Children's Home run by Kent County Council in Kent

Unique reference number SC403850 Inspection date 17/02/2014 Inspector Diane Thackrah Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 17/07/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This is a council-run, short-break service for children and young people. The home caters for up to six young people living with learning and/or physical disabilities. This includes young people with complex needs and those on the autistic spectrum.

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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 overall outcome judgement of the last inspection in July 2013 was good. Young people continue to benefit from positive outcomes. Progress has been made in ensuring that young people receive personalised care that promotes all aspects of their identity and ensures that they are treated as an individual. Staff ensure that the identity of young people is reflected in care plans. Parents are central to this planning process which helps to ensure that individual cultural needs are fully understood by the staff team and incorporated into care plans.

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Progress

A review of staffing within the home has taken place and this means that the overall number, competence and deployment of staff, both as a staff group and on individual shifts, can fulfil the home's Statement of Purpose and meet the individual needs of all young people resident in the home. There has been management monitoring of the impact of the reduction of qualified nursing staff in the home. Staff have been trained to deal with a wide range of medical issues and this helps to safeguard young people. Staff confirm that they have received training in complex medication administration such as insulin handling and carrying out blood prick tests. They say that this has ensured that they are competent in dealing with individual young people's needs. A staff member said, 'The training was brilliant, especially the diabetic side. There is always help with medical assistance from the nurse if we need it.'

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Progress

Progress has been made with regards to maintaining an overall chronological log of all safeguarding and welfare concerns. A management review of safeguarding has taken place and a new system has been devised for identifying patterns and trends. This includes a weekly management check intended to highlight any child protection issues, concerns and outcomes. This is summarised every three months and taken to management supervision for review.

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Progress

The systems for ensuring that young people are protected from harmful adults have improved. Full and satisfactory information is obtained in respect of all new employees to the home. This includes the verification of references. Young people's safety continues to be promoted and protected through strong fire safety policies and procedures. Regular checks are made on fire safety equipment and there is up to date staff training in this area.

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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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