Children's Home run by Benjamin UK Ltd in Milton Keynes

Unique reference number SC414738 Inspector Jennie Christopher Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Registered person Benjamin UK Ltd Registered person address Ascott Lodge Lower Ascott, Wing Leighton Buzzard Bedfordshire LU7 0PU Responsible individual Claudette Elizabeth Deysel Registered manager Louise Rachael Hyams Date of last inspection 16/07/2014 2 of 5 Inspection date 22/01/2015

p.1

Previous inspection good Enforcement action since last inspection none

p.2

This inspection

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

p.2

This inspection

The home was last inspected in July 2014, where it was judged to be good overall and outstanding in the quality of care provided. Young people continue to benefit from a very good standard of care from staff who are committed to making a positive difference to their lives. Staff are skilled in forming positive relationships with young people, resulting in individuals mostly making good progress. Young people talk positively about the home and staff and the progress they are making.

p.2

This inspection

There have been three new placements since the last inspection. Planning prior to young people moving into the home is thoughtful, considering individual need and how they will gel with the group. Four young people have moved since the last inspection, all of which were unplanned moves. Records are clear on why placements have ended. Where appropriate, individuals have been accommodated in other homes within the organisation, which are deemed to be better able to meet their needs.

p.2

This inspection

Young people’s progress is significant, including for those who have only recently been placed. Areas of improvement include increased education attendance, reductions in episodes of being missing and securing part time employment. A social worker was complementary, suggesting staff support and perseverance was central to a young person’s progress. The recent addition of a kitten to the home has diverted an individual’s attention and led to a reduction in their self-injurious behaviour. Observations of a craft activity, by the inspector, demonstrated how well an individual was able to concentrate in comparison to the previous inspection.

p.2

This inspection

Staff create an open environment where young people feel safe. Safeguarding incidents are responded to promptly, ensuring individuals are protected. The current policy, however, does not contain how incidents of young people being a risk to another will be managed. Missing from care has reduced significantly since the last 3 of 5 inspection and the home fosters strong links with specialist police officers and organisations. Records have been amended to ensure clarity, as return information was not always recorded.

p.2

This inspection

Bullying is a concern within the home, and observations, by the inspector, demonstrated staff managing incidents well. An upcoming meeting with the organisation’s safeguarding lead and child protection consultant will further address this behaviour directly with those concerned. The consistent approach to behaviour management leads to a limited use of restraint. Records focus on de-escalation and guiding away prior to any hold. Sanctions are fair and proportionate and young people have the opportunity to comment and share their views on any measure taken. Thoughtful evaluation of significant incidents provides a reflective approach to practice in response to anxiety or unwanted behaviour.

p.3

This inspection

The suitably qualified and experienced Registered Manager effectively leads the enthusiastic staff team. Staff are confident in their roles and are well informed of each young person’s needs and support plans. The manager continually evaluates staffing levels and has on occasion deployed more staff when individual needs require it.

p.3

This inspection

Partnership working is entrenched in daily practice. Close working with schools has enabled successful placements for some young people and excellent relationships with emotional wellbeing professionals have led to prompt evaluation of medication in line with changing behaviours. Additionally there is general strong communication between families and key professionals.

p.3

This inspection

External and managers monitoring highlights areas for improvement and identifies any significant trends and patterns. Complaints are responded to swiftly and resolved to the complainant’s satisfaction. Requirements and recommendations set at the last inspection have all been met. Notifications to relevant agencies are clear and timely. The home continues to be maintained to a high standard, with young people choosing personal items and the decor for their rooms.

p.3

This inspection

Two recommendations to improve practice have been made in relation to updating the safeguarding policy and improving the quality of record keeping when children go missing. 4 of 5

p.3

Information about this children’s home

This privately owned home accommodates up to four young people who have emotional and behavioural difficulties.

p.4

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

16/07/2014 Full good 20/02/2014 Interim good progress 15/10/2013 Full good 07/03/2013 Interim good progress

p.4

Recommendations

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

p.4

Recommendations

 update the organisation's safeguarding policy and procedure to include information about allegations against another child. Also forward a copy of the updated policy to the local safeguarding children board for approval (Statutory guidance, vol 5, para 2.71)  ensure written records kept by the home when a child goes missing consistently detail the time and date they have returned. (NMS 5.10) Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.4

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.5

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.5

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.5

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.5