Children's Home run by Tulip Care One Limited t/as TulipCare in Kent

Unique reference number SC361090 Inspection date 14/03/2013 Inspector David Putnam Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Residential special school (>295 days/year)

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Date of last inspection 19/09/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This privately owned children's home provides residential care and support for up to five boys. The home adjoins an independent school, registered for seven male pupils. The school is included in the resources available to young people placed at the home.

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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 September 2012, the home was judged as good overall. Three recommendations were made. Progress has been made in addressing all of these. Children and young people are enthusiastic about plans for a new kitchen. Work was scheduled to commence on the day after this inspection to radically change the facilities and provide children and young people with an improved environment. Plans demonstrate significant investment in the quality of provision within the home which far exceeds the limited refurbishment outlined at the previous inspection.

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Progress

Staff say that they now receive regular supervision of a high standard. They describe their supervision meetings as ‘genuinely beneficial’. Staff value the opportunity to talk openly about their work and appreciate the support provided through their line management. Staff who undertake therapeutic degree courses also meet regularly together with the Registered Manager for mentoring sessions. This helps to support, encourage and direct staff in the completion of their studies. Staff identify that the annual appraisal of their performance provides them with the opportunity for open and frank discussion. This enables them to express frustrations and make suggestions for change. At the same time, staff feel that the appraisal process boosts their confidence through the recognition of positive practice. Clear targets help focus staff attention and assist them to look towards future individual and organisational developments.

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Progress

The Registered Manager was not available during this inspection. Samples of supervision and appraisal notes were reviewed where individual members of staff were able to provide copies. However, access to full records was not possible. Therefore the recommendations in relation to supervision and appraisal are repeated and will be monitored at the next inspection.

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Progress

A committed staff team continues to work positively with children and young people who they get to know well. As a result, the quality of care and outcomes for children and young people are maintained. Children and young people who are new to the home say that they are made welcome in a way that makes them feel safe. Older young people are supported to apply for part-time employment and college placements. This helps them to become more independent and develop skills they will use in their adult lives. Where appropriate, staff respond to parental requests and work with medical professionals to help children and young people come off long-term medication. As a result, children and young people are no longer at risk of potential of side effects.

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Progress

Reports from independent monthly monitoring visits result in the identification of good practice and make recommendations for improvement. Leaders and managers also continue to monitor the service through reviews of the quality of care undertaken twice each year. Reports of these reviews are routinely submitted to Ofsted. While these reports monitor all matters required under the regulations they describe current practice and do not clearly identify how the quality of care will be improved. Furthermore, evidence of consultation with children, young people, parents and placing authorities is not apparent.

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Progress

There is a lack of clarity about when the home’s Statement of Purpose was last reviewed or updated. Staff were only able to access a copy dated January 2011. This is the same version held by Ofsted. However, other information indicates that this essential document was updated in May 2012.. While a requirement is made in regards to this possible shortfall, it is recognised that this has limited direct impact upon children and young people.

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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) keep under review and, where appropriate revise the statement of purpose and the children's guide; notify the HMCI of any such revision within 28 days (Regulation 5(a) and (b)) 17/05/2013

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) maintain a system for improving the quality of care provided in the children's home; provide for consultation with children accommodated in the home, their parents and placing authorities. (Regulation 34(1)(b) and (3)) 17/05/2013

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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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Recommendations

 ensure that staff have access to support and advice and are provided with regular supervision by appropriately qualified and experienced staff (NMS 19.4)  ensure all staff have their performance individually and formally appraised at least annually and this appraisal takes into account any views of children the service is providing for. (NMS 19.6)

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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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