Children's Home run by PCT Care Services Limited in Norfolk

Unique reference number SC471856 Inspector Louisa Bayley Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Registered person PCT Care Services Limited Registered person address Old Hall Farm, Silfield Road Silfield WYMONDHAM Norfolk NR18 9NH Responsible individual Michael Darren Millage

p.1

Registered manager

Date of last inspection 24/07/2014 2 of 6 Inspection date 02/02/2015

p.1

Registered manager

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 improved effectiveness .

p.2

This inspection

The full inspection of this home in July 2014 identified ten requirements and six recommendations, in respect of shortfalls in practice and recording. Since that time, managers have addressed all of the requirements and five of the recommendations. Managers have demonstrated commitment to making improvements that enhance the care they provide for young people.

p.2

This inspection

Redecoration and maintenance to the home has enhanced the physical environment. It is safe, reflects young people’s tastes and provides a homely atmosphere. Managers are able to respond to urgent maintenance issues without delay, because they have the resources to do so. Young people’s contribution to décor and colour schemes supports them to take pride in their surroundings and helps them to feel valued.

p.2

This inspection

Staff confirm that fire evacuations take place regularly; young people's key work records show that staff discuss fire procedures with them upon admission. However, the records of fire evacuation only account for one evacuation in the last six months. The fire risk assessment has not been reviewed in over a year. This has not put young people at risk, however, lack of regular review of arrangements and absence of recording of some evacuations does not ensure clear oversight of fire arrangements.

p.2

This inspection

Additional resources in the home, such as an extra car, increase young people’s access to community activities and opportunities. Consequently, staff are not limited in the programmes they can offer and they are able to cater for individual wishes and preferences.

p.2

This inspection

Managers have made improvements to medication systems; this helps to ensure that arrangements are safe and appropriately audited. 3 of 6 Managers ensure that staff are safely recruited and receive supervision in accordance with organisational policy. This supports appointment of suitable staff and enables regular performance monitoring and feedback. A shortfall remains in respect of retaining supervision records in the home. Despite supervision having taken place, some records were missing. This does not provide a clear picture of the support provided.

p.2

This inspection

The management team have addressed documentary shortfalls in respect of the admissions and discharge register, updating the Statement of Purpose and subsequent submission to Ofsted. As a result, external professionals are able to access accurate information on the service and care provided by the home.

p.3

This inspection

An independent visitor, external to the organisation, carries out monthly monitoring of the home. This gives young people an opportunity to express any concerns if they wish to do so. Internal monitoring takes account of the daily care young people receive and the progress they make. However, it does not reflect consultation with parents and external professionals, missing an opportunity to use these views to inform future improvements.

p.3

This inspection

Young people in this home benefit from the nurturing environment. Staff are warm and caring, which gives young people a firm foundation to establish and build relationships and develop their confidence. Young people who have lived in the home for a number of months are making significant progress. Education providers confirm that individual progress is evident in behaviour, engagement at school and social and emotional wellbeing.

p.3

This inspection

Young people that move on maintain relationships with the home, with telephone contact on a regular basis. This demonstrates the value they place on the relationships they have built with staff in the home.

p.3

This inspection

Young people who are new to the home say they feel welcomed and well cared for; they understand the reason for their placement. They articulate that staff are supporting them to make plans for their education, social and leisure opportunities and to reduce risk taking behaviours. A social worker said that the staff in the home work very well with her in order to ensure the young person’s wellbeing.

p.3

This inspection

The home has been settled for several months. Physical restraint has reduced; there have been no complaints, no recent incidents of going missing and no incidents necessitating calling the police. The care offered to young people is meeting their needs and supporting them to make progress.

p.3

This inspection

The home has good relationships with the police, social workers and the school. They have links with therapists and use community links to promote activities in the community, such as young people using the local gym. This supports young people and ensures that there is a network of professionals around each young person. 4 of 6

p.3

Information about this children’s home

This children's home provides care and accommodation for up to six young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties and learning disabilities. The home is owned by a private company.

p.4

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.4

Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure that the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and any regulations made under it are complied with in respect of the home, with specific regard to annually reviewing the fire risk assessment and ensuring that all fire drills are recorded (Regulation 32 (1A)(b)) 03/03/2015

p.4

Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure that the system for monitoring the matters set out in Schedule 6 at least once in every 3 months and improving the quality of care provided in the children’s home provides for consultation with children accommodated in the home, their parents and placing authorities. (Regulation 34 (3)) 03/03/2015

p.4

Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s): 5 of 6  keep a written or electronic record detailing the time and date and length of each supervision held for each member of staff, including the registered person. The record is signed by the supervisor and the member of staff at the end of the supervision (NMS 19.5) 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.6

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.6

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.6

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.6