Children's Home run by Potton Homes Limited in Southend on Sea

Unique reference number SC438764 Inspection date 19/02/2014 Inspector Gwen Buckley Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 16/08/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This home provides long-term and task-centred care to a maximum of six male or female young people who have emotional and behavioural difficulties. This is one of two residential services operated by this privately run organisation, in addition to a school adjacent to this home.

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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

The home was judged as good overall at the last inspection in August 2013. The home is maintaining the quality of care and has addressed the recommendations and requirements made at the last inspection.

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Progress

The quality of measures of control records has improved and external monitoring by the Regulation 33 visitor ensure the records are reviewed and well maintained. A new fire risk assessment, undertaken by an independent company is in place. Staff help young people to identify and develop skills needed for adulthood.

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Progress

Shortly after staff and young people arrive at the home, they receive instructions on what to do in case of fire. The last fire evacuation drill recorded was almost six months ago which means young people new to the home have not practiced these drills to check that they know what to do.

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Progress

External professional say the home provides a good quality of care for children with challenging behaviours. Young people say they have someone they can talk with if they are upset. Some young people consider that the way sanctions are imposed is inconsistent. Staff consider any sanction imposed is confidential to each young person and all the young people are not aware of all the sanctions imposed. Young people confirm that staff talk to them after restraints. However, the people talking to them about the incident may have been involved in the restraint of the young person. This does not give the young people the opportunity to talk with someone who was not involved in the incident and who could advocate for them.

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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 there is an emergency escape plan that all staff and children are familiar with and have practiced so they know what to do in and emergency (NMS 10.9)  ensure children and staff are given an opportunity to discuss incidents of restraint they have been involved in, witnessed or been affected by, with a relevant adult. Ensure the child is given the opportunity to be debriefed by a responsible adult who had not been involved in the restraint and to talk through their experience within 24 hours. (NMS 3.17 and Children Act 1989 guidance and regulations - volume 5, 2.104)

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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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