Children's Home run by N H Care Limited in Birmingham

Unique reference number SC432966 Inspection date 19/09/2013 Inspector Judith Longden Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 26/03/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This home is part of a private children's care organisation and is registered to accommodate four young people with learning disabilities; one child may also have a physical disability.

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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 inadequate progress .

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Progress

This home was judged as outstanding at the last full inspection in March 2013 and no requirements or recommendations were made. Since then the quality of care and outcomes for young people have declined and three requirements and one recommendation are made as a result.

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Progress

The food provided by the home lacks variety and often the daily menu does not provide sufficient fruit and vegetables to ensure a healthy, balanced and nutritious meal. This means young people do not benefit from a healthy diet.

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Progress

The home is currently in a general state of disrepair; the décor and cleanliness is poor in a number of rooms. A number of maintenance issues have been reported for several months but are still not rectified. This includes the replacement of carpets in bedrooms and a shower that does not work. As a result young people live in a home that is not well maintained and does not provide a warm or homely environment.

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Progress

A number of safety checks have not been completed in line with the home's policies. The weekly water temperature checks and weekly checks on fire doors and evacuation routes have not been completed for a month. Fire doors were found to be wedged open during inspection. A number of escape routes are jeopardised by worn carpet and trip hazards. This means the environment may not be physically safe and the safety of young people is compromised.

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Progress

A number of records are not completed in sufficient detail or on a regular basis. There are also inconsistencies in records made by the home. This includes lack of detail in recording young people's food intake, occasions where monthly height and weight records have not been completed, inaccurate recording on the budget detailing the spend on food and inconsistencies in the recording of accidents and injuries in the home. A recommendation is therefore made to ensure records are kept up to date and contribute to an understanding of life in the home.

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Progress

Staff appear motivated and strive to involve young people in their care through improved use of key work sessions and young people's house meetings. Young people enjoy good relationships with staff and each other.

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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) ensure that children accommodated in a children's home are provided with food which is properly prepared, wholesome and nutritious and is sufficiently varied (Regulation 13(1)(a)(ii and iv)) 11/10/2013

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure that all parts of the home to which children have access are so far as reasonably practicable free from hazards to their health or safety (Regulation 23 (a)) 11/10/2013

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure that all parts of the children's home used by children are kept clean and reasonably decorated and maintained. (Regulation 31(2)(e)) 11/10/2013

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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 records are clear, up to date and stored securely, and contribute to an understanding of the child's life. (NMS 22)

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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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