Children's Home, Residential special school run by Amberleigh Care Limited in Shropshire

Unique reference number SC448209 Inspection date 21/11/2012 Inspector Denise Perry Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Residential special school (>295 days/year)

p.1

Date of last inspection 27/07/2012 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

This company owned home offers an integrated residential therapeutic care and education package to girls. This home is registered to provide care and accommodation for single sex occupancy only and for young people with emotional and 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

The home has not provided accommodation to children and young people since 11 October 2012. Young people have moved to alternative accommodation as the management and staff team were unable to meet the complex needs and extreme challenges they presented. As a result, their placement change was essential to keep young people and staff safe. This inspection focuses on whether the registration requirements continue to be met and the home is suitable to accommodate children and young people.

p.3

Progress

The Registered Manager maintains the home to a high standard with well-equipped high quality furniture, fixtures and fittings. This provides a comfortable environment for young people to live and shows them that they are valued. There is ample space for young people to spend time alone or in the company of others. Young people are able to personalise their own bedrooms and have a say in the running of the home. For example, previous residents have been involved in staff recruitment and selection procedures. This shows young people that their views and opinions matter and where appropriate, are acted upon.

p.3

Progress

The home is physically safe and appropriately secure to take into account the needs and characteristics of young people’s admission criteria. Health and safety procedures, risk assessments and preventive checks contribute to young people’s safety. Young people and new staff are aware of fire evacuation procedures through induction procedures. However, some staff have not participated in fire drills to familiarise themselves with practical emergency procedures. Furthermore, when young people have been involved in fire drills a record of this drill has not been maintained. The lack of effective recording does not evidence the good work already in place to secure young people’s safety.

p.4

Progress

The company’s induction and training programme supports new and existing staff to become operational following the assessment and acceptance of a suitable referral. Staff say that they feel well supported by the Registered Manager and describe her as approachable and helpful. They also say that they have regular opportunities to access support and advice through daily discussions and training. A member of staff said, ‘I have regular supervision meetings and this helps me to reflect and develop my working practice.' However, not all new members of staff have received formal supervision. This could impact negatively on the quality of care provided to new admissions.

p.4

Progress

The Registered Manager effectively and efficiently runs this home. There are detailed policies and procedures in place which are available to staff. Young people’s records are also in place and the children’s guide provides young people with relevant information about what they can expect and about their rights. There are external systems in place to monitor quality of care and the conduct of the home, such as monthly Regulation 33 visits. The manager welcomes feedback from independent visitors and strives to make continuous improvement within the home. However, Regulation 33 reports have not been provided to Ofsted and does not allow the regulator to fully monitor the home.

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.4

Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) supply a copy of the Regulation 33 report to Ofsted (Regulation 33 (5)(a)) 28/12/2012

p.4

Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) maintain a record as specified in schedule 4, of every fire drill or fire alarm conducted, with details of any deficiency in either the procedure or the equipment concerned, together with the details of the steps taken to remedy that deficiency. 28/12/2012 (Regulation 29(1))

p.4

Recommendations

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

p.5

Recommendations

 ensure there is an emergency escape plan that all staff and children are familiar with and have practiced so they know what to do in an emergency (NMS 10.9)  ensure staff have access to support and advice, and are provided with regular supervision by appropriately qualified and experienced staff. (NMS 19.4)

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