Children's Home run by Keys Direct Care Limited in North Northamptonshire

Unique reference number SC033817 Inspection date 24/01/2013 Inspector Stephen Halliley Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Date of last inspection 30/05/2012 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

This home is privately owned and is registered to provide residential placements for up to four children with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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 good progress .

p.3

Progress

This home was inspected in May 2012 and the overall effectiveness of the home was judged to be good. Since that time there has been a reduction in the number of incidents of young people missing from the home, there has been a programme of refurbishment and redecoration and the one requirement made at the last inspection has been fully addressed.

p.3

Progress

The missing from care policy has been updated and is very clear and detailed. It makes frequent reference to Northants Police Missing from Care protocols. There is a second copy of this document on the wall in the office. This ensures all staff are fully aware of actions to take should a young person be absent from the home. Together with a number of additional recording measures and individual agreements this has led to an extremely close working relationship between this home and the local police. The Police are currently updating the protocol and this will be shared with all homes when it has been agreed and put into place.

p.3

Progress

Some minor recording errors were noted in the fire log with regard to weekly fire alarm tests and recording who is involved in fire drills. The latter of these has been amended to provide a true and accurate record of the drill. Participation in fire drills ensures young people are fully aware of procedures to follow should there be a fire in the home. Additionally there were some gaps noted in the regularity of supervision for some staff. This may lead to inconsistencies in staff practice should these gaps be prolonged.

p.3

Progress

Outcomes for young people are positive with college vocational courses and courses with organisations such as The Prince's Trust being actively undertaken. Pathway plans are in place and there is a great deal of preparatory work for transition to adult placements being done with young people. The individual independence programmes, linked to allowances young people could realistically expect to live on, are having a big impact. Young people are becoming much more aware of financial restraints they will have but are managing budgets, shopping, cooking and using public transport in a manner which will ensure they are able to manage effectively in their adult lives.

p.4

Progress

The home provides a welcoming environment and recent refurbishment has included a new bathroom being fitted and the other is due to be done in the coming months. A full 'face lift' is scheduled in to the coming years development plan. This helps to ensure young people live in an environment where they feel respected by staff and which shows that they are valued as individuals. New fire doors have been fitted throughout the home and this helps ensure the safety and well-being of both young people and staff.

p.4

Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

p.4

Recommendations

 ensure all staff receive regular supervision from appropriately qualified and experienced staff (NMS 19.4)  ensure management of the home ensures all staff work is in line with homes policies and procedures; this is with particular reference to weekly fire alarm tests and clear recording of people involved in fire drills. (NMS 21.3)

p.4

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.5

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.5