Children's Home run by Child First Limited in West Sussex

Unique reference number SC044259 Inspection date 31/10/2013 Inspector Kevin Whatley Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 30/05/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The home is run by a private organisation. It is registered to accommodate up to five young people of either gender who have emotional and behavioural difficulties and who are unable, for the moment, to live in a family setting. The home aims to support young people to return to family, move to foster carers or to move on to independent accommodation.

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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 the home was judged as adequate; five recommendations were made. These related to the need to ensure all information is confirmed when recruiting new staff; that records of sanctions contain the views of young people; that assessments accurately reflect the level of risk presented by young people; that the home reviews behaviour management strategies and their outcomes; and finally that the home environment is kept free from graffiti. All of these recommendations have been addressed. One shortfall was identified at this inspection in relation to ensuring matters, as required, are notified to Ofsted in good time. This shortfall did not pose a risk of harm to young people.

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Progress

Young people are looked after by staff who have been deemed appropriate to work with them. A number of new staff have been employed since the last inspection. Records of recruitment confirmed that all required checks had been completed including any gaps in previous employment. The home ensure the views and opinions of young people are sought and evidenced when they receive a sanction. Improvements have been made to the format for recording sanctions which staff are completing accurately. Sanctions records confirm the nature of the incident and reasoning for the sanction imposed and the effectiveness of it. Young people consistently have their views recorded with managers reviewing the appropriateness of its implementation.

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Progress

The risks that young people may pose to themselves or others are thoroughly and accurately assessed. The management team review and monitor the usefulness of intervention strategies and seek alternatives if necessary. Young people admitted to the home have their historical behaviours considered in detail. These include a rating of risk which matches the severity of the known behaviour and any expected consequence. The effectiveness of strategies aimed at reducing risk are now readily considered utilising a defined systematic approach. This results in a more consistent and targeted management response to meeting behavioural needs. These include monthly reviews which evaluate any patterns or trends in individual behaviour. Innovative approaches are also sought such as working closely with the local police in an attempt to reduce the occasions certain young people are arrested when away from the home.

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Progress

Young people said staff, 'Try really hard' and, 'Do all they can' in helping them to stay out of trouble. Young people commented that when they have needed to be restrained that this was carried out, 'properly' by staff who, 'released' them as soon as it was safe to do so. Social workers praised the efforts of the home and stated that they had, 'Worked wonders' with young people in addressing their issues. In particular providing them with alternative coping strategies to address their behaviour issues, including providing them with music therapy and joint working with child psychologists from the young person's placing authority. Some young people make good progress as a result, which is notable given their poor starting points. Other young people make less progress and have been arrested for causing criminal damage and assaulting staff. The regularity of such incidents is reducing.

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Progress

Young people are provided with a good standard of accommodation which is suitably maintained and homely. The home is well furnished with young people involved in choosing the decoration of their own rooms. A number of communal areas have been redecorated with no signs of graffiti or damage.

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Progress

A suitable approach toward safeguarding ensures young people are protected when concerns arise, however not all matters are notified as required. Staff receive training in child protection and display a sound understanding of safeguarding matters. When issues occur swift and appropriate actions are taken including notifying the relevant safeguarding agencies. One child protection concern arose since the last inspection; this was unfounded. Interventions were appropriate and ensured the safety and wellbeing of all; however this matter was not notified to Ofsted until several weeks after the event.

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Progress

The management team display a focus on meeting the individual needs of young people and of striving to improve standards of care provision. The home has experienced a number of challenges since the last inspection, in particular aggressive behaviour from some young people which included staff being assaulted. However the staff team appear committed to meeting such challenges with morale said to be good. Staff noted they receive, 'Brilliant' support and guidance and, 'Love' working in the home. Young people say, 'It's alright here' and, 'This is the best care home I have lived in.' The atmosphere was found to be relaxed with staff and young people sharing positive interactions.

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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) If, in relation to a children's home, any of the events listed in column 1 of the table in Schedule 5 takes place, the registered person shall without delay notify the persons indicated in respect of the event in column 2 of the table; in particular the instigation and outcome of any child protection enquiries involving a child accommodated at the home. (Regulation 30 (1)) 08/12/2013

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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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