Children's Home run by White Orchid Care Limited in Milton Keynes

Unique reference number SC465588 Inspector Jennie Christopher Type of inspection Full Provision subtype Children's home

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Registered person White Orchid Care Limited Registered person address 77 Marlowes HEMEL HEMPSTEAD Hertfordshire HP1 1LF Responsible individual Richard Alwyn Mills Registered manager Deborah Lyn Bavister Date of last inspection 16/01/2014 2 of 10 Inspection date 29/08/2014

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Previous inspection good Enforcement action since last inspection none

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Overall effectiveness good

Outcomes for children and young people outstanding Quality of care good Keeping children and young people safe good Leadership and management good

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Overall effectiveness

Young people make excellent progress while living in the home and enjoy warm and nurturing relationships with staff. As a result, young people have outstanding outcomes.

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Overall effectiveness

Young people feel listened to and that staff are interested in their wellbeing. They are supported to form positive relationships with each other and encouraged to manage differences of opinion in a constructive manner. Observations demonstrate that young people feel safe in the home and that staff are demonstrably concerned for their well-being. Staff build reciprocal working relationships with parents, education and a range of specialist services to provide consistency in care and placement planning.

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Overall effectiveness

Young people’s voices are heard through group and individual meetings, including informally, such as at meal times. Their views are taken into account in most aspects of the running of the home and implicitly when deciding upon activities and trips out.

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Overall effectiveness

The home is effectively run by the Registered Manager who recognises the strengths and weaknesses within the home and is open to suggestions for improvements from staff, stake holders and external inspectors. The home is still in its infancy and the 3 of 10 fluid approach to change means young people benefit from an ever evolving living experience. Staff say they are well trained and supported through regular supervision and they feel adequately guided in their roles.

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Overall effectiveness

Areas identified as requiring improvement as a result of this inspection include: ensuring written consent is gained for the use of bedroom door monitors and that their use is included in individual care plans; reconsidering the style of locks on external exits; staff induction and recording in relation to sanctions, disciplinary measures and restraint. 4 of 10

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Information about this children’s home

This is a privately run home that can accommodate up to four children with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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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.

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure that where electronic or mechanical monitoring devices for the surveillance of children are used in a children’s home that the following conditions are met: the child’s placing authority consents to the use of the measure in question and it is provided for in the child’s placement plan. (Regulation 2 (1)(a)(b)) 30/09/2014

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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 where any sanctions, disciplinary measures or restraint are used, children are encouraged to have their views recorded in the records kept by the home. Further if a child declines to comment, this is also recorded (NMS 3.18) 5 of 10  risk assess the locking of emergency exits overnight and investigate other types of lock, as identified in the local fire services communication to the home (NMS 10.3)  ensure new staff undertake an induction based on the Children’s Workforce Development Council’s standards, commencing within 7 working days of starting their employment and being completed within 6 months. (NMS 18.3) 6 of 10

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Outcomes for children and young people outstanding

Young people make outstanding progress in all areas of their lives as a result of living in the home. A social worker commented that a young person they have placed has made ‘fantastic’ progress since living in the home.

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Outcomes for children and young people outstanding

Young people begin to develop a positive self-view and increased confidence. Young people are supported to understand their lives and the family circumstances which have led to them being in care. Young people begin to develop healthy attachments through their relationships with staff and each other, providing a stable base to form appropriate relationships in the future. Individual therapy sessions, life story work and continued celebration of events through memory books support increased individuality and understanding of personal history.

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Outcomes for children and young people outstanding

Young people are all actively involved in caring for the rabbits, guinea pigs and hamster in the home. Young people learn to form positive attachments through this and how to care for and take responsibility for something. All talk positively about the animals and look forward to spending time with them.

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Outcomes for children and young people outstanding

Young people learn to understand healthy lifestyles and what this means for them, including positive emotional wellbeing. Meals are mostly home made by staff and young people eat a varied diet including a range of fresh produce. Young people are involved in emotionally and physically stimulating activities in the home and in the community. Activities include swimming, going to the local park and going to the cinema.

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Outcomes for children and young people outstanding

Young people are actively able to share their views in group and individual meetings. As a result, young people have effected change in activities, the sanctions they receive and holds that are used during restraints. Group meetings also explore peer relationships and how these can improve when necessary.

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Outcomes for children and young people outstanding

Young people learn age appropriate general and household skills such as keeping their bedrooms tidy and personal care. All young people are involved in formal education and reviews demonstrate they are improving in many subject areas. When needed, tutors are available for young people. Staff effectively communicate with education professionals to ensure young people benefit from their educational opportunities. Young people have friends at school and in the community who they invite to the home, enabling them to have positive relationships in line with their peers.

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Quality of care good

7 of 10 Young people enjoy extremely positive relationships with staff and observations show they are comfortable in their presence. Young people’s demeanour demonstrates they trust staff and feel they are concerned for their wellbeing. Young people make positive comments about staff and the home manager and have nominated some for awards.

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Quality of care good

Young people are central to all plans within the home. Each young person has an individual weekly planner and further suggestions for activities during free time are detailed in the hand over book. Key work sessions are planned for the month to focus on individual needs. Young people’s views are continuously considered in all aspects of their lives. Weekly group meetings provide young people with the opportunity to share any concerns about the home and relationships with others alongside sharing their ideas for improvements. Young people are aware of the complaints procedure and their views are always welcomed.

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Quality of care good

Young people make a genuine contribution to their care plans, which are evaluated monthly. Progress and areas for development are reviewed monthly with young people, staff and social workers. Young people are encouraged to attend their reviews in some capacity, depending on their age and understanding. Contact with family and friends is supported and facilitated by staff. Young people’s families and friends have had Easter egg hunts and Christmas meals in the home, as examples. Contact is continually evaluated, ensuring it remains beneficial for the young person.

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Quality of care good

All young people are engaged in full time education. Young people are supported effectively to overcome any barriers to learning. Specific staff work split shifts to provide consistency in transport to school, encouraging relationships with other parents. Additionally the approach provides consistency and reduces anxiety for young people, as they know who will be collecting them.

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Quality of care good

Young people’s difference is celebrated, while ensuring all feel part of the group. Individual cultural and physical needs are met thoughtfully, to ensure individuals feel comfortable with their support. Young people celebrate various cultural events and gain an understanding of each other, staff and the mixed community where they live.

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Keeping children and young people safe good

Young people’s demeanour suggests they feel safe within the home. Observations show young people have a range of staff they can go to if they are worried or upset. Staff have an excellent understanding of each young person’s vulnerabilities and are proactive in reducing risks while letting them take part in age appropriate activities. Staff have good knowledge of the processes to follow should they be concerned for a young person’s welfare. Bullying is a concern within the home; however issues are mainly of sibling style arguments rather than targeting bullying. Staff respond in a robust manner to any examples of these behaviours. 8 of 10 Young people very rarely go missing. If there are signs a young person may be considering leaving the home, staff redirect them to other activities. If a young person should leave the home, staff remain with them to ensure their safety and to determine what their concerns are. Individual files contain up-to-date photographs of

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Keeping children and young people safe good

Individualised approaches to positive behaviour management reward young people through gold coins that can be saved towards an item or activity of the young people’s choice. The star of the week award also encourages positive behaviour. Young people say they like the system and enjoy seeing how many coins they have. Positive behaviour plans are fluid and respond to the changing needs of young people. Evaluation of behaviour patterns and responses has led to a significant reduction in restraint. Consultation with young people after incidents leads to further changes in approach, that benefit individuals. However records of these consultations are not always available in the volume kept by the home.

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Keeping children and young people safe good

Regular checks of the building and fire safety procedures protect young people from unnecessary risk. Locking of fire exits overnight requires review to ensure it is possible to exit the building promptly in an emergency. Risk reduction has not led to an institutional feel and the building remains welcoming and homely. A discreet bedroom door alarm system alerts staff sleeping in if young people leave their bedrooms at night. The system can be tailored to individuals risk assessments to determine who requires this extra safety measure. The use of the measure is not included in all care plans and not all social workers have provided consent in writing to its use. The organisation’s recruitment policy is thorough and includes robust personnel checks.

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Leadership and management good

The home has an effective and competent manager who was registered by Ofsted when the home opened in June 2013. The manager holds a social work qualification and is currently undertaking the level 5 qualification in leadership and management with young people. The Registered Manager has an excellent understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the home through their day to day presence.

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Leadership and management good

Shortfalls identified at the last inspection have been remedied in a robust manner. Issues highlighted through probative Regulation 33 monitoring and manager’s quarterly evaluation are also rectified swiftly. The Registered Manager is open to suggestions on how to develop the service to ensure meaningful care is provided to all young people.

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Leadership and management good

The statement of purpose reflects the service provided in the home. Staff are confident in their roles in ensuring the aims and objectives are met and the home’s ethos maintained. The young people’s guide is pocket sized and age appropriate. It contains information about the home, staff and how to contact local and national 9 of 10 advice and advocacy services.

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Leadership and management good

The home demonstrates a sound multi-agency approach to caring for young people. Social workers and carers comment that they are kept well informed through regular updates from key workers. Agencies who are not performing in the young people’s best interests are challenged when necessary. If required, young people are supported to complain about external services. There have been no complaints about the home from neighbours and relationships in the community are positive.

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Leadership and management good

The home has an enthusiastic staff team, who are still gelling as a team as there have been a few changes in personnel since the registration in 2013. Staff have an excellent understanding of the young people they care for and keep them central to all planning. Staff talk positively about their roles and say they enjoy the work they do. The manager acts as a positive role model, delegating tasks to improve staff knowledge and confidence. Staff feel they are supported well through regular supervision and appraisals for those who have been in post over a year. The manager is approachable and staff were observed to be comfortable raising any concerns they may have. Staff benefit from varied training opportunities both in house and through the local authority. Newly appointed staff complete an induction programme specific to the service including mandatory training, although this is not based on the Children’s Workforce Development Council’s induction standards.

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Leadership and management good

The home is well maintained and any damage or breakages are fixed immediately. All health and safety matters are monitored and addressed as required. The home and grounds are well maintained and in keeping with other houses in the street. The location of the home meets the needs of young people through access to a wide range of activities and amenities and is located in a culturally diverse area. Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Leadership and management good

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Judgement Description

Outstanding A service of exceptional quality that significantly exceeds minimum requirements.

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Judgement Description

Good A service of high quality that exceeds minimum requirements.

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Judgement Description

Adequate A service that only meets minimum requirements.

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Judgement Description

Inadequate A service that does not meet minimum requirements.

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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.

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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.

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