Children's Home run by Bryn Melyn Care Limited in Telford and Wrekin

Unique reference number SC372630 Inspection date 15/10/2013 Inspector Trevor Hall Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 19/04/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The home is run by a private organisation. The home is registered to provide care for up to two young people of either gender, aged between 10 and 17 years.

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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 April 2013 the overall rating for the service was good. However, it was recognised that quality of care, outcomes for young people and leadership and management were outstanding. The overall judgement was restricted to good due to the high levels of risk taking behaviours being presented by the young people. Although the level of risk taking behaviour was high there was clear evidence of improvement, with both the frequency and severity of risk reducing over time. Unfortunately, since the last inspection the levels of risk taking behaviours have escalated. Although these have been well managed by the home, through consistent working with external professionals, the home's progress can therefore only be described as satisfactory.

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Progress

The last inspection made two recommendations, regarding improving the internal decoration of some of the communal areas of the home and the need to remove potentially dangerous play equipment from the grounds. Both of these have now been appropriately addressed.

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Progress

The home provides a good quality of care. Staff are fully aware of young people’s backgrounds and histories and are well informed about the potential risks some young people present. Young people’s safety is the first priority of the staff team; they are clear about their role and responsibilities and what to do if they have a concern. This is because the Registered Manager promotes good safeguarding practices which are central to the team’s work with young people. Staff provide personal support tailored to reflect each young person's development and to meet their changing needs. All identified health needs are appropriately addressed, with staff encouraging young people to take appropriate responsibility for their own health according to their age and level of understanding. Care plans are individualised and reviewed regularly. Young people are enabled to be fully involved in their care planning arrangements.

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Progress

The home has developed very good joint protocols with external professionals, such as the local child and adolescent mental health service, the local police and medical professionals. This has enabled young people that present serious self-harming behaviours to be cared for safely. Young people live in a safe environment; all necessary safety checks are conducted at the frequencies required. The home is clean, adequately maintained, and no health and safety issues were identified.

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Progress

Employment practices are sound, with all staff appropriately vetted prior to employment in the home. Staff turnover is low and consistency of staff deployment is a strength of the home and enables young people to receive consistent care and to develop sustainable relationships.

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Progress

The home has a very experienced and well qualified staff team. All staff deployed in the home have completed all of their core training and have received specific ligature and self-harming training to better equip them to safely meet young people’s needs. Staff have received regular support and supervision at the frequency stated in the home’s policies.

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Progress

The home's Registered Manager is suitably qualified and experienced and provides good leadership and support to the staff group. This leads to the provision of quality care tailored to address the individual needs of the young people living in the home. The manager has established rigorous internal quality assurance monitoring systems. He checks all reporting systems regularly and comments if any record fails to meet either the home's policies and procedures or The Children’s Homes Regulations. Regular internal monitoring reports are produced which help the home to develop its practice and ensure that young people are receiving the care and support they need.

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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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