Children's Home run by Fairport Care Services Ltd in Kent

Unique reference number SC066129 Inspection date 10/01/2013 Inspector David Putnam Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 13/06/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This service is a privately run children's home that provides accommodation for up to four young people, who may have emotional or behavioural difficulties. Therapy is available to all children and young people if required.

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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 good progress .

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Progress

At the last inspection the home was judged to be good overall. The home has addressed the three requirements and two recommendations for improvement that were made. As a result of the action taken and other developments the quality of care and the outcomes for young people have continued to improve.

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Progress

Reviews of the quality of care are now routinely submitted to Ofsted enabling appropriate and effective monitoring of the service by the regulatory body. Records of restraints and sanctions now meet regulatory requirements and include all matters that were previously missing. Records also evidence a reduction in the use of physical restraint. Young people confirm this and proudly highlight that they have not been restrained for a while. A new policy clearly sets out the purpose of using monitoring devices on young people’s bedroom doors at night. Along with placing social workers and family members, young people are consulted about the use of these devices and sign to give consent for their use.

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Progress

The Registered Manager now clearly plans for developments of the service. Quarterly reports are produced for directors providing a detailed review of the preceding period and highlighting development opportunities to benefit young people. An on-going refurbishment plan is in place. This results in young people living in a warm and comfortable home that is decorated and furnished to a very high standard throughout. Imaginative and creative photographs of young people augment the homely feel.

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Progress

Amendments have been made to the young people’s guide. It remains a relatively long document, but young people currently using the service are able to understand it. Young people who have moved to the home most recently describe the information it contains as ‘good’. They say that the young people’s guide and welcome pack helped them in their decision to come to the home.

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Progress

Young people continue to enjoy positive relationships with enthusiastic and committed staff. Young people particularly value the relationships they have with their key workers. All young people have two key workers. Young people are encouraged and enabled to express their feelings in appropriate ways to help them make sense of past experiences and move forward. Young people feel confident and safe to share things that are concerning them. This enables staff to take appropriate action to resolve problems or difficulties.

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Progress

When new staff are recruited, young people are involved in the selection process and their views are fully considered. Staff value the support they receive from leaders and managers. Opportunities for personal development and training are identified for individual staff through regular supervision and appraisal. Individual staff build their knowledge through undertaking recognised external qualifications.

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Progress

Staff encourage and support young people to work towards independence. Young people improve their confidence and self-esteem through assisting with tasks around the home, including, preparing food. Those who attend college, take responsibility for ensuring they maintain full attendance.

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Progress

Changes to the management structure have now been finalised. The service is effectively led by an experienced Registered Manager, supported by two deputy managers. The home demonstrates an on-going commitment to providing a high quality service for young people.

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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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