Children's Home run by Keys ACE Limited in Bury

Unique reference number SC420388 Inspection date 31/03/2014 Inspector Anthony Kyem Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 19/11/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The setting is a detached property in its own grounds, providing accommodation for up to four young people who have experienced emotional and behavioural difficulties. The home is operated by a private provider.

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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

The home was judged to provide young people with good quality care, at its previous inspection. There was one previous requirement and a small number of recommendations made at that time. Since then, the home has improved the recording of restraints, to include a detailed description of the measure and the type of hold used. As a result, the recording of restraints is now compliant with the standard and regulation.

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Progress

Staff are trained in the use of therapeutic crisis intervention so they know how to manage young people's behaviours safely and effectively. The use of restraint, if used at all, is only ever used as a last resort to protect young people from accident, harm or injury. The use of sanctions to deter unacceptable behaviour are clear, fair and proportionate, where used.

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Progress

Young people rarely go missing from the home and if the they do, there is an effective response to promote their safe return. Young people's risk assessments, while recorded clearly, do not take account of the joint protocol and procedures maintained by the police and the local authority for reporting young people missing from care. Consequently, young people's risk assessments could be further improved.

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Progress

Young people are allowed to take appropriate risks, as apart of their growth and natural development. The home now takes a more proportionate approach to the use of risk assessment. As a result, young people benefit from more free time to promote their independence. Young people enjoy positive and enjoyable activities to promote their particular interests and hobbies. Young people develop social skills and friendships as a result of their participation.

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Progress

Young people report, 'I like going to football. I went to watch my (favourite football team). Staff look after you. My key workers fun. She's the best.' Young people described the best thing about the home as being, 'It's elegant, adorable, energetic and outstanding.'

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Progress

Young people are regularly consulted on all aspect of their care so they can influence the running of the home. As a result, young people feel empowered, involved and listened to. There are sufficient staff employed to meet the needs of young people. Agency staff are sometimes used to cover staff shortages. However, the same staff are used, wherever possible, to promote continuity of care for young people. As a result, young people develop constructive relationships with staff and they sustain their positive attachments.

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Progress

Agency staff receive effective support through induction so they have a clear understanding of the home's ethos, approach and philosophy, in caring for young people. The manager ensures that all staff, including agency are appropriately skilled, trained and suitable people. As a result, young people are protected and cared for by appropriate adults, they can look up to and learn from.

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Progress

Overall, managerial monitoring includes effective and proper oversight of the home's performance and operation. However, regulation 33 reports lack sufficient detail and evaluation to form an accurate opinion about the quality of young people's care. Consequently, the previous recommendation is repeated.

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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 risk assessments in relation to young people going missing are compatible with the joint protocol and procedures for reporting children missing from care (NMS 5.6)  ensure proper oversight of the home that includes reports of visits on behalf of the provider that reflect sufficient scrutiny of the practice of staff, compliance with systems and processes to ensure the home provides stable, safe and secure care. (Volume 5, statutory guidance, paragraph 3.12)

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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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