Children's Home run by Bryn Melyn Care Limited in Shropshire

Unique reference number SC372617 Inspection date 15/01/2013 Inspector Trevor Hall Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 24/05/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This is a small private children's home catering for one young person who may 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

At the last inspection in May 2012 the overall quality rating for the home was judged as good. One recommendation was set as a result of the inspection relating to the behaviour management policy. The home has appropriately addressed this, Staff have a clearer understanding of the home's behaviour management policy and the record of physical interventions is much improved. Staff members have a thorough understanding of each young person’s needs and ensure there is consistency of practice. This helps young people to understand staff expectations and the boundaries that are in place, which gives them the reassurance of knowing that a competent and consistent staff group are in control.

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Progress

All young people enjoy good general health. They are registered with the local doctor, dentist and optician and have regular health checks, all of which are appropriately recorded. All young people have a comprehensive health care plan as part of the care planning arrangements, which clearly highlights any additional or special health needs and how these are to be met. All staff have undertaken appropriate medication administration training. Medication is stored securely and the home's medication records are well maintained. The home maintains good working links with both the local Children and Adolescents Mental Health Service team and local police, which has been vital in helping them manage appropriately young people's mental health needs. Staff, supported by the organisation's therapeutic team, and consulting psychiatrist have striven to keep young people safe while they have worked through traumatic experiences despite

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Progress

escalating and challenging behaviours. The number of violent incidents requiring police assistance and unauthorised absences from the home have dropped significantly since the last inspection, although the intensity of incidents that have taken place has significantly increased.

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Progress

Young people benefit from full activity programmes that expose them to new and stimulating experiences. Their education and emotional health is fully integrated into their care. Continuity of staffing is strength of the home and means that productive and supportive relationships are maintained despite the intensity of some of the behaviours displayed. This has enabled young people to form and maintain meaningful relationships, which have impacted positively on behaviours and have enabled staff to maintain a generally safe and caring environment.

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Progress

The home is situated in a remote rural location; however, local facilities are within a reasonable distance. The fabric of the home is generally good; it is well decorated, appropriately furnished and clean. Although some recent damage is reported to maintenance, broken furniture and fittings mean the home does not retain a warm and homely feel.

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Progress

The home is well managed by an experienced, dedicated and well qualified Registered Manager. Staff are well supported, receiving formal supervision at a frequency in line with best practice expectations. The home’s notification system is good. Staff correctly notify to and are proactive in, raising concerns to the social work teams, police and other agencies in relation to young people and any matters of significance. As a result, this helps to promote young people’s welfare. The internal and external monitoring of the practice of the home, untaken by the Registered Manager and by appointed management representatives, is regular, consistent and accurately reflects the functioning of the home.

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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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Recommendations

 ensure that the home provides a comfortable and homely environment and is well maintained and decorated. (NMS 10.3)

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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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