placement and liaise well with teachers. Representative from the home attend school reviews and meetings. Behaviour support practice in both settings are compatible ensuring consistency of practice that helps improve placement stability and learning.

p.3

Progress

Since the last inspection the home has taken new admissions. This process confirms that considered and planned procedures are in place that effectively ensures the safety and compatibility of children in the home. Placement plans receive on-going attention by the staff team, confirming that they accurately record the current issues in each young person’s life. Providing a detailed picture of each young person, and the plans set out of how to address their individual care needs. The behaviour management aspects of plans receive regular monthly reassessment and following infrequent incidents. Risk assessments, implemented when appropriate make sure that the behaviour of young people is managed consistently, keeping everyone safe. Through their practice, staff demonstrate that they are very familiar with the individual support needs of each young person.

p.4

Progress

The home’s admissions procedures, while implemented with care and consideration for the smooth and safe transition of young people, are devalued by the absence of an independent review of the care plan, within the prescribed statutory timescales, following the young person’s admission to the home. By not being identified as a immediate requirement, or taking place quickly, this shortfall potentially inhibits timely access to any additional support or services necessary to sustain or improve the young person’s placement.

p.4

Progress

Young people continue to enjoy a good consistency of care and trusting relationships with staff. Following some new recruitment, staffing levels at the home remain stable ensuring young people know who are looking after them. Staff confirm that they receive good support and regular supervision from the home’s manager.

p.4

Progress

The manager’s daily presence and an effective range of in-house systems efficiently monitor the quality of care provided and the day-to-day running of the home. The comprehensive monthly checks of in-house records enable the Registered Manager to identify trends and patterns that may inform improvements to daily care practice. A format generating the periodic submission of these reports to the regulator is not presently in place. In addition to these internal systems, Regulation 33 monitoring visits are carried out and reports are produced which highlight compliance with the Statement of Purpose. This monitoring helps staff reflect upon and improve their practice.

p.4

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.

p.5

Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure the registered person supplies to the HMCI a report in respect of any review conducted by him for the purpose of paragraph (1). (Regulation 34 (2)) 18/11/2012

p.5

Recommendations

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

p.5

Recommendations

 ensure that the home contributes effectively to each child’s placement plan review and statutory review of the child’s care plan. (NMS 25.3)

p.5

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.6

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).

p.6