Children's Home run by Keys Care Limited in Durham

Unique reference number SC423407 Inspection date 10/12/2013 Inspector Bill Drumm Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 17/06/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The home accommodates up to eight children and young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties, and is owned by a private company. It is dually registered with the Department for Education as an independent boarding school.

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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 good progress .

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Progress

At the last inspection in June 2013, the overall effectiveness rating of the home was good. The home has made good progress since the last inspection. Young people seen at the time of the inspection appeared happy and relaxed talking with both staff and visitors. One young person said,, 'I feel safe here'.

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Progress

Two requirements and three recommendations were made at the last inspection. All have been fully met. However, one further recommendation has been made as a result of this inspection.

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Progress

Since the last inspection, the home has seen several young people move on to other placements. Overall, this has had an unsettling effect on the home as new young people have been admitted. However, staff have continued to provide good quality care to the young people they look after and they have generally settled well into education and the daily routine.

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Progress

The new recommendation is in relation to the written records for the management and administration of medication. A small number of errors were found in the recording system used by the home for one young person. It is unclear if the young person's prescribed medication is being administered at the correct intervals as prescribed by their doctor.

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Progress

Overall, young people are making good progress. The home's manager indicated that the consistent use of clear and unambiguous behaviour strategies is having a positive effect on young people. Written records show that the rewards given for positive behaviour are far in excess of the sanctions given for negative behaviour. This shows that young people are responding well to incentive programmes put in place and are developing socially acceptable behaviour. Additionally, the number of occasions when the police have been called to the home has also decreased as young people are better at keeping themselves safe and not going missing. The home's manager and staff positively advocate for young people in their formal reviews. They help and assist the young person to be heard and to ensure their wishes and feelings are borne in mind when decisions about their future are being considered. This helps to ensure the welfare of young people remains paramount and that they have the

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Progress

services they require as they get older.

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Progress

At the time of the inspection, the home was decorated in celebration of the festive season. Young people have participated in this process and are reported to be excited about events planned for their Christmas break. For instance, they will be attending the local pantomime and enjoying a Christmas lunch. Enjoying activities with staff and peers helps promote good behaviour and encourages positive relationships amongst the group.

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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 that there is an accurate record of all medication, treatment and first aid given to children during their placement. (NMS 6.15)

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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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