Children's Home run by Care Focus Limited in Suffolk

Unique reference number SC062651 Inspection date 15/01/2013 Inspector Gwen Buckley Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Date of last inspection 22/05/2012 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

The home provides care and accommodation for up to four young people with emotional or behavioural difficulties. The service includes an independent school in the grounds of the home. The home is privately owned alongside two other services. One of the other services provides semi-independent facilities for young people preparing to leave care.

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 inspection focuses on the progress made by the home since the last full inspection in May 2012. The overall judgement at that inspection was adequate. The home is making satisfactory progress. The manager has taken action by fully addressing the requirement and five of the six good practice recommendations made at the last inspection.

p.3

Progress

The home’s safeguarding policy now includes information about the Local Authority Designated Officer and the procedures to be followed if there are allegations made against adults at the home. Senior managers and the head of education have attended a safeguarding designated person training course. This means staff have a better understanding of the differing roles and responsibilities which helps to keep young people safe.

p.3

Progress

The good practice recommendations have been progressed. A missing from home protocol, agreed by the police, is now available. A meeting took place with the police to discuss the purpose and function of the home. As a result of this meeting the police now have a better understanding of the potential vulnerabilities of young people at the home.

p.3

Progress

Flooring in the home has been replaced which has improved the décor in the home. Staff are working together to develop their skills and knowledge about equality and diversity issues. This improved knowledge ensures young people are better supported to understand their own background and family history and develop a sense of identity.

p.4

Progress

Young people agreed to proposed changes to routines in the home help them get up in the morning and attend school. The introduction of a breakfast club makes mornings more interesting and encourages young people to be up in time to attend school. The breakfast club is attended by teachers and care staff and if young people are not up in time they are continually given wake up calls. Attendance at school is currently good; young people are attending routinely or their attendance has improved since being at the home.

p.4

Progress

The frequency of supervision for new staff is not consistent with the home’s own policies and procedures. The previous policy on staff supervision described fortnightly supervision and this has been amended to say regular supervision is to be provided. Although the policy is amended, the outcome remains the same in that staff are not receiving regular supervision. As a result, a requirement has been raised to ensure supervision is provided that effectively supports the staff caring for young people.

p.4

Progress

Interaction between staff and young people is warm and friendly. Young people feel safe in the home and bullying is not tolerated. Time is well managed; young people are constructively occupied, for example, attending school or undertaking independence shopping. Young people feel they have someone they can talk with if they are upset or concerned; one young person comments, ‘I don’t normally talk about my issues but I can talk to the manager.’

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) ensure that all persons employed receive appropriate training, supervision and appraisal. This specifically relates to the supervision of staff. (Regulation 27 (4) (a)) 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 management of the home is consistent with the home's policies and procedures in regard to the supervision of new staff. (NMS 21.3)

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