Children's Home run by Benjamin UK Ltd in Buckinghamshire

Unique reference number SC062317 Inspector Emeline Evans Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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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 POST VACANT Date of last inspection 22/07/2014 2 of 5 Inspection date 10/02/2015

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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 sustained effectiveness .

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This inspection

Since the last full inspection, there have been changes within the management team for the home. A new manager is very recently in place who is suitably experienced and she has applied to be registered with Ofsted. The manager is both approachable and supportive, which is appreciated by staff and young people. The manager understands the strengths of the home and is aware of areas for development. There is a development plan in place, however this was formulated by the previous manager and has not been reviewed to reflect the current position of the home. Therefore, the strengths and areas for development as explained by the manager are not incorporated into this plan.

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This inspection

Two young people have left the home since the last inspection. The transitions have been managed remarkably well by staff. There have been two admissions to the home. Staff have worked with professionals and each other to support the two young people and enable them to reflect on challenging behaviours and adapt to group living. Since the last inspection, there have been a number of staff changes. Staff have been promoted within the organisation or have chosen to leave the company. There are only three staff remaining since the last inspection. One of these is due to move shortly to another home due to promotion. These changes have resulted in attachments being disrupted for young people.

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This inspection

Young people are benefitting as a result of a nurturing environment with clear boundaries and beginning on the journey of reflecting on the impact of their behaviours. However, some young people continue to place themselves at risk and engage in risk taking behaviours such as going missing from care or substance and alcohol misuse. Ofsted have received 33 notifications since July where young people have placed themselves at risk of harm. The home is working with professionals and the young people to enable a reduction in these behaviours. Despite young people’s engagement in these behaviours, young people report that they feel safe. Staff are 3 of 5 supporting young people in developing their levels of independence in readiness for moving on to adult placements. Young people are now involved in independent living plans and there is progress seen in this area.

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This inspection

Young people live in a home that is generally comfortable and can personalise their bedrooms to their own taste. However, the house has been subject to some damage in recent months and areas are in need of re-decoration and carpets require replacement. This detracts from a homely environment. It was not evidenced when and if these actions will be carried out. Since the last inspection the lock for the front door has been changed and is no longer locked at night. This enables a clear escape route at night.

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This inspection

The home works effectively in partnership with external agencies such as health services and the local police. There is now evidence that any allegations or suspicions of harm are promptly shared with external safeguarding agencies for consultation and appropriate action taken. The new manager has re-enforced the procedure with staff and the safeguarding files have been updated. This includes a clear chronology to ensure appropriate action has been taken. There are now effective procedures in place for monitoring incidents, allegations and safeguarding concerns in the home. This helps to safeguard young people. In addition, the safeguarding policy has been updated and forwarded to the local authority designated officer for approval. Significant events relating to the safety and welfare of young people have been notified to Ofsted appropriately. This ensures the regulator is kept up-to-date with matters of safeguarding within the home.

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This inspection

Monthly monitoring reports are undertaken by an independent visitor. This level of monitoring is effectively used by the staff team, ensuring action is taken to address any shortfalls. The previous Registered Manager has undertaken quality assurance monitoring checks in line with Regulation 34 on a regular basis. There was clear evidence of trends and patterns being looked at during these processes and information is shared with the staff team.

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This inspection

There is a real commitment from the management and staff team to further raise the standard of care provided to the young people who are living in the home. They have clear vision and realistic aspirations for the service and in achieving positive outcomes for the young people. One recommendation has been repeated, the manager has put together a training package on loss and bereavement. However, this does not presently cover life story work and not all staff have read this information or completed training in this area. 4 of 5

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Information about this children’s home

This is a private children's home providing care and accommodation for up to four young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

22/07/2014 Full adequate 14/02/2014 Interim satisfactory progress 19/09/2013 Full good 31/01/2013 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 staff have the relevant skills and experience to meet the health needs of young people; in particular in relation to loss and bereavement and life story work (Statutory guidance vol. 5, para 2.5)  ensure there is a clear audit trail in operation to evidence maintenance and re-decoration works that are planned and have taken place with clear timescales for outstanding work (NMS 10.3)  ensure that the registered person has a written development plan, reviewed annually, for the future of the home, either identifying any planned changes in the operation or resources of the service, or confirming the continuation of the home's current operation and resource (NMS 15.2)  ensure every effort is made to achieve continuity of staffing so that children's attachments are not overly disrupted (NMS 17.8) 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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