Children's Home run by Castle Homes Limited in Bromley

Unique reference number SC419334 Inspection date 26/02/2013 Inspector David Putnam Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 16/10/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This privately owned children's home provides care and accommodation for up to four children or young people who may have emotional or behavioural difficulties. The home has a registered school on site which is available to children and young people not attending an external school or alternative education provision.

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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 inspection the home was judged to be good overall. One requirement was made. The home has fully addressed this. Leaders and managers now ensure that records of restraints contain all required elements listed in the regulations in one bound volume. This ensures that records are kept in one place in a format that cannot be subsequently amended. The manager monitors these records to ensure that restraints are conducted appropriately and the effectiveness of these measures of control is considered.

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Progress

Two recommendations were made at the last inspection. One has been fully met. A detailed training matrix, developed by the deputy manager, is now in place. Clear and accurate records of staff training are now established. A colour coded ‘traffic light’ system now highlights which courses are current, due for renewal or are out of date.

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Progress

Work has been undertaken to address the second recommendation. A change in recruitment practice now ensures that documentation relating to the selection and vetting of new employees is retained within the home. Copies of information relating to existing employees have been requested from the head office to meet the recommendation. Although some documents have been received, gaps in information remain. This has limited impact upon the safety of children and young people, but the recommendation is made again to ensure consistency of practice.

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Progress

The home demonstrates continued improvement in the quality of care and outcomes for children and young people. The manager makes it a priority to meet individually with every child and young person on a regular basis to obtain their feedback on the service. Feedback from children and young people also informs the annual appraisal of each member of staff. Children and young people openly provide their views and make realistic and insightful suggestions for improvement to the home. Clear and prompt responses help children and young people understand that their views actively influence the running of the home. For example, the children’s guide has recently been updated following input from the children and young people.

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Progress

Regular monthly monitoring visits result in detailed reports that identify good practice and highlight recommendations for improvement. These are actively followed up on subsequent visits. The Registered Manager undertakes detailed reviews of the quality of care at appropriate intervals. Consultation with a wide range of stakeholders is consistently sought. Reports identify areas for improvement and inform the development plan for the children’s home which is produced annually.

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Progress

Children and young people continue to identify progress that they make through living in the home. They indicate improvements in their predicted educational achievements. Young people say that staff help prepare them for independence through the completion of a planned programme. This identifies strengths they already have but highlights areas where skills need to be developed. The physical and emotional health needs of children and young people are met through liaison with external professionals. Children and young people say that they are supported to have contact with family members and others who are important to them.

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Progress

Managers and staff ensure that there is a clear plan for each child or young person. Children and young people are encouraged and supported to have their say in formulating their plans. When necessary advocacy services support young people in communicating with their placing authorities.

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Progress

Notifications relating to significant events are comprehensive and demonstrate good management of complex and challenging behaviours along with good liaison with external agencies. Leaders and managers ensure that notifications are made in a timely manner. As a result, professional agencies are properly informed and Ofsted, as the regulatory body, is able to monitor events in the home.

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Progress

A committed and enthusiastic staff team demonstrate a continued commitment to improving the overall quality of care and outcomes for children and young people in their care. Staff ensure that they remain focused on the needs of each child or young person. Difficulties and challenges are addressed and progress from individual starting points is identified.

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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 the children's home has a record of recruitment and vetting checks which have been carried out on those working (including as volunteers) for the children's home which includes all matters listed in this national minimum standard. (NMS 16.3)

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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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