Children's Home run by Cambian Childcare Limited in Herefordshire

Unique reference number SC457923 Inspection date 11/03/2014 Inspector Martin Davis Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Date of last inspection 11/07/2013 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 registered to accommodate up to four young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties. The service is owned by a private company.

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 inadequate progress .

p.3

Progress

At the last full inspection in July 2013 the home was judged to be good with two requirements and four recommendations made. A significant number of these requirements and recommendations have not been adequately addressed and as a result progress since the last inspection is inadequate.

p.3

Progress

Improvements to the quality of record keeping are still required. Important information is missing from case files including minutes and action points from multi- agency meetings, including safeguarding meetings. As a result there is an unacceptable level of confusion within the home with staff unable to articulate or confirm how one safeguarding investigation has been concluded. Stronger practice is noted in other areas; case files demonstrate a range of detailed and analytical reports to support staff in meeting children's individual needs.

p.3

Progress

Maintenance issues continue to be problematic. Despite persistent requests from staff at the home the provider has yet to make improvements to the kitchen which remains in a state of disrepair. Where the property is damaged prompt action to repair or remove hazards is not always taken. While staff make every effort to provide a homely, welcoming and safe environment for children, their efforts are undermined by poor maintenance arrangements.

p.3

Progress

Children and young people still do not have access to the internet within the home. Children require this to complete routine homework tasks. While staff support children by providing transport to the library in the nearest large town, it is unacceptable that children have to travel this distance to gain access to the internet.

p.4

Progress

A number of significant incidents have occurred since the last inspection. The manager and staff have considered their management of these and practice has reportedly changed as a result. Incidents have reduced in recent weeks and staff report that they are confident in managing children’s behaviour. However, while a formal manager-led review has reportedly taken place no report of this has been written and no formal action plan developed. As a result the effectiveness of strategic oversight within the home is limited.

p.4

Progress

Children benefit from positive relationships with staff. Staff understand children's individual needs and children report that they are well cared for. Children are supported by staff to become involved in a range of community activities, with staff acting as forceful advocates where required.

p.4

Progress

The current manager has tendered her resignation, succession planning is effective, a new manager has already been appointed and a thorough handover taking place.

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) the registered person shall ensure that all parts of the children’s home used by children are kept clean and reasonably decorated and maintained (31(2)(e)) 11/04/2014

p.4

Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) the registered person shall maintain in respect of each child who is accommodated in a children’s home a record in permanent form which is kept up to date; and is signed by the author of each written entry (28(1)(b)(c)) 11/04/2014

p.4

Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) the registered person shall promote the educational achievement of children accommodated in a children’s home, in particular by ensuring that the children make use of educational facilities appropriate to their age, aptitude, needs, interests and potential (18(1)(a)) 11/04/2014

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