Children's Home run by Benecare Limited in Kent

Unique reference number SC357981 Inspection date 16/01/2013 Inspector Mark Blesky Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 10/10/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This is a privately owned children’s home. The home caters for up to four children and young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties who have a wide range of needs.

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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 full inspection in October 2012 the home was as judged good overall. One requirement and three recommendations were made and the home has addressed these.

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Progress

The Registered Manager was asked to ensure that interviews of young people accommodated, their parents, relatives and persons working at the home were undertaken in order to form an opinion of the standard of care provided in the home. The manager has reviewed the regulation 33 process which relates to this activity. Young people, staff and relatives are spoken to in relation to the care and services provided by the home. In addition the manager provides individuals with questionnaires where they can articulate their views and feelings.

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Progress

Following these consultations; action is taken, services are reviewed and the quality of care is improved. This has resulted in the young people and staff feeling more engaged in the care provided and new services are being developed as an outcome of this process. The manager was asked to review and develop young people’s meetings to ensure that the views, wishes and feelings of the young people are taken into account in monitoring staff and in developing the home. The manager has reviewed the young people's meetings and these now provide young people with greater opportunities to express their views and feelings. The new format engages the young people more effectively and the meeting provides a formal dialogue between young people and staff. Young people feel that their comments are valued and considered.

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Progress

The manager was also asked to address an area of the home that had not been as well maintained as the rest of the home. The manager has replaced the hall stairs and landing carpet. This has provided a more pleasant and homely area in the home and also improved the quality of the flooring. Young people were complementary of the surroundings and young people have a clear sense of pride in their home.

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Progress

The manager was asked to provide a written and up-to-date development plan for the future of the home and identifying any planned changes in the operation or resources of the service. A written plan has now been published demonstrating the plans and areas for development. At the time of the inspection the plan was already being reviewed to include the development of supportive services for older adolescents. Young people benefit from the development and creation of services and support which meet their developing and emerging needs.

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Progress

The registered manager has taken the necessary action to address the requirement and the recommendations and as a result has improved the standards of care and outcomes for the young people.

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Progress

Young people are well supported in the home and their welfare is safeguarded by knowledgeable and committed staff. The Registered Manager is well organised and a strong leader and continues to strive to develop and improve the performance of the home.

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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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