Children's Home run by Anna House Limited in Havering

Unique reference number SC058603 Inspection date 15/01/2014 Inspector Sharon Lewis Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 28/08/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This privately-operated children's home provides short break care for up to six children and young people with physical and learning disabilities.

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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

This interim unannounced inspection focuses on the progress made since the last inspection. The overall effectiveness judgement made at the inspection in August 2013 was good. No requirements were made at the last inspection. The home was asked to consider two recommendations to further improve practice; these related to the service development plan and staff appraisals. One of the recommendations has been fully addressed. Children have a greater influence on the service, by contributing to the staff appraisal process. The staff performance appraisal form now includes a specific section to comment on observations of children and their feedback regarding staff.

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Progress

Although managers within the home and the organisation's leadership have discussed future plans for the home, this information has not been formalised. They are aware of the need to produce a written development plan, this recommendation is therefore repeated. One requirement is being made to further improve the service. This relates to strengthening the quality assurance process. The home complete quality of care reports, in accordance with Regulation 34. These reports, however, do not include feedback from children, parents and placing authorities. These shortfalls have not had a detrimental impact on the children.

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Progress

The outcomes for children are central to this inspection. Children continue to thrive within the homely, caring and nurturing environment. Children are continuing to make meaningful progress in various areas of their lives. Children have a better understanding of boundaries, structure and socially acceptable behaviour. They are more independent, making choices, attending to their personal care and assisting with household tasks. Examples of the latter are washing up and tidying their rooms and communal areas.

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Progress

Children receive on-going encouragement to develop their talents and interests. Within the home they enjoy playing music, dancing, arts and crafts, watching television, trampolining and playing with interactive toys. Children enjoy being out in their local community and exploring the surrounding areas. Children celebrate festivals; a recent example was Christmas. Children assisted with making and putting up the decorations. They benefit from the home's good community links, with churches and local businesses; enjoying carol concerts and an abundant supply of donated gifts.

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Progress

The home works in partnership with parents and assist with tasks they have difficulty with. An example is facilitating a hairdresser visit to the home. Staff are able to prepare culturally reflective meals, which parents greatly appreciate; for example, traditional Nigerian dishes. Staff also take into account children's allergies and prepare individually appetising meals. Parents state that they 'love the place', describing the atmosphere as 'welcoming' and 'nice'. Parents highlight the difficulties in finding a suitable respite home for their child; they greatly appreciate the service scoring it '10 out of 10'.

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Progress

Staff have a very good understanding of children, they continue to work very successfully with children who have a range of challenging needs. Children learn to manage their behaviour through diversion activities. Staff discourage children in a positive manner, which ensures they do not feel rejected. The home has a risk management system that includes general, fire and individualised risk assessments for children. On one occasion a separate risk assessment had not been completed for a child. Support plans, however, do identify care preferences and cover some areas of risk.

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Progress

Children benefit from perceptive staff who promote their best interests. Staff promptly respond to health and safeguarding issues; referring issues to health and social work professionals. Children benefit from the high staffing levels; there is always a staff member to offer individual time. Staff receive the necessary support to undertake their role, which includes regular training. Staff focus on each child's strengths and there is a commitment to helping them maximise their potential. Staff enjoy their work, describing the home as a 'small family'. Leaders and managers take pride in their quality of care, praising staff and highlighting that 'it is doing the little things that matter'.

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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) ensure Regulation 34 reports include consultation with children, parents and placing authorities. (Regulation 34 (3)) 01/04/2014

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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

 produce a written development plan for the future of the home. (NMS 15.2)  implement a proportionate and consistent approach to any risk assessment. (NMS 4.5)

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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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