Children's Home run by Benecare Limited in Kent

Unique reference number SC438648 Inspection date 22/01/2014 Inspector Mark Blesky Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 11/04/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This home is operated by a private company who also manage a fostering agency and three further children's homes. This is a home for two children with emotional and 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 satisfactory progress .

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Progress

At the time of this inspection, the home was open and operational; however there have been no young people resident in this home since October 2013. A decision was taken by the responsible individual to defer any placements until the home had resolved some previous difficulties with behaviour management.

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Progress

The home has recruited a new experienced and knowledgeable staff team. Many of the staff members are from other homes, within the company and have worked together previously. Training for individual team members is in place and the staff members are also training collectively through staff meetings and group supervisions. Staff say that this is enabling them to work together effectively as a team.

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Progress

At the previous inspection in April 2013, the home was judged good for overall effectiveness and adequate for leadership and management.

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Progress

One requirement was made related to staff recruitment documents and five recommendations were made. These included taking into account the views of the young people, behaviour management and producing a development plan for the home. Recommendation was also raised in respect of staff supervision.

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Progress

The requirement has been addressed and recommendations made at the previous inspection have in most cases been met. However, due to the absence of young people in the home, since October 2013, it is not possible to determine what difference this may make to the outcomes of young people. Therefore, in some cases, information prior to October 2013 has been referenced in this inspection visit to determine the homes progress since the previous inspection.

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Progress

Staff recruitment files have been reviewed with the clearer and more concise practices in place. References and statutory checks for staff are more clearly referenced within the employment documents and this has supported more robust recruitment practices. Files are easy to navigate and well-organised.

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Progress

Young people's meetings and house meetings are now more engaging. The improved format enables young people to communicate and articulate their comments and views more clearly. Records demonstrate that young people's views are discussed and documents demonstrate the actions that are taken following consultation with them. Key working sessions have been increased and have become more themed. Sessions now focus on specific agendas that are related both to the young people's broader care plan aims and their day-to-day needs. This has resulted in a more engaging key working process.

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Progress

In addition, key working is now used specifically for both prior to and following young people’s statutory reviews. This has allowed young people to discuss matters related to their forthcoming review and has resulted in young people being better prepared for their reviews. Following the review, key working sessions consider how any changes will be implemented which provides further opportunities for young people to be engaged in their care planning.

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Progress

Behaviour management has been reviewed and the manager has implemented a more reflective and evaluative oversight of young people's behaviour. This has resulted in staff members considering their responses to negative behaviour and identifying the actions most likely to encourage positive outcomes.

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Progress

Young people benefit from being consulted in the type of actions that should result from their behaviour. Staff say that sanctions are not their first choice and with more reflective practices, they are often able to negotiate improved behaviour. This results in a much more positive response to behaviour management and encourages young people to take responsibility for their actions.

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Progress

A development plan has been produced by the home and this details both material and practical plans for the home such as furnishings and equipment. It also details practice issues such as supervision, team meetings and key working. The current plan is realistic and appropriately focused on the needs of young people and aimed at improving their outcomes. Staff supervision practices have been reviewed and regular supervision sessions are now in place. Expectations of supervision are high and there is a stronger focus on professional development and a more evaluative consideration of performance. Staff members spoken to say, that their supervision is engaging, challenging and supportive. Staff members say that supervision provides them with good opportunities to look at both training and development and also their day-to-day performance in providing care.

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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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