Children's Home, Residential special school run by Acorn Norfolk Limited in Norfolk

Unique reference number SC435322 Inspector Clive Lucas Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Residential special school (>295 days/year)

p.1

Registered manager Melissa Georgina Mathews Date of last inspection 24/09/2013 2 of 7 Inspection date 24/06/2014

p.1

Previous inspection adequate Enforcement action since last inspection none

p.2

This inspection

This home was judged adequate at the last full inspection. At this interim inspection Ofsted judge that it has sustained effectiveness .

p.2

This inspection

Since the previous inspection of 24 September 2014 the home has made a number of improvements and continued to implement new processes. Most of the shortfalls identified at the previous inspection have been addressed, but some are not fully met. In addition some other shortfalls have been identified at this inspection.

p.2

This inspection

A new process for monitoring recruitment checks has been implemented. This ensures that appropriate information is sought and used to make decisions about the suitability of potential new staff to work with young people. In turn this provides an important safeguard for those young people. There are premises risk assessments that identify potential risks and reduce them, providing a safer environment for young people to live in. There is also a fire risk assessment which was completed by an external company. However, some of the actions identified in the fire risk assessment have not been fully completed and this reduces the effectiveness of the process in safeguarding young people from the risk of fire. There are regular fire drills and staff help young people to understand how to leave the building safely in the event of a fire. Staff use different methods of communication for this depending upon the young people's individual needs. There

p.2

This inspection

has not been a fire evacuation drill at a week-end night time when staffing levels and the number of young people are different from during the week, although staff say they believe they could manage to evacuate all young people safely, this has not been tested to ensure it works to protect young people.

p.2

This inspection

Some areas of accommodation identified in the previous inspection as being of a poor standard are no longer used. In addition there is extensive development work being carried out to the premises. A new unit of more independent flats for young people is nearing completion. These are designed to provide young people with the opportunity to develop their independent living skills with the support of staff. Some young people spoke about how much they are looking forward to moving into these 3 of 7 and how they and their parents have been involved in choosing décor and some furnishings. This in itself provides young people with experience of choice and decision making, as well as being fun. One unit that was recently fully re-furbished has not worn well. There are plans to carry out substantial work over the summer at a time when it will cause the least disruption to young people. Some areas, such as gardens, look un-kept, with weeds growing in paved areas. In addition, items such

p.2

This inspection

as cloths and sport equipment are left lying around and not picked up by staff. This does not help to ensure that young people can live in a well looked after and pleasant environment.

p.3

This inspection

The Registered Manager carries out monitoring of practice and records. The appointment of a deputy manager has helped in this. However, while many areas are being monitored to ensure the standard of care for young people is suitable, the fire risk assessment had not been checked to ensure that the identified work had been carried out. The Registered Manager uses the information from her monitoring to evaluate and improve the quality of care for young people. She consults with parents and other stake holders to inform this process, but to date has not incorporated young people's views into this. There are meetings and discussions with young people to get the views of those who are able to engage in this process. By not incorporating these views an element of information is lost. There is external monitoring of the home by an independent person, but not all of these reports have been sent in to Ofsted. The Statement of Purpose has been reviewed in light of

p.3

This inspection

changes to The Children's Homes Regulations 2001. Two versions of the children's guide have been produced. These provide information for young people through different communication formats so that more young people can understand them.

p.3

This inspection

Records of restraints are more comprehensive and provide the required information. However, one very recent record did not show a clear and justified reason for the restraint. Restraint should only be used for the reasons set out in The Children's Homes Regulations 2001. The use of restraint for other reasons subjects young people to unnecessary physical interventions. The home is in the process of moving to a new method of restraint which has a higher emphasis on de-escalation and the avoidance of the need to physically intervene with young people where possible. All staff have had the training in this and a date to change over techniques is due to be decided soon.

p.3

This inspection

The Registered Manager has begun to explore the possibility of sourcing advocates for young people who require or would benefit from them, but this has not been completed yet. Staff are doing more now to encourage young people to develop practical skills to reach their full potential. Two of the smaller units are used for young people who are more able in this area. They are supported to plan, shop for and cook meals, as well as carrying out other self-care tasks such as doing their own washing. As a result they are learning skills that will help them in their future and into adulthood.

p.3

This inspection

As well as the new deputy manager referred to above, a care co-ordinator, activity 4 of 7 co-ordinator and an additional nurse have been appointed since the previous inspection. These people are able to provide additional input and services for young people in the home. Placing social workers are positive about the care of young people. They say that there are good assessments of young people before they move in and they are helped to settle into the home. Young people seem happy in the home and make progress in areas such as behaviour and health. One social worker commented on the patience of staff in supporting a young person to have an injection. The process took considerable time and was an achievement for the young person. Young people have also begun to have their dental check ups six monthly and to go to the dentist for them. This means that their experience of dentists is more in line with that of the wider community.

p.3

Information about this children’s home

The children's home is registered to provide accommodation for 40 children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The home and school are owned by a private company who also own other social care services. The school is registered with the Department for Education as a school to cater for boys and girls aged from four to 19 years. Children either board for 38 weeks or 52 weeks a year, or may attend as day pupils.

p.5

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

24/09/2013 Full adequate 31/07/2013 Interim inadequate progress 03/10/2012 Full good 19/06/2012 Interim satisfactory progress

p.5

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.5

Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure that the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 are complied with in respect of the home, this relates to completing actions identified in the fire risk assessment (Regulation 32(1a)(b)) 01/08/2014

p.5

Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure that all parts of the children’s home used by children are kept clean and maintained (Regulation 31(2)(e) 29/08/2014

p.5

Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) establish and maintain a system for monitoring the matters set out in Schedule 6 at appropriate intervals, this specifically relates to risk assessments for health and safety purposes and subsequent 01/08/2014 6 of 7 action taken Regulation 34(1)(a)) 17A (2001) ensure that restraint is only used on a child accommodated in a children’s home for the purpose of preventing injury to any person (including the child who is being restrained) or preventing serious damage to the property of any person (including the child who is being restrained) (Regulation 17A(1)(a and b)) 01/08/2014

p.5

Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure that system for improving the quality of care provided in the children’s home shall provide for consultation with children (Regulation 34(3)) 29/08/2014

p.6

Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) provide a copy of the independent person's monthly monitoring reports to HMCI. (Regulation 33(9)(a)) 08/08/2014

p.6

Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

p.6

Recommendations

 ensure that all staff and children are familiar with the emergency escape plan and have practiced so they know what to do in an emergency, this relates to night time drills at week-ends (NMS 10.9)  ensure that children have access to an advocate if they need it. (NMS1.5) Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.6

Recommendations

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.7

What inspection judgements mean

At the interim inspections we make a judgement on whether the home has improved in effectiveness, sustained effectiveness, or declined in effectiveness since the previous full inspection. This is in line with the Inspection of children’s homes: framework for inspection.

p.7

Information 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.7

Information about this inspection

The report details the main strengths, any areas for improvement, including any breaches of regulation, and any failure to meet national minimum standards. The judgements included in the report are made against the framework of inspection for children's homes.

p.7