Children's Home run by Phoenix Children’s Homes Limited in Devon

Unique reference number SC403234 Inspection date 23/01/2014 Inspector Linda Bond Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Date of last inspection 11/09/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.1

This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated.

p.2

Brief description of the service

This home is operated by a private company which also operates a number of other homes in the locality. The home provides care and accommodation for up to three young people who may have behavioural and emotional difficulties. The home provides planned or emergency long-term care.

p.3

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.

p.3

Progress

Since their previous inspection the service is judged to be making satisfactory progress .

p.3

Progress

At the last inspection in July 2013, the home was judged as outstanding with no requirements or recommendations. The home has made satisfactory progress during this period. However, there is evidence to suggest that following a change in the Registered Managers position and the introduction of a number of new staff, some young people's attachments have been disrupted. Nevertheless, young people's welfare is enhanced by the emerging relationships that exist between the staff and young people. These constructive relationships have positively influenced the young people's engagement levels within the home, and across all areas. Young people are positive about the quality of care and say they are happy and the home is 'their home'.

p.3

Progress

Young people's continued access to education and social activities remains a positive feature within the home. While some young people receive personalised educational packages within the home, some young people are safely and independently accessing further education.

p.3

Progress

Young people are encouraged to eat a balanced healthy diet, attend social clubs and are involved in a choice of activities and trips. As a result young people feel valued and respected. Young people also appreciate the guidance, encouragement and help they receive from staff. Placing authorities benefit from frequent communication. This enables them to efficiently monitor the quality of each placement.

p.4

Progress

While the home provides a homely and comfortable environment with a strong emphasis being placed on each young person's identity, it was noted that some furnishings require updating and redecorating.

p.4

Progress

Management and staff remain committed to ensuring young people are safeguarded. All necessary health and safety checks are routinely taking place and robust procedures are in place to ensure recruitment is safe and staff are suitably qualified and trained. Young people's files are securely stored and contain all necessary documents including up to date risk assessments. However, during the course of this inspection it was noted that on a number of occasions staff had not signed and counter signed when administering medicines. In addition there was evidence of documents not being filed appropriately which may result in some difficulty in effectively monitoring the adequacy of the information.

p.4

Progress

These shortfalls do not place young people at risk. The Registered Manager is aware and there is a commitment to ensure that work takes place to improve the quality of care for young people. As a result two recommendations and a requirement will be made to ensure these shortfalls are addressed.

p.4

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.

p.4

Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) the registered person shall ensure, subject to paragraph (3), that a written record is kept of the administration of any medicine to any child (Regulation 21 (2)(c) 14/03/2014

p.4

Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

p.4

Recommendations

 ensure the home provides a comfortable and homely environment and is well maintained and decorated (NMS 10.3)  ensure there is a system in place to monitor the quality and adequacy of record keeping and take action when needed (NMS 22.1)

p.4

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.

p.6

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.

p.6