Children's Home run by My Choice Children’s Homes Limited in West Sussex

Unique reference number SC014650 Inspection date 09/01/2013 Inspector Diane Thackrah Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 25/07/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This is a privately owned children's home that is registered to accommodate three young people who have emotional and or behavioural difficulties.

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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 satisfactory progress .

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Progress

This home was judged as being good at the last inspection in July 2012.

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Progress

One requirement for improvement was made following that inspection regarding the need for improved arrangements around the professional supervision of staff. In the main, positive action has been taken in relation to this shortfall. There has been training for supervisors in supervision skills. There have also been monthly supervision sessions for all but one staff member. This has helped to support and guide staff to fulfil their roles and provide a high quality service to young people. However, one staff member has not been supervised monthly in line with the home's policies. This does not fully promote young people's welfare.

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Progress

Young people continue to make good progress in this home. Staff are clear about young people's needs and how these should be met. Staff and young people share positive relationships and this goes some way to ensuring that young people develop positive self-esteem and resilience.

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Progress

There are clear plans in place to keep young people safe which staff understand. This helps to promote young people's welfare.

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Progress

Fire arrangements in the home have been strong until 6 weeks ago when the Registered Manager went on sick leave. Since this time no checks have been made on the home's fire safety equipment. This shortfall has been identified within the home's quality assurance processes, however, this practice does not fully ensure that young people live in a safe home.

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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.

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure that all persons employed by the registered person receive appropriate supervision. (Regulation 27 (4)(a)) 09/02/2013

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure that the registered person, after consultation with the fire authority, take adequate precautions against the risk of fire. (In relation to the regular checking of fire equipment in the home) (Regulation 32 (1)(a)) 09/02/2013

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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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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.

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