Children's Home run by Cambian Childcare Limited in Plymouth

Unique reference number SC471038 Inspector Janice Hawtin Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Registered person Cambian Childcare Limited Registered person address Pinnacle House 2 Oakwood Square, Cheadle Royal Business Park CHEADLE Cheshire SK8 3SB Responsible individual Sharon Michelle Edney Registered manager Stephen Butchart Date of last inspection 28/05/2014 2 of 7 Inspection date 29/12/2014

p.1

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 sustained effectiveness .

p.2

This inspection

At the last inspection in May 2014 the home was judged as adequate. One requirement and five recommendations were made. All recommendations have been fully addressed and the home has continued to improve the quality of care provided and to evidence progress for the young person during this time.

p.2

This inspection

The previous requirement made relates to the Statement of Purpose. This document has been revised twice since the last inspection. Ambiguity has been removed, an explanation of the approach to care is now included, and arrangements for therapeutic interventions are clearer. This provides better understanding of the services provided by the home to parents and authorities looking for placements. Staffing details are not up to date and a copy of the latest document has not been provided to Ofsted as required. As such a requirement relating to the Statement of Purpose has been repeated.

p.2

This inspection

Young people have access to appropriate education and training. Bespoke packages of education are provided and this has allowed reintegration into attending and achieving at school for young people who have a history of disrupted placements. Personal education plan are up to date and readily available alongside weekly plans done by the school and the staff. A communications book has been introduced to aid communication between the two environments. This supports consistency of practice and closer partnership working with important support agencies.

p.2

This inspection

Electronic monitoring devices are only used during the night to alert staff to the young person attempting to leave the home or intruders trying to get in. This practice is compatible with the needs and vulnerabilities of the young person.

p.2

This inspection

The Registered Manager has ordered files so that information is readily available and contributes to understanding the needs and particular vulnerabilities of the young 3 of 7 person. A working file contains a summary of information. It can be used by staff as a quick reference guide and is particularly useful in detailing the likes and dislikes of the young people and informing relief staff how to avoid and respond effectively to behavioural difficulties.

p.2

This inspection

Since the last inspection staff have been putting together an ongoing history of the young person’s time in the home. A large scrapbook containing important memorabilia and photographs has been completed. In addition the staff keep a daily diary for the young person and lots of photographs which will go onto a computer disc or memory stick.

p.3

This inspection

To help the young person to establish and maintain friendships the staff implemented an independence programme allowing the young person free time to meet with friends. Attendance at local Duke of Edinburgh scheme with other young people also supports the development of friendships. The staff have also been sourcing some specialist clubs and events to meet individual development needs.

p.3

This inspection

Current staffing numbers are not sufficient to fulfil the staffing requirements in this home. The manager is reliant on staff from other homes within the organisation filling the gaps. Although the manager always tries to get staff known to the young person this practice doesn’t provide for consistency of staffing, and on occasion it is only days beforehand that the young person knows who will be caring for him. Not all staff have completed the necessary qualifications or enrolled to undertake these within the expected timescales.

p.3

This inspection

Access to a computer and the internet has not been available to young people for more than two months. This limits opportunities for communicating with friends and family as well as access to support education and recreational activity. It also limits options for working with young people to help them understand some of the dangers involved in social media and internet use.

p.3

This inspection

The home continues to provide support and deal effectively with behaviour management issues. A rewards system is in place and there is also the occasional use of sanctions. Physical intervention has not been used in this home, protecting the dignity of the young person and allowing them to build positive relationships and trust in the staff.

p.3

This inspection

The young person’s bedroom floor is bare, varnished floor boards with one area of exposed concrete where a fire place has been removed. Floors in the lounge and dining room area are similar. Furniture and a picture frame have been damaged for some time, these issues distract from what is otherwise a welcoming and homely environment. Some investment has been made and re-decorating has started in the home, the young person’s bedroom has been repainted and work in other areas is continuing.

p.3

This inspection

A young person commented ‘I like it here, I get on with the staff and I like the 4 of 7 school. I get to see my mum, and do the things I want’. 5 of 7

p.3

Information about this children’s home

This privately owned children’s home provides care and accommodation for one young person with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

p.5

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.5

Reg. Requirement Due date

4 (2001) update the Statement of Purpose to including accurate staffing detail, and provide a copy to Ofsted (Regulation 4(1)&(2)) 31/01/2015

p.5

Recommendations

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

p.5

Recommendations

 ensure the overall numbers of staff employed to work in the home can fulfil the homes Statement of Purpose and meet the individual needs of the young person resident in the home (NMS 17.1)  ensure all existing staff have a minimum level 3 qualification or are working towards the Diploma within 6 months of commencing employment (NMS 18.5)  provide a comfortable and homely environment that is well maintained. In particular provide suitable floor covering in the lounge area and the young person's bedroom (NMS 10.3) 6 of 7  encourage young people to take age appropriate risks as part of growing up. In particular provide access to a computer and help young people to understand how to keep themselves safe when using the internet and social networking sites.(NMS 4.4) Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.5

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.7

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.7

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.7

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.7