Children's Home run by Keys Educational Services Limited in Lincolnshire

Unique reference number SC363422 Inspection date 12/02/2014 Inspector Tracy Murty Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Date of last inspection 20/11/2013 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 children's home run by a private organisation provides care and accommodation for up to three young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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 full inspection in November 2013, the overall effectiveness judgement for the home was outstanding with no requirements or recommendations made.

p.3

Progress

The manager and staff team has maintained quality of care and outcomes for young people. Staff continue to provide support to young people with complex needs and work proactively with other agencies, including placing authorities and education providers. Records reflect in detail attempts made by staff to track and chase any missing documentation or to raise concerns they may have. The manager has clear systems in place to monitor and oversee all aspects of the running of the home and services provided for young people.

p.3

Progress

Young people report feeling safe and protected from harm by the staff team. They report being able to speak with staff about any concerns they have and that any issues they may have will be taken seriously. Young people understand the complaints procedures for the home and feel able to access and use them if necessary. Each young person has a detailed missing from care risk assessment and protocol in place, setting out what action staff should take. Incidents of young people going missing from this home are rare. This reflects the staff team's ability to engage with young people and work with them to address any concerns or issues they may have. The use of physical restraint is rare in this home. Young people receive rewards and praise for positive behaviours and respond very positively to this. Treats and additional allowances are given to them, which they take great pride in. This promotes positive behaviour and engagement of the young people living in this

p.3

Progress

Young people have regular key work sessions with staff. These cover a wide range of relevant topics and ensure that their placement plans continue to meet their identified needs. Topics covered in these sessions include education, social activities and health related issues. Records of all key work sessions held are clear and detailed and would assist young people, if they were to request access to their records at any time.

p.4

Progress

Young people enjoy a wide range of social activities. These include attendance at local youth clubs, swimming, horse riding, cycling and cinema trips. Staff discuss any identified areas of interest with young people and endeavour to arrange for them to try out new things during their time in this home. Regular meetings between young people and the staff team take place. This enables young people to contribute to menu planning and in being able to select and shop for food with staff. Staff understand the need to ensure that young people's cultural and religious needs are met and consult with them on how this will be achieved.

p.4

Progress

Young people benefit from regular and meaningful contact with family members and significant others. The staff team support contact arrangements, in line with agreed contact plans for each young person. Some young people have formed friendships in the local area and spend time with friends during free time. This promotes their sense of engagement and inclusion in the community and increases their confidence over time.

p.4

Progress

Health needs for each young person are well recorded and met. Young people attend all routine health appointments and work with staff to consider and address their specific physical, emotional and psychological needs. The staff team also ensures that other relevant health professionals and agencies become involved to offer additional support to young people, where applicable. Young people learn the value of meeting their own health needs over time, with staff support. They show a willingness to attend dental, doctor's and optician appointments and an understanding of the importance of meeting their own health needs as they get older.

p.4

Progress

Some young people do not engage in formal education currently. The manager and staff team ensure that any refusal to attend is reported to both the placing authority and educational provision on a daily basis. Records reflect the staff team working closely with placing authorities to try and resolve any education issues and of meetings being convened and held. However, young people do not have clear education plans or structures in place for them during the school day, when they refuse to attend education, or where there is no formal educational placement currently in place. This undermines the ability for some young people to have routine and structure to their day, pending a successful reintegration back into formal education.

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.5

Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure that young people make use of educational facilities appropriate to their age, aptitude, needs, interests and potential. Ensure that the routine of the home is organised so as to further young people's participation in education, including regular attendance at school and participation in school activities of young people of compulsory school age. (Regulation 18(1)(a)(b)) 28/03/2014

p.5

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