Children's Home run by Potton Homes Limited in Southend on Sea

Unique reference number SC438764 Inspection date 28/12/2012 Inspector Susan Southey Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Date of last inspection 25/07/2012 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 home provides long-term and task-centred care to a maximum of six young people of either sex who have emotional and behavioural difficulties. This is one of two residential services operated by this privately run organisation, in addition to a school adjacent to this home.

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 last inspection of the home took place in July 2012. The overall judgement given was good with one requirement and one recommendation for improvement being made.

p.3

Progress

Young people have opportunities to comment when disciplinary measures take place. Staff record their views which demonstrate how young people feel at the time of the incident. This enables staff to establish patterns of behaviour and assess the effectiveness of sanctions given. Furthermore, this meets a requirement made at the last inspection.

p.3

Progress

Robust recruitment procedures are in place to safeguard young people. Comprehensive checks take place for all applicants who wish to work in the home. These include verification of references and exploring gaps in employment. These measures support safe recruitment and meet the second requirement made at the last inspection. The maintenance of the home is good and offers young people a comfortable environment to live. Young people have recently helped staff to re-decorate the lounge area. Their involvement in improving the home gives young people a sense of ownership. In addition, young people learn skills that will support them when they move on to independence.

p.3

Progress

The Registered Manager has worked hard to develop positive relationships with the local community. She has efficiently dealt with concerns raised by neighbours when young people have displayed negative behaviours. Young people have apologised and the manager has made follow up visits to neighbours to make sure they are not causing them problems. These actions have proved effective, as young people have received Christmas gifts from people who live near the home.

p.4

Progress

The Registered Manager and staff say that the support they receive has improved. The organisation has recruited a head of care who provides advice to all staff and regular supervision to the manager. In addition, team meetings now give staff the chance to reflect on the psychological difficulties they experience working with young people who have complex needs. This gives them opportunities to receive emotional support. Staff have appropriate assistance from managers which enables them to provide quality care for young people.

p.4

Progress

Monthly internal monitoring of the home takes place by the Registered Manager. Furthermore, she completes a report twice yearly to submit to Ofsted. Visits are made to the home by an independent person and comprehensive reports are completed which outline the strengths and weaknesses of the home. However, reports are not sent to Ofsted monthly. While there is minimal impact on young people, this is a breach in regulation.

p.4

Progress

All staff are qualified to diploma level 3 or enrolled to start the training in January. New staff are given the Children’s Workforce Development Council’s induction standards when they commence employment. However, some staff have not completed this within the recommended 6 month period. Although this does not meet the minimum standards staff do receive on-going training and support to deliver appropriate care to 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.4

Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) supply a copy of the report required to be made under paragraph (4)(c) to the HMCI. (Regulation 33.5) 28/02/2013

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 that new staff undertake the Children's Workforce Development Councils' induction standards, commencing within 7 working days of starting their employment and completing within 6 months. (NMS 18.3)

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