Children's Home run by Surrey County Council in Surrey

Unique reference number SC370703 Inspection date 17/02/2014 Inspector Jennie Christopher Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Date of last inspection 10/09/2013 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

The service is owned and run by the local authority, providing care and accommodation for up to three young people and short breaks for up to 17 young people with learning disabilities.

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 good progress .

p.3

Progress

At the last full inspection in September 2013, the overall quality rating for the service was judged as adequate with three requirements and five recommendations made. The home demonstrates a good level of improvement since the last inspection and is committed to further developing the service. A particular strength of the home is the focused management team who effectively guide and support staff to ensure positive outcomes for young people.

p.3

Progress

The requirements set at the last inspection have all been met. The home has bolstered the permanent staff team by employing full time bank staff on fixed term contracts. Further, the recruitment of more bank staff will reduce the need to use agency workers to cover absence. The Registered Manager has devised records to document references, including telephone verification and full employment histories, including gaps, for all new appointees. In addition the manager is evaluating all existing staff records for any gaps or missing documents. The majority of staff, including bank workers, have either attained or are undertaking a level 3 qualification or higher. Those who have yet to gain the qualification have enrolled to start in the coming months, thus ensuring young people are cared for by well trained staff at all times.

p.3

Progress

Recommendations set at the last inspection have either been met or significant progress made towards their completion. Strategies to support a young person who asks staff to lock themselves in a separate room when he is distressed are regularly considered within professionals meetings. Various approaches continue to be explored and the young person is managing his anxiety with greater success. As a result staff no longer need to lock doors at his request. Risk assessments are now reviewed regularly to reflect changes in behaviour and to maintain young people’s safety both in the home and community. Staff are benefitting from regular supervision with senior staff who have recently been appropriately trained. The management team ensure supervision has taken place through newly implemented monitoring tools. The home environment still requires maintenance and redecoration, particularly the kitchens and door closures. The recent appointment of a

p.4

Progress

maintenance worker will improve this. However, as the planned maintenance has not taken place yet, this remains a recommendation.

p.4

Progress

Since the last inspection, the manager has been evaluating the service to identify areas for development alongside acting on the shortfalls identified. As a result the manager and relevant staff are undertaking regular meetings with parents to share practice and approaches to care, ensuring young people receive all the help and support they require to progress and overcome barriers. The management team have considered how to incorporate the changes in regulation within the home and practice, to ensure any areas of improvement are identified and acted upon. Consideration is also being given to amending reports from independent monitoring visits and six monthly monitoring by managers. In particular the manager is liaising with another home in the organisation whose managers monitoring reports are judged as good practice.

p.4

Progress

Young people continue to benefit from well planned care from a committed and increasingly consistent staff team. Young people and their families have a positive view of the care that they receive. Observed interactions demonstrate relationships with staff are good and that young people feel safe. Staff have a clear understanding of the communication styles of individual young people and work tirelessly to meet their needs. Consistent boundaries have enabled young people to increasingly manage their anxiety and behaviour, resulting in fewer incidents. The high staffing ratio ensures young people benefit from the support and attention they require to access activities while keeping safe. The culture and ethos within the home celebrates individuality and ability. As a result, young people are challenged to succeed to the best of their abilities while receiving support based on their individual needs.

p.4

Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):  ensure the home is well maintained and decorated, with specific regard to the kitchens and doors; including consideration of how to minimise damage to doors through alternative door closures (NMS 10.3)

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