Children's Home run by Blue Mountain Homes Ltd in Derbyshire

Unique reference number SC436469 Inspection date 18/09/2013 Inspector Amanda Ellis Type of inspection Full Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Date of last inspection 11/10/2012 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-owned home can accommodate up to three young people who may have emotional or behavioural difficulties.

p.3

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

p.3

Overall effectiveness

The overall effectiveness is judged to be adequate .

p.3

Overall effectiveness

The overall effectiveness of the home is judged as adequate. The home provides a good quality of care delivered by a knowledgeable management and staff team. However outcomes for some young people who have complex needs are compromised due to the impact of their behaviours.

p.3

Overall effectiveness

Young people are nurtured and respected. They have consistently positive views about their care, the staff and the home. They are able to express how they have benefited from the care and support at this home.

p.3

Overall effectiveness

Safeguarding practices promote the safety of young people. Some young people exhibit risk taking and concerning behaviours. However, the home is proactive in multi-agency working to safeguard young people and minimise risks.

p.3

Overall effectiveness

There is strong leadership and management with development plans in place to identify weaknesses and implement actions to secure improvement.

p.3

Overall effectiveness

Areas identified for improvement are in relation to the submission of the Statement of Purpose to Ofsted; case record organisation and that the home’s missing from care procedures, which are not yet compatible with local police protocols.

p.3

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.

p.4

Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure that a copy of the Statement of Purpose is provided to Ofsted which shall consist of a statement as to the matters listed in Schedule 1. (Regulation 4 (1) (2)) 31/10/2013

p.4

Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

p.4

Recommendations

 ensure that where a child is absent from the home and their whereabouts is not known (i.e. the child is missing), the home’s procedures are compatible with and have regard to Runaway and Missing from Home and Care (RMFHC) protocols and procedures maintained and managed by the police or by the local authority for the area where the home is located (NMS 5.6)  ensure that the home has and implements a written policy that clarifies the purpose, format and content of information to be kept on the registered person’s files and information to be kept on the child’s files. Records may be kept in electronic form, provided the information so recorded is capable of being reproduced in a legible form. Staff understand the nature of records maintained and follow the home’s policy for the keeping and retention of files, managing confidential information, and access to files (including files removed from the premises). There is a system in place to monitor the quality and adequacy of

p.4

Recommendations

record keeping and take action when needed. (NMS 22.1)

p.4

Outcomes for children and young people

Outcomes for young people are adequate .

p.4

Outcomes for children and young people

Young people learn to develop positive attachments and relationships with carers. This means that they engage in key work sessions and are able to gain a knowledge and understanding of their background and history. As a result, young people benefit from improved emotional resilience and develop a positive self-view.

p.4

Outcomes for children and young people

Young people progress in education in relation to their starting points. Some young people have completed examinations and are enrolled in further education courses. When young people are resistant to engaging in education, routines within the home encourage them to participate in education or activities. This provides continuity of learning. Young people are generally in good physical and emotional health but do not always take responsibility for their own health. Health outcomes are compromised, due to young people engaging in behaviours such as self-harm, smoking and drug use. Additionally, some young people are reluctant to engage in services to promote positive emotional and psychological health. However, they benefit from advice, guidance and support by staff and alternative external agencies. This means that they have an understanding of key health risks.

p.4

Outcomes for children and young people

Some young people make good progress in reducing high risk behaviours and feel more settled in the home. They enjoy positive relationships with staff and the security of a stable placement. However, some young people continue to display risk- taking behaviours, which means they are potentially vulnerable to harm.

p.5

Outcomes for children and young people

Young people are supported to sustain relationships with their families. Positive contact for young people is promoted in line with the arrangements agreed in their individual care plans. This enables young people to maintain their personal identity.

p.5

Outcomes for children and young people

Life skills are promoted within the home. Young people develop a wide range of practical skills for independent living, such as budgeting, domestic tasks and shopping. Some young people are skilled cooks and prepare meals for staff and young people. Overall, young people have the opportunity to develop their independence skills to benefit them in the future.

p.5

Quality of care

Staff show commitment and concern for young people’s welfare, which means that relationships with young people develop and strengthen. Young people have mutually respectful and warm relationships with the staff. Each young person has expressed that the staff make the house a ‘home’. One young person said ‘it's a good home, not like all the others; it’s like a proper home.’

p.5

Quality of care

A skilled staff team effectively manages challenging behaviours. Individual placement and behaviour management plans guide them in the management of young people’s behaviours. This supports young people in developing ways of developing positive relationships and managing conflict.

p.5

Quality of care

The participation of young people in the running of their home means they can exercise choice and express their views. For example, young people attend weekly house meetings, which include a routine agenda and topical issues of discussion. Young people lead and record these meetings. This builds their confidence and increases their participation in their own care.

p.5

Quality of care

Young people have developed their own children’s guide, which contains information on their care, advocacy, contacts and the details for Ofsted. Young people know how to make a complaint to staff. Complaints are taken seriously and dealt with in an open and transparent manner. This is evident in the home’s recording systems and through discussion with staff and young people.

p.5

Quality of care

Care plans for young people are individualised and regularly reviewed. Care planning consistently involves young people. Clear and consistent care planning provide staff with clarity to effectively support young people and ensure their needs are met. Equality issues are addressed within both care planning and are embedded within the routine of the home.

p.6

Quality of care

Staff work proactively with a wide range of professionals to meet the specific needs of young people. This means a multi-agency team works cohesively to improve outcomes for young people. One professional stated, ‘staff demonstrate commitment, warmth and care and I do not know of any other place where the young person would be better cared for. Their efforts are commendable and I have respect for the team.’

p.6

Quality of care

Staff promote the education of young people and are proactive in securing suitable educational placements for young people. Where young people do attend education provision regularly, staff support ensures young people progress and maintain good attendance levels. Proactive communication with education providers results in care staff being well informed and supportive regarding educational targets and achievements.

p.6

Quality of care

Young people are encouraged to engage with a range of activities. Staffing levels ensure young people have effective support to participate in a variety of new experiences. This means young people benefit from exploring their potential in engaging with social and recreational activities.

p.6

Quality of care

The maintenance and the décor of the home are of a good standard. The home is comfortable and provides a homely environment. Young people’s bedrooms are individualised and young people have choice in their decoration preferences. The home offers opportunity for both privacy and social engagement.

p.6

Safeguarding children and young people

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

p.6

Safeguarding children and young people

The measures to promote the safety and well-being of young people are adequate. Young people state they feel safe in the home and generally safe outside it. The manager and experienced staff team are well informed in regards to safeguarding. The home has systems in place to ensure that young people's safety is promoted and protected.

p.6

Safeguarding children and young people

While some young people may have disagreements, they report no incidents of bullying within the home. Staff are aware of the signs of bullying and young people are clear that they would tell staff if they were unhappy about bullying behaviours.

p.6

Safeguarding children and young people

Staff are aware of the factors which lead to young people to go missing from care and take action to minimise the risk. Incidents of some young people missing from care have increased. Where incidents occur, relevant agencies are informed, which result in strategy meetings with the police and social workers. Multi-agency work ensures that young people are monitored and risks managed. However, the home’s procedures are not compatible with the most recent missing-from-care protocols. This has not had a direct impact on young people. However, potentially it could lead to delays in responses to missing-from-care episodes. Placement plans are reviewed and action is taken to look at how future incidents can be reduced or avoided. Young people’s safety and welfare is therefore regularly monitored and reviewed.

p.6

Safeguarding children and young people

Staff promote positive behaviour for young people at all times, with a focus on de- escalation of conflict and the promotion of incentives to reward positive behaviours. This means that young people learn to manage their behaviours and develop more positive ways of coping. This is reflected in the low numbers of physical restraints. The use of physical restraint in the home is minimal. However, in the event of a situation requiring restraint, the staff team are all suitably trained. Records of restraints are accurately and clearly recorded.

p.7

Safeguarding children and young people

There have been no allegations since the last inspection. Where young people have made complaints, these have been resolved and responded to in a timely manner.

p.7

Safeguarding children and young people

The provider has good systems in place for the recruitment and vetting of all new staff. Staff are aware of internal safeguarding procedures and understand the company whistle-blowing policy. This helps to promote young people’s safety.

p.7

Leadership and management

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

p.7

Leadership and management

The home was last inspected in October 2012. One recommendation was made and this has been fully met. Records relating to sanctions now include young people’s views. The home demonstrates a strong capacity for continuing improvement, based on its track record and performance since the last inspection.

p.7

Leadership and management

The Registered Manager is an experienced and knowledgeable professional who has significant direct experience in working with young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties and challenging behaviours.

p.7

Leadership and management

Young people benefit from a home that has maintained good standards since the last inspection. The development plan reflects practical proposals for continued improvement, with plans for staff development, training and emphasis on child- centred practice. The manager understands the strengths and weaknesses of the home and takes action to tackle weakness and make improvements.

p.7

Leadership and management

The home has a clear Statement of Purpose and children's guide, which inform young people, their families, and placing authorities about the services provided by the home. The Statement of Purpose reflects the home’s conditions of registration. However, the home’s Statement of Purpose has not been submitted to Ofsted, as required under regulation.

p.7

Leadership and management

Young people benefit from effective management and monitoring of the home. Internal and external monitoring systems ensure robust quality assurance. This means shortfalls are identified and rectified, thus promoting improvement. The reports are regularly sent to Ofsted, which enables the regulators ability to review the home’s progress.

p.8

Leadership and management

While the staff team is small, staffing levels ensure sufficient support to meet the needs of the home and the young people in placement. The management team provides a reliable presence, offering support on shifts and an on-call service. Staff participate in a training programme which is relevant to the young people’s needs. Supervision is regular and staff are positive about the manager and the quality and consistency of the support they receive.

p.8

Leadership and management

Health and safety requirements are met. Fire equipment testing and health and safety checks take place regularly and are recorded. As a result, young people live in a safe environment. Regular fire drills ensure all young people know how to evacuate the home.

p.8

Leadership and management

Records are clear, up to date and stored securely. However, the format of some young person’s files, makes locating specific documents difficult. This can result in delays in finding important records. All notifications are carried out as required and appropriate action is taken to follow procedures and protect young people.

p.8

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.9

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.

p.9