Children's Home run by Buckinghamshire County Council in Buckinghamshire

Unique reference number SC032058 Inspection date 17/10/2013 Inspector Peter Harrell Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Date of last inspection 30/04/2013 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 is a local authority children's home, providing residential care for up to six young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

p.3

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.

p.3

Progress

Since their previous inspection the service is judged to be making satisfactory progress .

p.3

Progress

The overall effectiveness of the service was judged as providing an adequate level of care for young people, at the last inspection which took place, on 30th April 2013. The service has addressed all the requirements, and seven out of the eight recommendations that were raised at this inspection. The action plan which outlines how these requirements and recommendations were met, was not submitted prior to the inspection.

p.3

Progress

As a consequence of this interim inspection, there are two requirements raised, one which is related to a previous recommendation with one new requirement and a good practice recommendation.

p.3

Progress

Following a significant period of time without a permanent manager in place at the home, the recent appointment has had a positive impact on the staff as well as the outcomes and quality of care provided to young people. Statutory checks are currently being carried out to finalise the appointment and registration of this new manager, who has already commenced the implementation of a detailed performance improvement and a development plan for the home. Since the last inspection, a new monthly check list for young people’s files has been implemented, up to date review minutes and placement plans are received and a new recording and filing system is in place. The procedure for recording medication administration has been reviewed and is more effective.

p.3

Progress

Information for the children’s rights director has been included the children’s guide, together with contact details for services providing advocacy support. In order to promote young peoples self esteem, there is an increase in social activities on offer and a member of staff has been given responsibilities for arranging activities for young people to become more involved in. A new reward system has been implemented and there is an increase in regular key work sessions, where a 'star outcomes' recording system has been implemented. The homes generic and lone working risk assessments have been updated. A new missing from home form is implemented to ensure information is accurately recorded where children are reported missing. Incidents of missing have decreased since the last inspection. Links have also been made with agencies who provide advice and support regarding sexual health and substance use issues.

p.4

Progress

The home’s design and it's location is suitable for its function. Young people live in an environment which is welcoming. There have been some actions taken to improve the homes décor, but further redecoration is necessary. Worn out carpets , which young people commented on, need replacing. This detracts from the homely feel which staff at the home attempt to maintain.

p.4

Progress

There are systems in place to monitor the performance of the home at regular intervals. Registered provider visits happen as required. The families of young people are now consulted as part of the monitoring process, and reports for these visits were available in the home. However, they have not all been submitted to the HMCI at Ofsted.

p.4

Progress

Young people receive information about the home in a guide which is both accessible and allows them to have a clear understanding of what to expect from the home. The Statement of Purpose describes the aims and objectives of the service and has been regularly updated. However, a section relating to staffing is out of date and there is a document which refers to a previous inspectorate.

p.4

Progress

Young people are progressing well and developing a positive self image. They are actively involved in local voluntary work. There are improved levels of attendance from young people at educational provisions. This progress further benefits young people when they move toward being more independent.

p.4

Progress

Staff are highly motivated, better organised and clearly understand the roles and the expectations placed upon them. There is a refreshed commitment to provide a high quality service with staff working towards improving the outcomes for all the young people living at the home. The manager designate communicates high expectations to all staff and these have been well received.

p.4

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.5

Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure than all parts of the children's home are kept clean and reasonably decorated and maintained (Regulation 31(2)(e) 31/12/2013

p.5

Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure copies of records of visits which are undertaken by the registered provider are supplied to HMCI. (Regulation 33(5a)) 30/11/2013

p.5

Recommendations

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

p.5

Recommendations

 make sure the children's home has a clear statement of purpose (NMS 13.1).

p.5

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.6

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.

p.6