Lincolnshire Secure Unit

Unique reference number SC042921 Inspection date 31/07/2013 Inspector Gaynor Moorey / Graham Robinson Type of inspection Full Provision subtype Secure Unit

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Date of last inspection 08/01/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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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.

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Brief description of the service

This secure children's home is operated by a local authority. It is approved by the Secretary of State to restrict young people's liberty. Education is provided on site.

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Brief description of the service

The children's home can accommodate up to 12 young people, who are aged between 10 and 17 years. Admission of any young person over the age of 10 but under 13 years of age requires the approval of the Secretary of State.

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The inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding : a service of exceptional quality that significantly exceeds minimum requirements Good : a service of high quality that exceeds minimum requirements Adequate : a service that only meets minimum requirements Inadequate : a service that does not meet minimum requirements

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Overall effectiveness

The overall effectiveness is judged to be good .

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Overall effectiveness

This is a well- managed and effective service. Young people benefit from high quality and personalised care. They make excellent progress across all areas and staff support them to improve their behaviours and look forward to the future.

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Overall effectiveness

There is a stable and well trained staff team, led by an experienced and effective manager. This ensures that the young people's well-being and welfare are seen as paramount.

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Overall effectiveness

Care planning is highly individualised and fully enables staff to focus on areas of need for each young person. The home engages in safe practices that are underpinned by robust policies and procedures. Communication is a real strength of the home and close relationships with a wide range of professionals enables consistency of care and positive joint working practices.

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Overall effectiveness

The home continually strives to embrace equality and diversity. This means that young people are supported to achieve a sense of personal identity.

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Overall effectiveness

Health and safety is taken seriously and young people benefit from safe systems and comprehensive checks and inspections.

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Overall effectiveness

A good range of information is available to the young people, staff and other professionals. The Statement of Purpose is updated with any change to the home so it is fit for purpose. Monitoring of the home is good with external and internal monitoring reports being used to develop practice.

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Overall effectiveness

The home has received one requirement at this inspection with regard to ensuring that all records of sanctions, restraint and single separation are signed off by the manager.

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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

17B (2001) The registered person must ensure that within 24 hours of the use of any measure of control, restraint or discipline in a children's home, a written record is made in a volume kept for the purpose of which shall include - the signature of the person authorised by the registered provider to make the record in accordance with Regulation 17B (3)(i) 31/08/2013

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Outcomes for children and young people

Outcomes for young people are good. Individual need is quickly identified with plans and strategies designed to meet those needs put into place. Progress is reviewed and monitored. As a result, young people experience positive outcomes in all areas of their lives. One young person supported this view in his comments to inspectors by saying; `while being here, I have learnt how to manage my own health better.’

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Outcomes for children and young people

The health needs of young people are being promoted positively. General health care is well integrated with specialist care. This ensures young people have both their immediate day-to-day health needs, along with any specialist needs, addressed. As a result, their physical, emotional and psychological needs are well met.

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Outcomes for children and young people

Meals are relaxed, social occasions taken in a modern dining area. Feedback from young people shows some dissatisfaction with the arrangements around the quality of the food Senior staff are aware of these issues and are looking at ways of rectifying this. Special dietary needs are identified on admission and catered for appropriately. Young people are provided with opportunities where they can reflect on their past lifestyle. They are encouraged to make improvements through exercise and diet and to modify aspects of their previous lifestyle such as use of tobacco, drugs and alcohol. For example, they receive specialist input which assists them to take better decisions about their lifestyle when they move on from the home. As a result, young people usually enjoy improvement to their general health and fitness levels.

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Outcomes for children and young people

Education was closed for a summer break when the inspection took place and no educational staff were available as a result. There was however evidence in the monitoring forms which confirm attendance and the achievements made by the young people.

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Outcomes for children and young people

Contact arrangements for some are complex, but the home works flexibly to accommodate and promote appropriate contact arrangements for young people. Improved facilities completed in the last year, provides greater flexibility to accommodate visitors.

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Outcomes for children and young people

Contact arrangements are clearly set out in planning documentation. Feedback from visitors suggests they are made welcome and encouraged to visit. The home excels in maintaining contact with other professionals to keep them informed and updated. This is reflected in the comments made by one of the social workers spoken with who stated, ` I can’t fault the excellent levels of communication staff at the unit have with me.’

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Outcomes for children and young people

Planning for transition and developing skills to promote a more independent lifestyle commences when young people are first admitted. Opportunities to develop practical skills and experiences are built into young people’s individual plans, including the mobility programme if and when appropriate. This gives them a greater self- awareness and of others as they progress, helping to move forward and gain positive experiences. This in turn helps to develop greater self-confidence, esteem and resilience.

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Outcomes for children and young people

Since the previous inspection, staff have collated and refined programmes to improve young people’s journey towards independence and provide them with skills to aid their transition. For example, a weekend cookery scheme was introduced recently, giving all young people an opportunity to plan and cook a meal each weekend.

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Quality of care

The quality of the care is outstanding .

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Quality of care

The quality of care afforded to young people is outstanding. Child-focused staff have the flexibility, skills and commitment to the meet the complex and diverse needs of the young people entrusted into their care. They tap quickly into local resources which assist them in meeting those needs. For example, by bringing in specialist nurses to monitor and meet specific, individual needs.

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Quality of care

Young people appreciate and benefit from the excellent relationships built with staff. Relationships are strong, robust and able to withstand the impact of testing and challenging times. As a result, young people develop positive and trusting relationships with adults who act as good role models. This helps them to develop a safer and more acceptable lifestyle than the one they experienced prior to admission. One young person underpinned this by saying; ` It’s a safe place and a good place to live. Staff are sound.’

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Quality of care

Young people confirm they have opportunities to contribute towards aspects of daily life. For example, two young people spoke enthusiastically about their contribution to the planning of a summer fete, currently being organised to raise money for charity. Their suggestions have been approved and they have taken on areas of responsibility. This has given them a sense of pride, improved their confidence and self–esteem as well as giving them a sense of purpose.

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Quality of care

Individual need is reflected in high quality planning documentation and assessments of risk which are reviewed, evaluated and updated regularly to ensure they are current. Young people confirm they take part in reviews and their thoughts, views and aspirations for the future are taken account of.

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Quality of care

Both formal complaints and any issues of concern raised are taken seriously and responded to in a timely manner. Young people understand how to use the complaints system should they feel it necessary to do so. Young people confirmed they were generally happy with outcomes and if not they were spoken to about the decision making process behind the outcome. The home brings in the services of an independent advocate who visits weekly and can assist young people should they wish to make a complaint or have an issue of concern.

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Quality of care

Activities and enrichment programmes operate side by side. This is an area of real strength. Young people benefit from a wide range of activities provided in-house by staff and by a variety of external sources. During the current activity and enrichments weeks in progress during the education holiday, the home has been visited and had activities provided by a number of external providers. This has included a dog rescue group and a theatre group who work with young people through themes using art, drama and dance. The varied and exciting programme provides young people with new and meaningful experiences that are stimulating, enjoyable and thought provoking.

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Quality of care

The location, design and size support the purpose and function as a secure children’s home. There has been an expansion of some facilities within the past year which has resulted in improvement to the admission suite, extra facilities for visitors and the creation of a new games room used by young people.

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Quality of care

Appropriate service contracts, along with regular security and health and safety checks creates a safe environment for all. There is a high standard of maintenance, décor, fixtures, fittings and equipment. Young people were observed as being comfortable within their surroundings and many personalise their bedrooms.

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Safeguarding children and young people

The service is good at keeping children and young people safe and feeling safe.

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Safeguarding children and young people

Young people report that they feel supported, cared for and protected in the home. They say that they can share any fears or anxieties with the staff and that these will be treated seriously and acted upon. Members of staff are aware of what to do and who to inform in the event that they have concerns about a young person’s well- being. All members of staff have attended training in child protection. A good relationship is held with the Local Safeguarding Children Board, and the home deals with issues of safety appropriately. This ensures a transparent and independent view which helps to protect the welfare of the young people.

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Safeguarding children and young people

Young people state that they do not feel bullied within the home. They are advised and informed about the issues surrounding bullying and understand that it is not acceptable. Staff address any occurrences of bullying quickly and sensitively. Young people's risk assessments highlight areas of the home and behaviour which could cause concern. One social worker stated that a young person who had been involved in a serious incident 'the unit had dealt with in incident in a supportive, caring and professional manner'.

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Safeguarding children and young people

Each young person has an individual assessment in place regarding the action which needs to be taken in the event that they are missing without permission. No young people have gone missing since the last inspection. Young people understand why room and physical searches are necessary in the home. Any searches are undertaken in a discreet manner and are fully recorded after each event. The manager and staff team have reviewed their approach and process to individual searches and in doing so have reduced the number of physical searches undertaken in the home. The reviewing officer for the Youth Justice Board said ' the manager and staff team have been progressive and pro-active in their thinking and a reduction in physical searches and restraint has been seen over the last six months'. It was clear through gathering evidence that the home works towards new ways of looking at practice and always looks to promote new protocols and projects.

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Safeguarding children and young people

There is strong and effective management of young people's behaviour and many situations are dealt with through discussion and communication. Young people feel that the rules are fair and they understand their purpose. An effective incentive scheme which is understood by young people is in place, promotes positive behaviour. Positive relationships between staff and the young people ensure that the use of physical restraint is only be used as a last resort.

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Safeguarding children and young people

Records are held of all restraints, single separations and sanctions which provide adequate space for the comments of a young person after the event. Young people utilise the feedback and this is used towards looking at ways of improving practice. The home also uses separate recording system to gain the views of the young people after the event and record de-brief records from staff. However a small number of records had not been signed off by the assistant manager. The records not signed were seen to be appropriate in detail and in line with other records seen. The home has a robust recruitment policy which helps to ensure that only adults who have been assessed as suitable to work with young people are employed. Clear and effective systems are in place to ensure the safety of the young people while visitors are at the home.

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Safeguarding children and young people

Comprehensive risk assessments and safety checks of the premises and fire prevention equipment ensure that the young people live in a safe environment. Fire drills are undertaken at regular periods to ensure all at the unit are fully aware of emergency procedures. The systems operated and the attention given to individual young people's needs and vulnerabilities ensure that their safety is promoted.

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Leadership and management

The leadership and management of the children's home are good .

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Leadership and management

Young people, external professionals and parents are able to have a good understanding of the aims and objectives of the home. They are informed by the Statement of Purpose and an appropriate young person's guide and a range of relevant information leaflets.

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Leadership and management

The registered manager leads a staff team who is experienced and knowledgeable. The Registered Manager is experienced, efficient and well respected. A strong structure is held throughout the management team which supports the staff in implementing new incentives that have resulted in positive outcomes for young people. The youth justice board monitor said, 'there is a good management team in the home who will proactively work on new ideas to improve the time the young people spend at the unit'.

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Leadership and management

Positive relationships are in place with external professionals, including the police, safeguarding services and health practitioners. The independent visitor said 'young people are looked very well. I have no issues or concerns regarding the standard of care'. External monitoring visits as required by regulation are undertaken on a monthly basis. Where records were seen to have been missed they were very recent so were not picked up in the last regulation 33 report. A report is compiled and a copy sent to Ofsted. The manager responds in writing to any actions required as a result of these. An assessment and development plan for the service comprehensively details areas of planned improvement.

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Leadership and management

Staff receive good support and guidance. Regular formal supervision and appraisals are held and training is available to ensure they are equipped to carry out their role. Required development areas for staff are identified as part of the appraisal process and trends are identified. The staff member responsible for the provision of training has highlighted record keeping as a planned development area. All care staff have either achieved a formal qualification or are registered and working towards the Children and Young People’s Workforce Diploma. Policies and procedures applicable to the home are easily accessible to staff, to support and clarify expected practice.

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Leadership and management

A programme of management and staff meetings is followed. This enables practice issues and information to be shared, ensuring everyone is aware of the required needs of young people including any changes or amendments.

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Leadership and management

A system is in place which enables notification of significant events to be made to the appropriate authorities.

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Leadership and management

Young people's records are held securely. They are individualised and structured in a manner which enables internal and external information to be easily identified. Monitoring and auditing systems are in place which identify areas of deficiency in the records.

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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 main strengths, any areas for improvement, including any breaches of regulation, and any failure to meet national minimum standards. The judgements included in the report are made against the Inspections of children’s homes – framework for inspection and the evaluation schedule for the inspection of children's homes.

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