Children's Home run by Keys Care Limited in Buckinghamshire

Unique reference number SC421063 Inspector Maire Atherton Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Registered person BetterCare Keys Limited Registered person address Laganwood House 44 Newforge Lane Belfast BT9 5NW Responsible individual Heather Ann Laffin Registered manager POST VACANT Date of last inspection 22/01/2015 2 of 5 Inspection date 19/03/2015

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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

Since the last inspection the Operations Manager has assumed responsibility for the interim management arrangements, following the resignation of the previous post holder. A new manager has been appointed and is due to take up the post in mid April 2015, when an application to be registered by Ofsted will be submitted.

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This inspection

The acting manager has met the requirement of the last report, namely he comments on the effectiveness of the sanctions used by staff. This has led to discussion between staff and young people on positive and negative consequences, what these should look like and when they should be given. There is a move towards more effective reparation, for example, rather than repayment for damage young people are to be involved in making good the damage where possible. Young people have individual incentive schemes, with rewards earned for hitting agreed targets. These are reviewed regularly to ensure they remain relevant.

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This inspection

There were five recommendations arising from the last inspection, these have been met. The first related to ensuring young people are given the medication prescribed for them. This is generally achieved but sometimes young people refuse to take it and this is well documented. Since the last inspection two staff have gained their level three diplomas, and one has just been enrolled and a part-time worker is due to be enrolled. A new employee has just started the induction standards. The arrangements for supervision have been reviewed and monthly supervision of all staff was achieved in February and March 2015. The acting manager has improved communication across the staff team by holding senior meetings prior to whole team meetings. This has achieved a greater level of consistency and timeliness in information sharing. The acting manager is working on staff appraisals and has developed a consultation sheet for each young person to contribute their views on

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This inspection

how a member of staff works with them. Young people appreciate that their views are sought. Records are maintained in the event of any allegation made by a young 3 of 5 person. These are now detailed and show the action taken and the outcome, including feedback to the young person.

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This inspection

The composition of the group of young people has changed since the last visit and as a result they have become more settled. There have been no incidents of missing from care or physical intervention. Staff challenge any bullying effectively. Young people have positively engaged in consultation. From this the acting manager has compiled a list called, 'You asked for, we agreed'. Changes made include later bedtimes and routines at weekends, and improvements to the décor of the home and the use of communal space. The dining table is now in the large lounge and mealtimes have become much more social occasions. Young people have improved their attendance at school. The way that staff have engaged with an education provider has achieved a positive outcome for a young person that will enable them to gain a qualification.

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This inspection

There is one requirement as a result of this inspection, to ensure that the admission and discharge register contains full details of where a young person moved from and where they are moving to. 4 of 5

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Information about this children’s home

This service is run by a private organisation. The home is registered to provide medium to long-term care for up to four young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties. Young people living in the home can attend a school also run by the provider and have access to in-house therapeutic support.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

22/01/2015 Full adequate 03/03/2014 Interim good progress 23/10/2013 Full good 29/01/2013 Interim good progress

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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.

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) record in the form of a register in respect of each child accommodated in a children's home, his address prior to being accommodated in the home and his address on leaving the home (Regulation 29(1) Schedule 4 (c)(d)) 30/06/2015 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Reg. Requirement Due date

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.

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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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