Children's Home run by My Choice Children’s Homes Limited in West Sussex

Unique reference number SC364812 Inspector Stephen Collett Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Registered person My Choice Children's Homes Limited Registered person address My Choice Childrens Homes Ltd, Unit 3/A Mill Green Business Estate, Mill Green Road HAYWARDS HEATH West Sussex RH16 1XQ Responsible individual Peter Christopher Kazmarski Registered manager POST VACANT Date of last inspection 27/05/2014 2 of 5 Inspection date 23/01/2015

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Previous inspection adequate Enforcement action since last inspection none

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This inspection

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

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This inspection

The home has improved effectiveness since the last full inspection took place on 27th May 2014. One requirement and three recommendations were made at this inspection, and these have all been acted upon.

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This inspection

Since the last inspection the Registered Manager has left his post, and the deputy manager is currently the acting manager. He is in the process of submitting an application to Ofsted to become the Registered Manager. The transition has been smooth, with the Manager receiving good support from senior management, and there have been no negative impacts on the young people.

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This inspection

Behaviour management strategies and associated risk assessments are now effectively reviewed and amended to reflect the changing needs of young people. Consequently, when young people do exhibit challenging behaviour the strategies implemented by staff are effective at keeping them safe, and there has been a significant reduction in the number of serious incidents.

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This inspection

Young people are given the opportunity to record their views on any sanctions that are imposed, and although they do not consistently choose to do this, some of the comments provide an insight into why the young person had been displaying negative behaviours. This assists in evaluating the effectiveness of sanctions, which is now established practice in the home.

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This inspection

There has been a significant improvement in the recording of serious incidents, resulting from the full implementation of established procedures. Following a serious incident, staff de-briefs take place and are fully recorded. The manager undertakes analysis of the information provided, and both measures ensure that significant information is not omitted from records. 3 of 5 There has been an overall reduction in the number of restraints taking place, and when these do occur it is only as a last resort and undertaken strictly within regulatory guidelines. Following a restraint young people are given the opportunity to discuss the incident and are asked if they have any injuries, but they are not consistently asked if they wish to have a medical examination.

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This inspection

Some young people have made excellent progress, both in terms of their emotional well-being and educational progress. There has been a reduction in young people demonstrating unsafe behaviour and young people are more able to sustain positive relationships with family members.

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This inspection

Despite there being some staff vacancies in recent months and newly appointed staff commencing work in the home, the quality of care has not diminished. Staff are clearly committed to providing consistently good levels of care, and consequently young people feel valued and secure. The changing needs of young people are quickly identified, and staff are pro-active in securing appropriate support from specialist agencies. Placement plans are amended to reflect young people's circumstances, and these are regularly reviewed and progress monitored. Young people are supported to engage in a range of activities which enables them to develop improved levels of self-confidence and self-esteem.

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This inspection

Young people report that they feel safe in the home, and all can identify members of staff they would speak to if they had concerns. Any child protection matters are promptly referred to the appropriate agencies, and young people receive skilled and sensitive support to manage their anxieties. The home takes a pro-active approach to managing risks associated with young people going missing, and partnership working with external agencies is highly effective.

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This inspection

Senior managers have quickly identified any shortfalls in staff performance, and have taken steps to address these, demonstrating a commitment to drive forward continuous improvement. Management have recognised and acted upon the need to provide additional support and training, so that staff can effectively meet the needs of young people with emerging mental health issues. There have been two complaints from one young person since the last inspection, and management have acted to address the young person's concerns.

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This inspection

The manager and staff feel well supported, and new staff report that their induction has prepared them well for caring for the young people. This has resulted in the home being a settled and stable environment for young people during a period of transition.

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This inspection

As a result of this inspection one recommendation is made. 4 of 5

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Information about this children’s home

This privately run children's home offers accommodation for up to two young people with emotional or behavioural difficulties.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

27/05/2014 Full adequate 06/11/2013 Interim good progress 16/04/2013 Full good 29/11/2012 Interim good progress

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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 following a physical restraint, children are always given the opportunity to be examined by a registered nurse or medical practitioner. NMS 3.16 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Recommendations

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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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