Children's Home run by Benjamin UK Ltd in Bedford

Unique reference number SC412953 Inspection date 25/03/2014 Inspector Natalie Burton Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 09/08/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This home is privately owned and accommodates up to four young people who have 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

This home was judged as good at the last inspection in August 2013. Since this time, the manager has addressed the three requirements and two recommendations that were raised. The home has continued to make positive progress, which has led to good outcomes for young people.

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Progress

The manager has updated the homes’ Statement of Purpose and this has been received by Ofsted. As a result, placing authorities and other interested parties are aware of the services the home can offer to young people. The manager has effective working relationships with placing authorities. This is because young people’s placing authorities’ plans are signed by the manager. As a result, young people benefit from this effective sharing of information between the home and the responsible authorities.

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Progress

The manager has made suitable arrangements for the administration of medication. Clear written records are kept and staff members ensure all medication that is administered is recorded. In addition, the manager has implemented daily and weekly audits to monitor the records. Young people benefit as they receive medication in accordance with their prescription. The manager has improved the homes records. For example, placement plans are reviewed by staff in line with current behaviour, are updated regularly to include new information, and identify new targets for young people to attain. As a result, placement plans are more comprehensive, contain current information and more effectively reflect the actual care provided. In addition, written medical consent for all young people living at the home has been obtained. As a result young people’s health needs are sufficiently met by staff members who are able to administer first

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Progress

aid and non-prescription medication when needed.

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Progress

The manager and staff have developed the educational facilities at the home. They have replaced some of the furniture, and incorporated more learning material into the education room. For example, young people’s work is displayed in the room; furniture is in keeping with an education facility such as desks to work on, more suitable seating and boards to learn from. As a result, while the room is in keeping with the rest of the home, and provides a welcoming atmosphere, it reflects a suitable classroom environment.

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Progress

During the inspection it was noted that not all areas of the home provide for a homely environment. For example, some young peoples’ bedrooms have writing on the wall, and cigarettes burns to the carpet. While the manager has ordered a new carpet, and is working with young people on decorating their rooms, this does not provide a welcoming and homely environment that is consistent with the rest of the home.

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Progress

The Registered Manager is committed to making further improvements to the service given to young people. One young person said ‘it is the best children’s home I have lived in’, and ‘staff listen.’ Staff responsibilities are now clearly defined and recorded. For example, staff members ensure that reflection logs are completed after incidents.

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Progress

Young people have made sound progress in some areas. Incidents where young people who were previously involved in offending, self-harm and absconding behaviours have significantly reduced in relation to their starting points. Other young people have made positive progress in engaging with the organisations therapist and in attending some form of education. A social worker reported ‘they are absolutely brilliant’ and ‘they go out of their way to support family contact.’ The manager has implemented a new system to chart the progress the young people are making. As a result, young people receive recognition for their achievements, no matter how small.

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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 the home provides a comfortable and homely environment and is well maintained and decorated. This is with particular regard to the external buildings within the garden of the home and young people’s bedrooms. (NMS 10.3)

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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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