Children's Home run by Kent County Council in Kent

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 Declined in effectiveness .

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

At the previous inspection, a requirement was made in relation to supervision frequency, which was not in line with the statement of purpose. This requirement has not been met, shift leaders and other staff have not had regular supervision in line with their roles and responsibilities. This means that staff do not have formal opportunities to share information or reflect on their practice.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The risk assessments in relation to fire evacuations are now improved, each young person has a risk assessment in place to reflect the child’s needs more accurately.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Since the last inspection, the Registered Manager has left; there is an acting manager in post. On the day of inspection, both the acting manager and senior team leader were absent, no senior staff were available to respond to emergencies.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

One young person was admitted to the home without a care plan or health plan in place. Records show that he had epilepsy, however, no protocol was agreed by a health professional in relation to managing his seizures and administering medication. The young person was at risk if he had a seizure during the stay. Staff highlighted this situation to the acting manager who ensured that this was rectified prior to the next stay.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Medication errors rarely take place but when they do staff seek immediate medical advice. The acting manager or Registered Individual audit errors and ensure safety measures are put in place.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Restraint records are inconsistent. One restraint record indicated that the restraint did not meet the criteria for physical intervention as it stated that staff used a two- man hold because the young person refused to go to bed. This is not in line with statutory requirements. An incident record and the log book clarified that the physical intervention was due to behaviour that would put the young person or staff at risk of harm. The differing accounts of this one incident means analysis is difficult, it is unclear which record was incorrect and what had been done to rectify the error.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Recording of care plans is inconsistent. Two recent admissions are of a good standard, the placement plans inform the updated care plan. However, other care plans have had review information added a number of times to the original and are not easy to read. This means that it will be difficult for children to read and understand the information on their files in the future. In addition, children’s targets are hidden amongst other information so cannot be easily checked for progress.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Effective sanctions are recorded and evaluated. This enables the acting manager to monitor their use and ensure that they are proportionate. This protects young people from unfair measures. Staff were observed using a positive praise approach, they pre-empt situations and take preventative measures to manage potentially difficult situations.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people make overall progress during their stays. One young person has made considerable progress in his ability to sit at the table throughout a meal. Staff were observed using tokens to teach him to wait for his dessert, this was effective. Another young person was observed achieving his target of clearing his plate independently.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people who communicate non-verbally are able to make choices using a range of communication tools, including gestures and picture exchange methods. Staff recording in relation to young people’s targets are not consistent, some recordings show good evidence of the steps taken to achieve them. However, other records only record that the target was not met and no additional information. The acting manager cannot evaluate the appropriateness of these targets as a result.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff understand the importance of safeguarding young people, they have up to date safe guarding training. A planned training week, which occurs bi-annually ensures that staff learn as a team. Training is scheduled on the Prevent agenda and is mandatory for all staff.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Since the last inspection then has been one safeguarding issue. This was investigated in consultation with the young person’s social worker in line with the home’s policy and practice. Good professional relationships between the home and external professionals ensure the best possible care and experiences for the young people. A Social Worker reported, ‘staff are brilliant, they respond well to requests for emergency placements, communication is excellent’.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff have built positive relationships with parents. Staff update them on the progress that their child has made or any issues that have arisen. One parent reported, ‘communication is good, they send reports to me after each stay and ring during the evening and let me know how he is’. Regular children’s meetings ensure that young people have a say in the running of the home. They pick toys for the unit and discuss topics such as internet safety. Staff consult with young people about half term activities. Unfortunately, staff were not able to offer the activities requested; however, young people enjoyed a range of other activities including visits to a woodland park, a fort and zip wire.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There are safeguards in place to ensure that young people cannot access unsafe internet sites. Staff educate young people about e-safety and safeguarding measure such as adult supervision and restricting Wi-Fi access ensure safe use of the internet.

p.4

Information about this children's home

This is a local authority managed short break service for children and young people. The home caters for up to six children and young people with complex needs and those on the autistic spectrum.

p.5

Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

p.5

Recent inspection history

26/03/2015 Interim Improved effectiveness

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 (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.

p.6

Requirement Due date

In order to meet the protection of children standard the registered person must ensure that staff

p.6

Requirement Due date

(2)(a)(i) assess whether each child is at risk of harm, taking into account information in the child's relevant plans, and if necessary, make arrangements to reduce the risk of any harm to the child, especially in relation to admitting a young person without a health plan. 31/03/2016

p.6

Requirement Due date

13: The leadership and management standard

p.6

Requirement Due date

In order to meet the leadership and management standard the registered person must ensure that staff-

p.6

Requirement Due date

(2)(a) lead and manage the home in a way that is consistent with the approach and ethos, and delivers the outcomes, set out in the home's statement of purpose, specifically in relation to supervision. 30/04/2016

p.6

Requirement Due date

13: The leadership and management standard

p.6

Requirement Due date

In order to meet the leadership and management standard the registered person must -

p.6

Requirement Due date

(2)(h) use monitoring and review systems to make continuous improvements in the quality of care provided in the home. 30/04/2016

p.6

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.

p.6

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.

p.7

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 .

p.7

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.8

Information about this inspection

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

p.8

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.8

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.8