Children's Home run by Benjamin UK Ltd in Buckinghamshire

Unique reference number SC067757 Inspection date 30/01/2013 Inspector Jennie Christopher Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 14/06/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This children’s home is privately owned, providing care and accommodation for up to four young people with emotional and 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 good progress .

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Progress

At the last full inspection in June 2012, the overall quality rating for the service was judged as good with two requirements and three recommendations made. The home continues to improve the quality of care provided and has a focused commitment to service development. A particular strength of the home enthusiasm of the staff team who have a shared aim of promoting a positive home environment for young people.

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Progress

At the last inspection requirements were set regarding ensuring staff records were complete and that notifiable events be reported without delay. Newly implemented front sheets in staff personnel files clearly detail all the required information and personal checks. With regards to reporting notifications, all staff have received guidance and training on how to complete notification documents and who to forward them to. As a result notifications are now reported promptly to Ofsted and other relevant agencies. Recommendations set included young people having the opportunity to have their views recorded after sanctions and restraints. Records have been adjusted to provide dedicated space for young people to include their views. This has proved valuable to both young people and staff to monitor the effectiveness of measures of control. Further recommendations included staff to start the Children’s Workforce Development Councils induction within seven days of starting

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Progress

employment and for the time and length of supervision to be recorded. Both these recommendations have been met. As a result, staff benefit from a structured induction and the level of support and supervision they receive is clearly evidenced.

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Progress

Young people continue to receive well planned care from a committed and increasingly competent staff team. Young people have a positive view of the care and say the home is ‘ten times better’ than previous placements as they have the ‘opportunity to develop’ as a person. They also say that key work sessions are helpful. Observed interactions between staff and young people suggest their relationships are positive and that young people feel safe. Staff have demonstrated good role modelling alongside clear and consistent boundaries. This enables young people to reflect on their own behaviour. The culture and ethos within the home celebrates individuality and diversity. As a result, young people receive good quality care and support based on their identified needs.

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Progress

Since the last inspection a new manager has been appointed who is currently in the completing the process to become the registered manager. Significant work has been done to evaluate the current level of service and to identify areas for development in the coming year. As a result improvements have been made to documents and recording systems, such as monitoring of missing from care and following this up with young people’s views. This aspect of risk taking behaviour has reduced since the last inspection. The home has undergone a full refurbishment with young people’s input on décor and style. A young person has used their skills from a construction course at college to help lay a new patio to the rear of the home. Evaluative reports of independent monitoring visits and six monthly monitoring by managers demonstrate an improved level of consultation with young people, staff and other significant 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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