Children's Home run by The Caldecott Foundation Limited in Kent

Unique reference number SC037309 Inspection date 11/02/2014 Inspector Helen Lee Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 07/08/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This private children's home is registered to provide care and accommodation for nine children. The home is run by a charitable organisation.

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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 good progress .

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Progress

The last full inspection of this home took place in August 2013. The overall effectiveness was judged to be good at that time. Three requirements and one recommendation were made following that inspection. The service young people receive continues to improve and develop with all requirements and recommendations made being addressed.

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Progress

The home was asked to notify Ofsted of any revision of the Statement of Purpose. The Registered Manager has reviewed and updated the Statement of Purpose to ensure it reflects the current staff group and the service offered to young people. The copy received by Ofsted in August 2013 remains the current document in use by the home.

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Progress

The home's Statement of Purpose and other records such as young people's care plans now ensure that everyone is clear on the usage of electronic monitoring devices within the home. Young people have had discussions with staff regarding the door alarms as well as frequent opportunities to ask any questions and have also signed to say that they are in agreement. Young people spoken with were aware of the door alarms being in operation. The home's internal monitoring system now provides for consultation with children accommodated in the home, their parents and placing authorities. The home has consulted with two young people and one social worker for this purpose. Young people’s views are, in addition, actively sought through individualised consultation systems including an effective children's meeting. However, although the consultation has been undertaken the evaluation and outcome of these views have

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Progress

not been used within the Regulation 34 process.

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Progress

Young people benefit from staff who have undertaken recent training in a variety of topics and all staff have now completed first aid training. This means they are equipped with relevant knowledge around the application of first aid. Staff are aware of their development plans and take responsibility for keeping up to date on courses, ensuring the team remains up to date on professional and legal developments. However, young people's views have not been taken into account when staff have had their performance appraised.

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Progress

Young people are extremely positive about the home. One young person who has recently moved on wrote to the home to say, 'Thank you for everything - goodbye all take care'. Relationships between young people and staff remain strong and nurturing and young people continue to be cared for extremely well by a committed and stable staff team. Staff foster humour and clear boundaries and are committed to expectations to providing young people with a stable and homely experience. The use of rewards within the home is beneficial to young people.

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Progress

Young people’s health needs are fully met and healthy lifestyles are successfully promoted. Some young people continue to engage with individual therapy sessions. Generally young people continue to have full attendance at school and are progressing very well, resulting in them growing in confidence and self esteem. All the young people know how to complain and feel listened to. Young people continue to have positive and purposeful engagement with the local community, making use of a wide variety of community clubs such as scouts, guides, paintballing, music, dancing and ice skating. This provides young people with new experiences and adventures. One young person said, ‘I really like going to my Bollywood dancing lessons.’

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Progress

The home is making good progress towards its development plan goals. The Registered Manager continues to rigorously monitor all aspects of care and welfare. This ensures that high standards of care continue to be achieved and young people are appropriately safeguarded. One young person said, 'This home should get outstanding because it is'. The management team continue to strive for improvement and development for the benefit of the young people living at the home.

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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

 ensure that children's views are acted upon, in the day to day running of the home. In particular, to ensure evidencing the outcome of consultation through the homes internal monitoring systems (NMS 1.1)  ensure that staff appraisals take account of any views of the young people the service is providing for. (NMS 19.6)

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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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