Children's Home run by Hampshire County Council in Hampshire

Unique reference number SC033174 Inspection date 13/02/2014 Inspector Jennie Christopher Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 13/06/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This is a local authority children's home that provides care and accommodation for up to five children and young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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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

At the last full inspection in June 2013, the overall quality rating for the service was judged as good with two requirements and three recommendations made. The service demonstrates improvement in all areas identified at the previous inspection. However, the notification of significant events, although now happening in all instances, remains untimely. The recently appointed home manager is committed to developing the service and improving care and outcomes for young people. However, there has been delay in submitting her application to become registered and the service has been without a registered manager since July 2013. As result, of these two issues this service is judged to be making inadequate progress.

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Progress

At the last inspection requirements set related to informing Ofsted of the events listed in Schedule 5, as appropriate and ensuring restraint records are in line with regulations. The latter requirement has been met. However, notifications of events in Schedule 5 are not made promptly, for example taking more than 10 days to report in most cases. The recommendations set at the last inspection have all been met. Consultation with young people on the day-to-day running of the home has improved. In house meeting records have been amended to demonstrate outcomes in response to young people’s views and ideas. The recently appointed manager is exploring further methods to ensure views are gained and acted upon when practical. The policy in relation to the use of isolating electricity to plug sockets in young people’s bedrooms has been updated. The policy is clear on the extreme circumstances under which this measure can be used. However this still remains an

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Progress

institutional practice. Permission has been sought from placing authorities for the use of alarms on bedroom and external doors when assessed as necessary to safeguard young people.

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Progress

Young people continue to receive care in line with their individual plans. Young people demonstrate they have a positive view of the care they receive. Observed interactions demonstrate young people have good relationships with staff and that they feel safe. Staff have clear and consistent boundaries with increased use of restorative approaches to misbehaviour. The approach is enabling young people to understand the impact of their behaviour and how to positively manage it. Close working with external emotional health agencies ensures staff are effectively guided in the care of young people’s emotional well-being. Young people benefit from the support and attention they require to access activities in the community, both alone or with staff. The culture and ethos within the home promotes individuality and diversity. As a result, young people receive good care and support based on their individualised needs.

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Progress

Since the last inspection, a new manager has been appointed. Currently they are evaluating the service and identifying areas for change and development. Examples include developing care practice to ensure improved outcomes for young people and liaising with home managers in neighbouring authorities to share good practice ideas. Further consideration is being given as to how the home will meet the revised regulations and evaluation schedule both strategically and in the home. Evaluative reports of independent monitoring visits and quarterly monitoring by managers demonstrate some consultation with young people, staff and other significant people. Again the management team are considering how to improve this area to formulate monitoring tools which are more effective for the future.

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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) notify HMCI, without delay, when any of the applicable events listed in column 1 of the table in schedule 5 of these regulations occur. (Regulation 30) 24/02/2014

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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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