Children's Home run by Child First Limited in West Sussex

This monitoring visit

This monitoring visit took place as the home was judged as inadequate in all areas at the full inspection on 27 May 2015. That inspection identified significant breaches of regulation requiring the issue of compliance notices in the areas of: the protection of children standard (because of the condition of the physical environment); and the care planning standard, in relation to impact assessments for potential new placements. In addition, a further fourteen requirements were made. In order to evaluate the progress the home has made in addressing the shortfalls, this monitoring visit was undertaken on 17 July 2015.

p.2

This monitoring visit

The provider has addressed the compliance notice for the internal and external maintenance and décor of the home; bathrooms have been thoroughly cleaned and the build-up of grime, mould and mildew removed. Where necessary sealant has been replaced in all but one area. Taps have been replaced with push button tops to reduce the risk of them spinning when being turned on. The hall, stairway and landing have all been redecorated, and new carpet is due to be fitted in the coming week. Windows have been mended, although some have required specialist parts and will be properly fixed when these arrive. Curtains and blinds have been replaced, ensuring there is suitable coverings for all windows. Young people’s bedrooms have been redecorated in the style of their choice. New, sturdier furniture has been purchased and the odour has improved as has the cleanliness. Young people are now supported to keep their rooms clean and tidy

p.2

This monitoring visit

and they talk positively about this improvement. All but one cupboard door in the kitchen has been fixed or renewed; the maintenance personnel are awaiting parts for this. Work surfaces and kick boards have been replaced and the area is clean and tidy. A loose electrical socket has been fixed and a disused light pull in the hallway made safe. As a result of these works, the compliance notice in relation to Regulation 12 has been met.

p.2

This monitoring visit

The provider has similarly acted well in response to the compliance notice in relation to impact assessments for new referrals: a new pro forma has been produced highlighting the needs of the referral in line with those of the current group living in the home. The document highlights if young people are able to live together without negative impact. The Registered Manager has completed these retrospectively for those currently living in the home as there have been no new referrals in the intervening period. The assessment is a fluid document and forms part of the continued assessment of young people while in placement, helping to ensure the placement remains suitable and individuals in the home remain compatible. The assessment also includes any potential risk posed by the local community and transversely any risk the individual may pose to the community. It also details how a multi-disciplinary team will be able to support the individual, so

p.2

This monitoring visit

this is agreed prior to placement. As a result of this action, the compliance notice in relation to Regulation 14 has been met.

p.3

This monitoring visit

The management team have responded robustly to the additional requirements set at the full inspection. A comprehensive action has been developed, including the action already taken. All requirements have been met as far as is practicable in the short time frame. Some are clearly met, such as the revision of the Statement of Purpose and updated care plans. Others require a longer period before review to ensure they are embedded in practice, or to ensure all staff have benefitted from full training. Areas that have been difficult to determine as being fully embedded in practice at this point are how managers act on complaints from young people, as none have been made, and evidencing that the registered person leads and manages the home in a way that is consistent with its approach and ethos, and delivers the outcomes, set out in the home's statement of purpose. No further requirements or recommendations were set as a result of this visit.

p.3

Information about this children's home

The home provides care and accommodation for up to 6 children and young people who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. It is owned and run by a small private organisation who have two children’s homes a registered school.

p.4

Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to monitor the action taken and the progress made by the home since their last Ofsted inspection. This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000. the guidance raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted, which is available from Ofsted's website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted . If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.5

Information about this inspection

achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, workbased learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It inspects services for looked after children and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team,

p.6

Information about this inspection

The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.6

Information about this inspection

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Information about this inspection

Store Street Manchester M1 2WD T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

p.6