Children's home run by Milton Keynes City Council

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged Good at the full inspection. At this interim inspection Ofsted judge that it has sustained effectiveness .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The young people continue to make good progress during their stay. All young people have targets, and staff work alongside parents, education professionals, social workers and young people when setting them to ensure continuity.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff record work undertaken with the young people on meeting their targets and celebrate achievements with a photo and a certificate placed on the achievement tree. This is allocated in the main corridor so that parents and young people can recognise each other’s achievements. A member of staff commented ‘the children and parents love our achievement tree, we really celebrate achievements now, it is important’. Photos of young people working on targets are taken and form part of the young people’s memory books. Copies are also sent home to parents.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There were two requirements and three recommendations set at the last inspection. One requirement and two recommendations have been met and implemented and the manager.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

One recommendation from the last inspection was for young people to be consulted on a regular basis. The manager is involved in recruiting an advocacy service to enable this to happen; additionally staff are working to produce PECS so that young people can be involved with staff appraisals as part of the consultation process.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Following this inspection the bullying policy will be re-written to better support staff in recognising bullying and potential bullying. The home has recently undergone a change in the days it is open. Staff spoken to commented ‘there are big changes with the rota and with the home closing two days a week. We were consulted and had input into the new rota, there is good moral in the staff team’. The manager commented ‘staff have been very supportive of the change’.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff receive regular supervision which looks at care practice and staff development. Staff have annual appraisals, and there are regular staff meetings, which also support them with care practice.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Recruitment is robust and all checks are in place and verified before staff can begin to work in the home. The manager has devised a new induction process to support new staff in learning their roles.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There have been no physical interventions since the last inspection and only one sanction, which was fair and proportionate. There has been one complaint, which the manager responded to appropriately.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The young people and parents have built positive relationships with the stable experienced staff team who know and understand the young people’s individual needs. Staff organise regular family events, which are also attended by local county councillors. A newsletter is also sent to parents informing them of upcoming events and activities that young people have participated in.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff work closely with the young people’s schools and will attend school reviews to ensure continuity.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Some young people use iPads during their stay, which staff monitor. Staff have recently undertaken internet safety training. A member of staff commented that she ‘found this very interesting and got a lot from the course’. All staff have undertaken safeguarding, child sexual exploitation and prevent training.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff spoken to where very clear how and who to report any safeguarding concerns. Incidents are reported and recorded along with actions and outcomes. Staff work closely with other professionals in regards to safeguarding concerns.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There is a good ratio of staff to young people, which enables them to participate in activities both in the home and out in the community. Individual risk assessments are in place to safeguard the young people and are regularly reviewed by the manager.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff understand that transitions from school or home can be difficult for some young people and their families. Staff have discussed in meetings what strategies can be put in place to support some young people who find it difficult with the change of routine.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The young people receive a heathy snack on their return from school and staff spend time settling them in and talking about their day.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home is child centred with plenty of games, DVDs and arts and crafts for young people to enjoy. Some bedrooms have been redecorated along with a bathroom giving them a bright fresh look. Risk assessments are in place and also signed agreement from parents when specialist beds are used. A bathroom in one of the units is being completely refurnished to contain a shower. The young people are supported in choosing bedding they want during their stay. This gives them a sense of familiarity and helps them to settle. Each unit has their own garden giving young people the opportunity to play outside in a safe secure environment.

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Information about this children's home

This children’s home provides short breaks for up to ten young people who have a learning disability and/or physical disability. The home is owned and managed by a local authority.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

23/03/2015 CH - Interim sustained effectiveness

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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 (England) Regulations 2015 and the Guide to the children's homes regulations including the quality standards. The registered person(s) must comply with the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

7. Children’s wishes and feelings standard

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Requirement Due date

In order to meet the wishes and feelings standard the registered person must; (a) ensure that staff— (ii) help each child to express views, wishes and feelings; (iv) regularly consult children, and seek their feedback, about the quality of the home’s care. Regulation 7 (2)(a)(ii)(iv) 10/5/16

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Requirement Due date

34. Policies for the protection of children standard

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Requirement Due date

(3) the registered person must prepare and implement a policy for the prevention of bulling in the home, which must in particular set out the procedure for dealing with an allegation of bullying. Regulation 34 (3) 30/4/16

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Requirement Due date

44. Independent person: visits and report standard

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Requirement Due date

(2)(b) to inspect the premises of the home and such of the home’s records ( except for a child’s case records, unless the child and the child’s placing authority consent) as the independent person requires. Regulation 44(2)(b) 10/5/16

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):  Registered persons must ensure that procedures for dealing with allegations of bullying are in place and staff have the skills required to intervene, protect and address bullying behaviours effectively. (See regulation 34(3) on the policy for the prevention of bullying.) Guide to Children’s homes Regulations page 39, paragraph 8.16)

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Recommendations

 Children must be consulted regularly on their views about the home's care, to inform and support continued improvement in the quality of care provided. Children should be able to see the results of their views being listened to and acted upon. Guide to Children's Home's Regulations, page 22 paragraph 4.11

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What the inspection judgements mean

At the interim inspection 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

Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children and young people living in the children's home. Inspectors considered the quality of work and the difference adults make to the lives of children and young people. They read case files, watched how professional staff work with children, young people and each other and discussed the effectiveness of help and care given to children and young people. Wherever possible, they talked to children, young people and their families. In addition the inspectors have tried to understand what the children's home knows about how well it is performing, how well it is doing and what difference it is making for the children and young people who it is trying to help, protect and look after. This inspection focused on the effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of children and young people since the most recent full inspection.

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Information about this inspection

This 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 Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the Guide to the children's homes regulations including the quality standards. 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 .

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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,

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Information about this inspection

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Information about this inspection

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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

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