Children's Home run by McRae Residential Care Services Limited in Croydon

Unique reference number SC025813 Inspector Angus Mackay Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Registered manager Paul Stephen Rhys-Taylor Date of last inspection 26/06/2014 2 of 5 Inspection date 21/10/2014

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Previous inspection not judged Enforcement action since last inspection none

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This inspection

This is the first inspection following registration. At this interim inspection the home was ‘not judged’ .

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This inspection

This home has been closed since October 2013. The registered provider has notified Ofsted that the home will be operational this month. The previous Registered Manager will transfer back to this home with the experienced deputy from another home run by the company. Most staff will transfer from the other home run by the company. Recruitment of additional staff has commenced and involves input from the young people who will live in this home. The registered provider has supervised a substantial refurbishment of the home. There have been no structural alterations and no replacement of gas fittings or boilers. Consequently the home does not require planning permission or building regulations certification. The home does not have an up to date fire risk assessment. The provider has continued to make improvements since the last inspection, but some minor work is incomplete.

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This inspection

The home has been redecorated throughout but some minor finishing is still required, including the refitting of some coverings to electric points. The kitchen work tops and cupboards have been replaced and washing machines and refrigerators have been fitted. Flooring throughout the home has been upgraded with either new carpets or laminate flooring. The management have involved young people in discussions about some furniture and fittings which were being put in place during the inspection. Included in this is the personalisation of bedrooms and communal areas aiding young people in developing a sense of ownership for the home. Bedrooms are pleasantly furnished and include personal touches for each young person. Managers are aware of all of the matters which must be addressed, to make the home fully fit for young people to be accommodated.

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This inspection

The home's responsible individual is registered with Ofsted, and the proposed Registered Manager is currently managing a nearby home run by the company. The company are applying to have one Registered Manager covering both homes. The provider is aware that he must submit an application to register the manager for this 3 of 5 home to Ofsted, supported by a risk assessment outlining how the effective and safe joint management of both homes will be achieved. The provider has commenced the redrafting and updating of all policies and procedures prior to his planned opening of the home. The review of policies and procedures is planned to ensure compliance with regulations and the provision of a safe environment for young people and staff. The proposed opening of the home is contingent on the provider: appointing a manager; and consulting with the fire and rescue authority and enacting any advice which comes from that consultation.

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Information about this children’s home

This privately-owned home is registered to care for up to six young people (boys) who may have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties and learning disabilities.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

26/06/2014 Interim not judged 19/02/2014 Interim not judged 17/12/2013 Interim not judged 26/02/2013 Interim not judged

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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

7 (2001) provide the name and date of the appointment of a person to manage the children's home to HMCI following that appointment. (Regulation 7(2)(a)(b)) 31/01/2015

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure that subject to paragraph (1A) the registered person shall consult with the fire and rescue authority as detailed in sections (a) to (e). (Regulation 32(1)(a-e)) 28/11/2014 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Reg. Requirement Due date

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.

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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.

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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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