Children's Home run by Cambian Childcare Limited in West Northamptonshire

Unique reference number SC456719 Inspection date 13/03/2014 Inspector Mary Timms Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 18/04/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This privately owned children's home is part of a large national organisation. The home can provide care and accommodation for up to four young people who display emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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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

When this home was last inspected in April 2013 the overall effectiveness of the service was judged to be Good. This inspection finds that the home continues to provide a high standard of care and is judged as making Good progress. The Registered Manager has acted to improve the care provided in-line with the requirement and two recommendations set on the last inspection.

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Progress

Since the last inspection the home has increased the number of registered beds from 4 to 6 by introducing the use of adjacent two bedroom semi-independent accommodation. As a result young people using this area are able to develop broad independence skills within a supportive environment.

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Progress

The Statement of Purpose document has been reviewed and updated since the last inspection. The Registered Manager has also reviewed the policy and procedures relating to the use of electronic monitoring equipment. As a result there is an improved clarity of information within these documents about the service provided. Action has been taken to improve records maintained of one-to-one staff supervision meetings. As a result there is a clear picture of the topics discussed and date and duration of the meetings.

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Progress

The majority of young people make good progress from their starting points at the time of admission. This is because care is well-planned and highly individualised. For some young people progress is shown through improved behaviours and for others there is a reduction in risk taking behaviours. However, while there is evidence of the service working to engage all young people there have been some who decline and opt to spend large amounts of time away from the home without consent. On these occasions staff are proactive in maintaining contact with the young people and encouraging their safe return. Referrals are made promptly to the police and there is regular communication with the Local Authority referral team and placing authorities. External professionals have a positive view about the way the service acts to safeguard young people on occasions they are missing from the home.

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Progress

Young people's good health is promoted, including being taught about healthy eating and physical activity being encouraged. The organisation provides support from mental health professionals who work directly with young people and provide support and guidance for the staff team. However, this consultation is not always captured within records to demonstrate that appropriate liaison with a health professional has taken place in order to agree the best way to manage behaviours such as self harm.

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Progress

Educational achievement is seen as important and staff work hard to improve outcomes for young people in this regard. Comments from young people include 'I have done really well at school and this is because of the way staff work with me'. Young people feel safe and are kept safe by broad management oversight of the delivery of care and the effective systems operated within the home. For example, while young people have mobile phones and access to the internet this is closely monitored and restricted as and when necessary to ensure that young people are protected. Staff also work with young people to promote their awareness about safe practice in relation to social media and use of the internet.

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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 that children's health is promoted in accordance with their placement plan and that staff are clear about what responsibilities and decisions are delegated to them. In particular this relates to obtaining the written endorsement for individual plans and risk assessments from a mental health professional in relation to the management of self-harming behaviour. (NMS 6.5)

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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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