Children's Home run by Oracle Care Limited in Central Bedfordshire

Unique reference number SC421531 Inspection date 27/03/2013 Inspector Natalie Burton Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 05/12/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The home provides accommodation and care for up to three young people who have experienced emotional and behavioural difficulties. A private company owns and operates this setting.

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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 December 2012, the overall rating for the service was judged as outstanding, with no requirements or recommendations for improvement.

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Progress

During the interim period, the home has maintained the quality of care and outcomes provided to young people. Young people continue to make significant progress in relation to their individual circumstances on arrival. For example, their risk-taking behaviour has reduced significantly, with a decrease in incidents. There have been no missing from care episodes, and there has been a reduction in physical interventions. Young people receive support and have access to therapists, staff and teachers within the organisation on a daily basis. As a result, they learn new strategies to help them manage their emotions.

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Progress

Young people attend school daily and make progress. Changes in staffing, such as the appointment of a new Registered Manager and some staff having left has had minimal impact on young people. This is because young people have excellent relationships with staff and have staff who they can turn to for advice and support. Young people described the home as ‘good’ and ‘alright.’ They say they feel safe and happy, and that staff are helping them. One young person was very proud that they no longer run away.

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Progress

Child protection concerns are suitably managed. This is because staff listen to young people, and immediately report concerns to the appropriate professionals. The home has excellent working relationships with external agencies. A social worker reported being ‘impressed with the provision, their communication is spot on and they are proactive in taking on the advice and guidance that we as the placing authority give, in areas such as risk assessments and safeguarding’.

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Progress

Young people’s placement plans provide a clear, detailed routine for the staff to follow in order to meet the needs of young people. However, on occasion, the strategies outlined have not been consistently implemented. For example, an agreement made with a young person regarding items permitted in their bedroom is not in line with their placement plan. This does not fully demonstrate that a proportionate approach to risk is constantly and consistently embraced.

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Progress

The home provides a comfortable and well-furnished living environment. The service has identified that some maintenance and redecoration are needed as a result of general wear and tear. This is already in progress. For example, a young person’s bedroom is being decorated.

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Progress

Since the last inspection, there are some inconsistencies in record keeping, for example, with regard to young people’s daily personal hygiene. In addition, there has also been a slight decline regarding the monitoring of these records by the Registered Manager. However, this shortfall has been identified as an area for improvement by the organisation. While there has been minimal impact on the quality of care provided to young people, this does not fully ensure that any trends and patterns in behaviour and outcomes for young people have been identified. Observations during the inspection noted strong relationships and engagement between staff and young people.

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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 home implements a proportionate approach to any risk assessment (NMS 4.5)  ensure children understand their health needs, how to maintain a healthy lifestyle and to make informed decisions about their own health, with particular regard to personal hygiene (NMS 6.2)  ensure the manager regularly monitors, in line with regulations, all records kept by the home to ensure compliance with the home's policies to identify any concerns about specific incidents and to identify patterns and trends. (NMS 21.2)

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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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