Children's Home run by Compass Children’s Homes Kent Limited in Kent

Unique reference number SC425071 Inspection date 07/01/2013 Inspector David Putnam Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Date of last inspection 26/06/2012 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 privately run children's home is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to six children and young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties. Education is available on site.

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

This home was first registered in March 2012. At the last inspection the home was judged to be good overall. Two requirements and one recommendation were made. The home has fully addressed the requirements, but was unable to demonstrate that the recommendation had been followed up. However, the home has maintained the quality of care, and outcomes for young people continue to be good.

p.3

Progress

Records of restraints and sanctions now meet regulatory requirements and include all matters that were previously missing. These records indicate a reduction in the use of restraint. Young people themselves proudly highlight that they have not been restrained for prolonged periods.

p.3

Progress

Young people are positive about the relationships they develop with staff. They attribute their feeling of safety in the home to the care they receive from staff. Young people describe staff as 'sporty' and appreciate the opportunity of engaging in different activities. Committed staff work sensitively with young people to address individual targets. Young people build confidence in their own abilities through being extended by carefully considered tasks.

p.3

Progress

Young people say they are able to express their views in regular house meetings. They feel their opinions count and say that their ideas are considered by senior managers within the organisation. Young people are supported to attend and play a full part in their own reviews. Staff work together with placing authorities to ensure young people have positive experiences of contact with family members and others who are important to them.

p.4

Progress

Young people live in a comfortable and attractive home, which is decorated and furnished to a high standard throughout. If damage is caused it is repaired quickly and efficiently by maintenance staff. Young people are proud of their home and in particular their own rooms, which they are able to personalise.

p.4

Progress

Since the last inspection the Registered Manager has considerably reduced the hours she works in the setting. Currently this is approximately one day each week. This limited availability significantly impacts upon her ability to lead and manage the home effectively. Staff report that other senior staff, managers and directors make themselves available and offer support, but formal arrangements are currently unclear. Senior managers are in the process of recruiting a new manager to take on the role full time.

p.4

Progress

Records of supervision could not be accessed during this inspection as they were locked in a cabinet and the Registered Manager was not available. Consequently, the recommendation made at the last inspection is set again. The home's own policy indicates that supervision of all staff is expected to take place every month, but more frequently if required. Staff indicate that the frequency of supervision they receive falls significantly short of this. Consequently, new staff are not consistently supported, challenged and developed to deliver the best service for young people.

p.4

Progress

Further shortfalls were identified during this inspection. A requirement is made to ensure that all stipulated events are notified to the appropriate bodies set out in the Children’s Homes Regulations 2001. This follows an incident when the police were called to the home when it was suspected an unidentified person was within the grounds. This was not notified to Ofsted. However, the impact upon young people was minimal as staff ensured young people were protected at all times. Furthermore, the inspector identified that all staff records are kept at the organisation's head office a short distance away. While this has no significant impact upon young people, a recommendation is made to ensure the home meets national minimum standards in future.

p.4

Progress

Notwithstanding the identified shortfalls, the home demonstrates an on-going commitment to provide a high quality service for children and young people.

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 that all persons employed receive appropriate supervision, in particular, that the frequency of supervision meets with the policy set out by the children's home (Regulation 27(4)(a)) 01/03/2013

p.5

Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure that if any of the events listed in column 1 of the table in Schedule 5 takes place, the registered person shall without delay notify the persons indicated in respect of column 2 of the table. (Regulation 30(1)) 01/03/2013

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 a written or electronic record is kept by the home detailing the time and date and length of each supervision held for each member of staff, including the registered person. Ensure the record is signed by the supervisor and the member of staff at the end of the supervision (NMS 19.5)  ensure clear arrangements are in place to ensure appropriate management of the home when the Registered Manager is absent (NMS 21.5)  ensure that the children's home has a record of the recruitment and vetting checks which have been carried out on those working (including as volunteers) for the children's home which includes all matters set out in this standard. (NMS 16.3)

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.

p.6