Children's Home, Residential special school run by SES Turnstone Limited in Norfolk

Unique reference number SC452461 Inspection date 06/06/2013 Inspector Stephen Halliley Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Residential special school (>295 days/year)

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Date of last inspection 13/12/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The home is managed and run by a private company. It provides residential care for up to eight young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties. Education may be provided on the same site.

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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

This service was last inspected in December 2012 which was the first inspection following its registration with Ofsted. The home was judged to be good with three requirements and two recommendations being made. Since this time the Registered Manager and staff team have addressed all requirements and recommendations raised and there has been significant further development of the service.

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Progress

The Statement of Purpose has been updated and now includes a clear statement about the use of electronic door alarms on young people's bedrooms as an additional safeguarding measure. This ensures placing authorities, parents and young people are aware of the measures in use in the home before they move in.

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Progress

The recording of sanctions and restraints has greatly improved in terms of quality and consistency. There are no gaps in this recording and this ensures compete, accurate and relevant records are kept for each young person in the home. There is, however, a need to ensure records are cross referenced to ensure managers can easily follow through information when carrying out their periodic monitoring. The Registered Manager has set up a system for monitoring the matters set out in Schedule 6 at appropriate intervals and improving the quality of care provided in the children's home. This is being carried out bi-monthly and reports are detailed and informative. They have not however been forwarded to Ofsted as required.

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Progress

The recording system in use when young people go missing from the home has been amended and a new bound book produced. This gives staff a clear area in which to record discussions about why young people have run away from the home and any actions the home have taken in light of this information. This ensures young people are supported to develop new ways to manage their feelings and emotions without putting themselves at risk through running away. It also helps staff highlight potential triggers for this behaviour which informs behaviour management plans and risk assessments.

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Progress

Fire alarm tests have been carried out on a weekly basis and are clearly recorded along with any remedial action which may be necessary if issues are noted. Fire drills take place periodically and are clearly recorded in the home. The two most recent admissions have been involved in emergency evacuations due to issues such as the toaster setting off the alarms. They have not, however, been given clear instruction on the procedures to follow or been involved in a planned fire drill.

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Progress

The home has made significant improvements since the last inspection. These include the appointment of a new Registered Manager to support the Principal who is currently filling both roles. This will allow for a dedicated manager who will be responsible for the day-to-day management and growth of the residential aspect of the service. She will be supported by a newly appointed head of care which will ensure a complete and experienced management team are in place to further support staff development.

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Progress

Other progress includes the increase in residential numbers to five. There have also been three more referrals which, if admitted, will take the home to capacity. Paperwork has been revised and reviewed to streamline systems to ensure full and complete records are made at all times. All staff are actively undertaking the CWDC induction workbook or the Children and Young People's Workforce Diploma to ensure a fully trained and qualified team are in place to work with young people. There has also been a great deal of training done around restorative approaches to make this the core method of dealing with inappropriate behaviours. This approach will support young people's understanding of the impact their behaviours have on others and to be actively involved in making good any damage done. This will aid their personal development and give them skills which will benefit them when they move to adult placements.

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Progress

Young people confirm they are happy in the placement and that staff have clear systems in place to keep them safe. They are happy that staff listen to them and respond well to their issues, one example being a young person who requested to move bedrooms; this is being facilitated. During the inspection, young people were involved in preparing the evening meal for the group and two boys were helping staff to build a barbeque. This shows they have an investment in the home and a clear wish to be involved with life in the home. Parents and carers are impressed with the care given by the home with one being very positive about all aspects of care; especially the way the home are facilitating family contact. One social worker commented that, ‘this home was chosen above all others as it provides a level of care that a regular place couldn’t.’

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Progress

The comments made by social workers and parents, together with the settled attitudes of young people, their good relationships with staff, the investment young people are beginning to show in the home and their developing levels of self-esteem and self-awareness fully justify a judgement of good progress being made at this inspection.

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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 manager sends copies of Regulation 34 reports to HMCI at six- monthly intervals (Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations, Volume 5: Children's Homes 3.14)  ensure there is an emergency escape plan that all staff and children are familiar with and have practiced so they know what to do in an emergency (NMS 10.9)  ensure management of the home ensures all staff's work is consistent with the regulations, national minimum standards and the home's policies and procedures; this specifically relates to accurately cross-referencing information (NMS 21.3)

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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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