Children's Home run by Benjamin UK Ltd in Buckinghamshire

Unique reference number SC062317 Inspection date 31/01/2013 Inspector Jennie Christopher Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 24/08/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This is a private children's home 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 August 2012, the overall quality rating for the service was judged as good with three recommendations for improvements. The home demonstrates continuous improvement in the quality of care provided with a clear focus on service development. A particular strength of the home is the compassionate staff team who provide a caring and supportive environment for young people.

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Progress

At the last inspection recommendations set were in relation to updating the electrical safety certificate, which has been completed. Further recommendations were in relation to considering the home’s location and effectiveness in meeting the home’s Statement of Purpose in relation this; and implementing effective procedures at a strategic level regarding complaints management. Both areas have been addressed thoroughly and effectively. A comprehensive assessment of the placement of the home in relation to meeting young people’s needs considered all aspects of daily care and the environment both internally and externally. This demonstrated effective consideration of the home’s location, while considering the needs of the young people in relation to physical layout of the building. A system has been devised to consider all complaints at a senior manager level. This will improve oversight and responses to complaints, by ensuring that complainants have telephone access to

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Progress

both the Registered Manager within the home and senior managers at head office. Further analysis of complaints considers patterns and trends, as well as how best to work with the police and local community to ensure young people and the local community can experience positive relationships.

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Progress

Young people continue to receive well-planned care from the committed and competent staff team. Young people talk positively about the care they receive and their relationships with staff. They have produced a presentation detailing the qualities of individual staff members and the support they have received to overcome issues and concerns in their lives. Young people say that staff do all they can to keep them safe and that they feel safe. Observed relationships suggest that relationships between staff and young people are comfortable and mutually respectful. Staff provide clear and consistent boundaries, which have enabled young people to positively manage their own behaviour. The culture within the home celebrates individuality and diversity, ensuring young people’s care is based on their individual needs. Young people who have moved on from the home maintain contact through emails and telephone calls.

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Progress

Since the last inspection, work has been done to evaluate the current level of service and to identify areas for development in the coming year. Some examples include staff having access to specialist training in line with the needs of the young people they care for. This has included training in specified emotional illnesses and behaviours. Further analysis of risk is being considered through specialised tools. These identify individual’s vulnerability to the risk of exploitation or grooming. When concerns are identified, close work with specialist services further protects young people from the risk of harm. A newly implemented missing from care record makes it easier to recognise trends and patterns in incidences of this behaviour. This ensures staff are able to support young people more effectively to address issues and concerns they have. Further developments include implementation of an outcomes file, celebrating and evidencing all successes, no matter how small, young

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Progress

people have. This enables young people to recognise how well they have progressed since living in 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 in young people’s lives.

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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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