Children's Home run by Bryn Melyn Care Limited in Telford and Wrekin

Unique reference number SC397092 Inspection date 07/02/2013 Inspector Denise Perry Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 04/10/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This children's home is operated by a private company. The home provides care for up to two young people of either gender with emotional and/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 good progress .

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Progress

At the full inspection in October 2012, the home’s overall quality rating was good with two requirements and one recommendation set. The Registered Manager has made good progress by fully addressing these. She has improved the levels of consultation with social workers, young people and their parents by formally ascertaining their views through completion of quality of care questionnaires. The feedback received comments positively on the services provided to young people and the care they receive from the staff team. Some young people say that they would like improvements made to the physical environment, such as the décor of their bedrooms and bathrooms. As a result the Registered Manager has taken action to make improvements to the home to enhance their living experience. This shows that young people’s views are listened to and where appropriate acted on.

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Progress

Since the last inspection the home’s updated Statement of Purpose has been sent to the regulator. This statement provides clear aims and objectives for the service which the home meets in its day-to-day practice. This statement also provides information on the home’s staff team and the company’s management structure. The Registered Manager and staff now receive and benefit from annual appraisals. This enables them to reflect on and further develop their knowledge and professional practice. This also contributes to the delivery of good quality care to young people. A member of staff said, ‘I receive regular supervision and training to help me do a good job and I feel well supported by the manager.’

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Progress

A well-established and committed management and staff team care for the young people and have high aspirations for them. In meeting the requirements and recommendation raised at the last inspection, the Registered Manager has demonstrated good progress and an on-going commitment to improving the quality of care provided for the young people. Particular improvements have been made to consultation levels with young people and stakeholders. This, linked to continued improvements in practice, contributes to improving outcomes for young people. It is recognised that the dynamics of the team will change shortly as some established staff members are due to leave. The managers have taken a pro-active approach to ensure a smooth transition to help young people form appropriate relationships and attachments with new staff. This includes established and new staff working together, over a period of time, to contribute to an effective consistency of care for

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Progress

The Registered Manager and the staff team view young people’s safety as a priority and take a proactive approach to ensure their welfare is safeguarded. For example, at the manager’s request fire safety officers recently visited the home to talk to young people and staff about fire safety awareness. The management team have also reviewed and developed fire evacuation procedures and assessments to ensure young people’s safety remains high on the agenda. This includes providing ‘fire grab bags’ in the event of an evacuation whereby staff and young people have access to torches, first aid kits, charged mobile phones and important contact numbers. This contributes to young people’s safety and welfare. However, a shortfall was identified at this unannounced inspection, as the inspector was able to enter the home and speak to young people without staff being aware that a visitor was present. This could potentially place young people at risk and as a result a requirement has been

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Progress

set relating to the security of the home.

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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) the registered person shall ensure that all parts of the children’s home used by children are secure from unauthorised access. (Regulation 31 (2)(b)) 18/03/2013

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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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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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