Children's Home run by Anna House Limited in Havering

Unique reference number SC058603 Inspection date 11/03/2013 Inspector Jackie Graves Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Date of last inspection 23/08/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.1

This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated.

p.2

Brief description of the service

This privately-operated children's home provides short break care for up to six children and young people with physical and learning disabilities.

p.3

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.

p.3

Progress

Since their previous inspection the service is judged to be making good progress .

p.3

Progress

At the last full inspection in August 2012, the overall quality rating for the service was judged good. The home demonstrates continued improvement in the quality of care provided to children. For example, simple individual behaviour plans guide staff to manage children's behaviour consistently. Children are helped to feel secure through the use of clear boundaries and routines. Staff communicate effectively with children so they know what to expect throughout their short break, so reducing their anxiety. Some children have considerably improved behaviour, with reduced aggression, feeling more secure as a result. In some cases this results in less challenging behaviour at school and therefore improved outcomes for children.

p.3

Progress

Children enjoy their time in the home. They are relaxed and secure in their surroundings. Children play with their favourite toys; they pursue their own interests during their stay, including activities in the local community, for example, swimming, bowling or shopping. Relationships between staff and children are warm and caring.

p.3

Progress

Management are proactive in meeting children's health needs. They ensure children can access general and specialist health services throughout their stay, enrolling them with local services when required. Vigilance about timely medication reviews ensure children are on appropriate medication to optimise their well-being. Staffing arrangements ensure that someone trained in general medication administration, as well as more specialist medication, such as diazepam, is available to provide care for children. Children experience a healthy life style in the home, for example, with regular exercise, fresh air and a varied diet. Meals prepared to suit individual dietary needs help children to maintain or improve their health.

p.3

Progress

The home demonstrates a clear understanding of children's identity and provides personalised care in relation to children's heritage. Children benefit from a staff team that has an appropriate balance of gender. This ensures they are cared for by staff who act as positive role models. Also, where children respond better to staff of a certain gender, their needs may be met.

p.4

Progress

Staff know children's communication methods well, including those children who are non-verbal. For example, they make sure children can choose activities, toys, foods and the room they sleep in during their stay. All children are supported to make choices. Staff encourage children to do things for themselves as far as possible, for example, clearing the table at the end of a meal or helping staff tidy-up.

p.4

Progress

There is a clear focus on monitoring what goes on and developing the service. A particular strength are the regular visits made by someone independent of the home. They look closely at what is going on. This includes talking to and observing children to assess their safety and welfare.

p.4

Progress

The home demonstrates continuing capacity to improve by responding effectively to the one requirement and two recommendations made at the previous inspection. All staff are now trained in first aid so someone is available on each shift to provide emergency treatment when required. The home's fire risk assessment is reviewed to ensure it remains relevant and promotes safe arrangements for the children using the service. The Registered Manager now writes reports of her checks on what goes on in the home; these reports are sent to Ofsted to make sure the regulator is kept informed of how the home operates. No shortfalls in meeting national minimum standards or regulations are identified as a result of this inspection.

p.4

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.

p.5

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.

p.5