Children's Home run by Keys Direct Care Limited in Norfolk

Unique reference number SC450994 Visit date 05/12/2014 Inspector Louisa Bayley Monitoring report for a Children's Home Monitoring Report: SC450994, 05/12/2014 2 of 5

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Brief description of the service

The home is owned by an independent provider. It is registered for four children with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties (EBD).

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Outcome of monitoring visit

This home was issued with three compliance notices, following the full inspection on 11 November 2014. The notices were issued following concerns in respect of safeguarding procedures, the management of bullying and the safe recruitment of staff.

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Outcome of monitoring visit

The purpose of the monitoring visit was to establish the progress the organisation has made in addressing the shortfalls identified at the full inspection.

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Outcome of monitoring visit

The manager has addressed the actions set in each of the three compliance notices. All staff have received safeguarding training, provided by an external company. The manager has put systems in place to ensure that staff understand whistle blowing procedures, safeguarding procedures and the actions to take in the event of a safeguarding concern. This promotes young people's safety and well being.

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Outcome of monitoring visit

Staff have completed anti-bullying training. The manager has put systems in place to monitor incidents of bullying, providing a clear overview of incidents. These systems enable identification of patterns and trends. Staff have undertaken significant work with young people in respect of peer interactions and relationships. This has supported young people to identify unacceptable behaviour and to reflect on alternative ways of dealing with negative feelings towards peers. Records of meetings with young people demonstrate that staff consistently check that young people feel safe and give opportunity to raise any issues within a regulated forum.

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Outcome of monitoring visit

Managers have made improvements to the systems in place to ensure safe recruitment of staff. Issues identified within the full inspection have been addressed and documentary evidence provided. This promotes young people's safety and prevents unsuitable adults from working with young people.

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Outcome of monitoring visit

Ten statutory requirements were raised at the full inspection, three of which were escalated to the compliance notices. The manager has addressed five of the seven remaining requirements.

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Outcome of monitoring visit

The home has benefitted from redecoration and new carpets. Young people have been involved in the décor choices; the home feels warm and welcoming with a fresh look.

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Outcome of monitoring visit

The manager has implemented new formats for care plans and enhanced behaviour management plans and risk assessments. These documents collectively reflect the Monitoring Report: SC450994, 05/12/2014 4 of 5

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Outcome of monitoring visit

knowledge staff have about young people and consider a wide range of information. Young people have contributed to their plans and this has added value to them. Young people identify triggers for their behaviour; this supports staff to recognise anxieties and adopt strategies that are likely to de-escalate situations.

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Outcome of monitoring visit

The manager has ensured that all staff are aware of the procedures for notifying Ofsted of significant events. The manager has ensured that notifications contain full information. This supports Ofsted as the regulator to have a good overview of incidents in the home, providing additional safeguards for young people.

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Outcome of monitoring visit

The manager has taken action to ensure all staff are aware of the reporting process in respect of physical restraint. She has implemented guidelines for staff to make clear their responsibilities. Staff have benefited from additional training in respect of reporting where restraint is used. This helps to safeguard young people by providing a clear and accurate audit trail of incidents and enables effective monitoring.

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Outcome of monitoring visit

The staff have the required training in respect of first aid and medication. Staff who provide supervision have received training in order to support them to provide good quality supervision. This helps staff to carry out their roles effectively and safely.

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Outcome of monitoring visit

The organisation has commissioned a new independent visitor, who is due to commence visits imminently. This will be reviewed at the next full inspection to establish the robustness of internal monitoring.

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Outcome of monitoring visit

The manager has not met the statutory requirement in respect of internal monitoring. New proformas are in place, however, the monitoring has not been completed. This will be reviewed at the full inspection.

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Outcome of monitoring visit

Overall, the provider has demonstrated commitment to making improvements in the home. The progress made has a direct impact on the care for young people. The environment of the home provides young people with living space they can take pride in. Increased staff skills and knowledge contribute to young people's safety and well being. The introduction of new systems to monitor incidents and events helps managers to retain a clear overview of the progress young people make and identify staff training needs or additional services and support for young people.

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About this monitoring visit

Monitoring Report: SC450994, 05/12/2014 5 of 5

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About this monitoring visit

The purpose of this visit was to monitor the action taken and progress made by the Children's Home following an Ofsted inspection.

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