Children's Home run by Oracle Care Limited in Staffordshire

Unique reference number SC066912 Inspection date 31/01/2013 Inspector Amanda Ellis Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 02/10/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This privately owned home provides accommodation for up to two young people. The home caters for young people who may display emotional 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 October 2012 the overall rating for the home was judged as outstanding, with two recommendations set within the inspection report. Since that time the children’s home has demonstrated satisfactory progress.

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Progress

The manager has appropriately addressed the requirement that young people are actively encouraged to read their files, and to correct errors and add personal statements This means young people are able to express any views they may have in relation to their care.

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Progress

The recommendation to ensure the wishes, feelings and views of young people are taken into account in developing the home within the development plan has been fully met. The implementation of this recommendation will ensure improved practice in encouraging young people to contribute to their environment and their care.

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Progress

Young people live in a safe, secure and stable environment. Safeguarding procedures are robust and well-understood. Safeguarding issues are notified promptly. The use of physical restraint in the home is minimal, but when used, is in accordance with the home’s policy. However, the home’s central restraint records are incomplete. As a result it may be difficult for managers to monitor patterns and trends in the use of restraint.

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Progress

Incidents of young people missing from care are infrequent. The home implements effective protocols and procedures when young people are absent from care. Staff awareness of factors which lead to young people going missing minimise risks. Furthermore, staff work with a range of professionals to manage these issues.

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Progress

The leadership and management of the home is clear and efficient. Monitoring is robust and contributes to the development of the home. Regular staff training and supervision ensure quality of care maintained. Staff and managers benefit from a comprehensive programme of training. New staff undertake the Children’s Workforce Development Council’s induction standards before progressing to the Children and Young People’s Workforce Diploma. As a result, staff are suitably qualified to undertake their role.

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Progress

The home’s aims and objectives are set out clearly in the Statement of Purpose. This means that families and placing authorities are provided with accurate information about the home. However the Statement of Purpose is not compliant with regulations, insofar as inaccurate information on the staffing arrangements of the home. The children’s guide is informative and helps young people understand the services available to them and the rules of the home. However, it does not contain information which young people may find useful in relation to contacting Ofsted.

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Progress

The home has made satisfactory progress since the last inspection. The management team are clear about what is necessary to ensure that young people benefit from improved standards in care.

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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.

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure the registered person shall keep under review and, where appropriate, revise the Statement of Purpose, particularly in relation to the age range for whom it is intended that accommodation shall be provided, and up-dating the homes staffing appendix (Regulation 5 (a)) 01/03/2013

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Reg. Requirement Due date

17B (2001) ensure that within 24 hours of the use of any measure of control, restraint or discipline in the home, a complete written record is made in a volume kept for the purpose. (Regulation 01/03/2013 17B (3)(4))

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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 children’s guide includes information on how children can find out about their rights, how a child can contact their Independent Reviewing Officer, and how to secure access to an independent advocate, with specific reference to including the contact details for Ofsted. (NMS 13.5)

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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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