Children's Home run by Unique Care Homes Support Limited in Lincolnshire

Unique reference number SC473699 Inspector Michael Mulvaney Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Registered person Unique Care Homes Support Limited Registered person address Holland House 1-5 Oakfield Sale Cheshire M33 6TT Responsible individual Annily Jameson Registered manager Paula Marshall Date of last inspection 05/06/2014 2 of 6 Inspection date 24/02/2015

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 declined in effectiveness .

p.2

This inspection

This inspection has highlighted shortfalls resulting in two requirements and three recommendations being made, meaning this home has declined in effectiveness since its last inspection. Requirements raised relate to fire safety arrangements and the maintenance of the home. Recommendations have been made in relation to behaviour management strategies, appropriate matching of young people and ensuring there are no restrictions to movement within the home for young people at night.

p.2

This inspection

The service had one requirement set at the previous inspection relating to reports by the independent person needing to be more specific in their recommendations. The reports have been reviewed and they are now doing this. This requirement is met.

p.2

This inspection

There has been some damage to the home by young people, for which the repairs are not complete. This leaves parts the home in a less than suitable condition and has an undesirable impact on the young people, some of whom commented negatively on the condition of the home. Some of the damage is to fire doors, which have had temporary repairs. Fire risk assessments have not been amended while the temporary door repairs are in place. The service is not equipped with up to date information to manage the associated risks properly.

p.2

This inspection

The service has not followed its policy on the matching of young people for the home which has had a negative impact to on the outcomes for young people. This has resulted in some disputes in the home which has led to some of the damage that has occurred. As a consequence of this some of the young people’s relationships with each other are not good.

p.2

This inspection

There are some good examples of the effective management of young people, as staff work to reward good behaviour. However, the management of young people is 3 of 6 not consistent. For example, at night some of rooms are locked downstairs, including the lounge and the kitchen. This is not a measure necessary to protect the young people in this home and not all staff agree with this process and allow some young people access to these areas.

p.2

This inspection

Young people say that they feel safe in the home. Safeguarding arrangements are robust and they each have a relationship with a trusted adult who they feel confident to talk to. Staff take undertake direct work with young people, looking at personal issues and events in the home. For example, a discussion regarding positive changes a young person may be making in their education and behaviour. These sessions can help to build good relationships between the staff and young people and as a consequence build confidence.

p.3

This inspection

Young people at this home are making some progress at local schools and at the in- house education resource. They have opportunities to gain formal qualifications, which will be positive for their future. They also access youth clubs and sports facilities in the community and are able to maintain their peer groups outside of the home. This is likely to increase their self-esteem.

p.3

This inspection

The home has notified the regulator of significant incidents and dealt with these in line with their policy. Since the last inspection there have been no complaints or incidents of restraint.

p.3

This inspection

Multi-agency work remains good and social workers comment on the positive level of communication and the quality of relationships between young people and staff. The homes Registered Manager who along with the staff are working hard to improve the outcomes for the young people. 4 of 6

p.3

Information about this children’s home

This children's home, which is part of a small organisation, can accommodate up to three children and young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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) shall maintain in the children’s home the records specified in Schedule 4 and ensure that they are kept up to date with details of any deficiency in either the procedure or the equipment concerned, together with details of the steps taken to remedy that deficiency (regulation 29 (1)) 10/04/2015

p.4

Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure that all parts of the children’s home used by children are kept clean and reasonably decorated and maintained (regulation 31 (2)(e)). 10/04/2015

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

 All staff understand, share and implement the home’s ethos, philosophy and approach to caring for children (NMS 3.4)  Each home has and implements clear procedures for introducing children to the home, the staff and the other children living there, which covers 5 of 6 planned and where permitted, emergency/immediate placements. They help children understand what to expect from living in the home. (NMS 11.1)  Physical restrictions on normal movement within or from the home are not used unless this is necessary to safeguard children and promote their welfare and development. Such measures are only used where agreed with the responsible authority and, if appropriate, the parents. Such restrictions for one child do not impose similar restrictions on other children. (NMS 10.4). 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