Children's Home run by Institute of Integrated Systemic Therapy in Kent

Unique reference number SC454294 Inspection date 18/03/2014 Inspector Janet Hunnam Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 16/04/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The home is registered to provide care and accommodation for four young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. It is operated by a charitable organisation.

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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

At the previous inspection carried out in April 2013, the home was judged as good overall. One recommendation was made relating to new staff undertaking the Children’s Workforce Development Council’s induction programme. New staff now complete a thorough induction, which includes these standards. New staff are also well supported by senior staff who lead weekly meetings to guide and support them in acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills to support young people. This recommendation has been fully addressed.

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Progress

The home continues to develop and improve on high standards of care for young people with complex individual needs. New systems are in place to record physical intervention. Detailed and thorough recording by staff enables managers to monitor use of the measure to ensure staff practice is safe. Staff and managers review all incidents involving physical restraint each week. They consider the intervention in detail and identify strategies that staff can use in the future to avoid the measure or develop safe practice. Staff reflect and take full account of the young person’s views and comments following the restraint. Staff amend behaviour management plans and risk assessments in response to this learning. This ensures young people benefit from specific supportive strategies to assist them in times of distress.

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Progress

Young people are making good progress within the therapeutic environment at the home. Care plans are comprehensive and identify young people’s specific needs and the support they require. Young people receive excellent support to promote their psychological health needs from specialist professionals and from the staff team. Staff receive regular, in-depth support for their therapeutic role enabling them to develop their skills and provide effective support for young people. Staff training programmes allow staff to continue to expand their professional knowledge and expertise. Consequently, young people are demonstrating improvements in their behaviour, social skills, education and personal development.

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Progress

The culture of the home promotes education, which is an integral part of the therapeutic framework and young people’s attendance in education is excellent. Plans are in place for a new teaching block to be operational this year to enhance young people’s educational experience. Young people enjoy a range of activities both within the home and within the wider community. These activities enable them to pursue their individual interests and provide opportunities for them to increase their self-confidence, self-esteem and enrich their social experiences.

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Progress

The home provides warm, homely accommodation where young people can develop their sense of belonging. It is well maintained and has been further improved to provide a separate facility for contact visits and therapy sessions.

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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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