Children's Home run by Keys Direct Care Limited in North Northamptonshire

Unique reference number SC033817 Inspection date 25/02/2014 Inspector Catherine Honey Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Date of last inspection 28/11/2013 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 home is privately owned and is registered to provide residential placements for up to four children 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 good progress .

p.3

Progress

At the home's previous inspection in November 2013, overall effectiveness was judged as good with adequate outcomes for young people. One requirement and one recommendation were made which have been addressed. As such, quality of provision has developed and subsequently improved the outcomes for the young people. One requirement has been raised following this inspection.

p.3

Progress

At the previous inspection, a requirement was made in relation to staff sleeping arrangements. Staff are no longer sleeping in the lounge of the home and a new bed has been provided in the office. The new bed no longer blocks the entrance to the staff office or fire door. This arrangement means young people's movement around their own home is not restricted. They can access their lounge during the night if they wish. A recommendation was made in relation to the recording of medication. Controlled medication is now recorded in a bound and numbered book. This ensures records are clear and tamper-proof.

p.3

Progress

Young people continue to develop and make progress while living at the home. For some young people, engagement in risk taking activity such as using substances or going missing has decreased. Young people are encouraged to attend school, education courses or seek employment. Although on occasion some young people struggle with school attendance; others are attending and undertaking specialist skilled courses which will directly improve their chances of employment. For example, gaining a fork lift driving qualification. This enables young people to be well prepared for when they are ready to seek employment or undertake further training.

p.3

Progress

There is good quality multi-agency working. For example, although young people go missing from the home infrequently, where there have been periods of young people being missing from care, staff from the home work closely with the police and the placing authority. This helps ensure important information is shared. Staff are proactive in ensuring that young people receive care that responds to their individual needs. Differing cultural or religious needs are highlighted within care planning and young people have been supported to explore their identity and reasons for living at the home. Staff recognise young people's full potential and are committed to helping young people be as prepared as they can be for the next step in their lives.

p.4

Progress

A shortfall was identified in relation to the internal monitoring the Registered Manager conducts of the home. Although a good system is in place to monitor the conduct and quality of care in the home, the report written in light of this review is not sent to Ofsted within recommended timescales. This limits the effectiveness of the overview the regulator has of the home. This is a shortfall in administration rather than practice as effective internal monitoring is regularly taking place. The safety and welfare of children and young people have not been affected by this shortfall.

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.4

Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) supply to HMCI a report in respect of any review conducted by him for the purposes monitoring the matters set out in paragraph (1). (Regulation 34 (2)) 31/03/2014

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.5

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.5