Children's Home run by Keys Education Ltd in South Gloucestershire

Unique reference number SC067561 Inspection date 20/01/2014 Inspector Diana Waters Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 29/04/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The home is run by a private company that runs other children's homes in the surrounding area. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to three children who have 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 satisfactory progress .

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Progress

Since the last inspection three young people have been admitted to the home and four have moved out. Outcomes for some of these young people were not positive; poor matching and frequent placement changes do not enhance young people’s life chances. However the remaining young person and newest admission have benefitted from the consistent care provided by a group of staff who are highly committed to their welfare.

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Progress

At the full inspection of the home in April 2013, the overall quality rating was satisfactory. Since then the home has made satisfactory progress in addressing the two requirements and four recommendations for improvements made at the previous inspection.

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Progress

Attendance at education has markedly improved. With consistent support and encouragement from the staff, and appropriate incentives in place, both young people have been enabled to attend mainstream schools. Statistics based on the close tracking of young people in education are available and are easily interpreted, ensuring that problem areas are quickly identified and addressed. Work is undertaken to maintain young people in their own schools and, with positive community links, provides an excellent example of multi-disciplinary working that benefits individual young people and promotes self-esteem.

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Progress

Fire safety checks are regularly undertaken and the details are recorded in the monitoring visit reports that the provider produces. The home is currently waiting for a report from the fire service about the suitability of the second emergency exit which is via the kitchen. Smoke detectors remain in place, however the home is aware of the fact that they are easy to remove which could compromise fire safety. Deterrents are in place.

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Progress

Young people are consulted and asked for their views in a variety of ways, including key working sessions and group meetings, and are well documented. Following sanctions and disciplinary measures, young people’s views are sometimes recorded by staff, however young people frequently turn down the opportunity to record their own views

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Progress

Young people who currently live in the home rarely go missing and when on free time remain in touch with the staff team. Building pathways to independence and links into the community are done in small achievable steps.

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Progress

Access to psychological help is available via the company’s therapist and behaviour management specialist. Health training for the staff team to address a specific health need was prompt. Adherence to clear health plans have benefitted young people and health conditions have stabilised, with increased understanding and acceptance of these.

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Progress

The service provide a comfortable, cosy home, with domestic touches that incorporate young people’s choices. Art work displayed reflects young people’s efforts and interests. Young people clearly feel at home and are generally respectful of the fabric and furnishings. The home is well maintained and damage to the property is now infrequent. Repairs and upgrades are respected by young people and they are involved in the finishing touches that make a house their home. Young people’s individual rooms reflect their own tastes and interests.

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Progress

Staffing ratios are very good and young people benefit from the warm positive relationships they have with the staff. Young people’s comments, and direct observation by the inspector, confirm the trust and affection that exist between young people and the staff. This creates an environment where young people can flourish, gain confidence and address concerns.

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Progress

Relationships between young people veer between harmonious and adversarial. At present when they are together young people are constantly supervised. Work is being undertaken to promote better understanding and tolerance between the young people. The newly appointed manager has been in post since October 2013 and had a Registered Manager interview on 20 January 2014.

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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, after consultation with the fire and rescue authority, that the means of escape provided is adequate, specifically that the second fire exit through the kitchen is appropriate (Regulation 32 (1b)) 28/02/2014

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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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