Children's Home run by Benecare Limited in Kent

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged Requires improvement 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

Fire safety in the home has improved. Specific adaptations are now in place to assist a young person with sensory impairment to evacuate safely. External fire exits have new lock mechanisms which operate without the use of a key, this aids a swift exit for all. Personal emergency evacuation plans have been created to inform young people and staff of actions to take in case of emergency.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Information sharing with placing social workers is improving. This ensures that significant information about young people is communicated appropriately. There have been no new admissions to the home since the previous inspection. The Registered Manager has created an ‘admission impact assessment’ which will be used when the next young person moves in. This means that there is now a format which matches the admission system as described within the statement of purpose. Young people’s records are now individualised and case records capture the unique experiences of each young person living in the home. The practice of locking some food and snacks away in the kitchen has stopped. Young people continue to learn about healthy eating and are making good progress which supports their independence. It allows young people suitable access to foods to learn how to make good choices around their diet. The use of sanctions and restraint is low. Records now contain all information as

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

required by regulation. This ensures that young people’s records are complete. The Registered Manager has all the required details to review the effectiveness and appropriateness of sanctions and physical interventions. A previous practice of sanctioning young people who have been missing from care has stopped. Monthly oversight by the manager is now more focused on identifying shortfalls in standards and taking appropriate action. The six-monthly review of the quality of care for the period of July to December 2015 has been delayed and finalised during the inspection. This report identifies action points, however, the relevance of these targets is compromised due to the delay in the evaluation of this period. The previous requirement has been addressed, but effective and consistent managerial oversight is not yet embedded in practice. The one complaint since the previous inspection has been suitably investigated, including consultation with the

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

designated officer. Recruitment practice has not improved. The organisation has not followed its own recruitment and selection policy. A member of staff has commenced work without a second reference from their most recent employer and without evidence of the right to work in the United Kingdom. This places young people at risk of unsuitable adults accessing the home. The previous requirement is repeated. One young person is demonstrating a new behaviour which has the potential to affect their physical health. This in-house placement plan does not contain reference to this and as a result, the specific responsibilities and actions staff members should take in response are not clearly documented nor agreed with the placing authority. This risks an inconsistent or inappropriate response from staff. Young people are positive about their home. Comments included ‘I like it here’ and ‘staff are nice, they help me’. Young people continue to acquire life skills through

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

participating in daily chores such as washing up and emptying the bins. Contact with family and carers is well-promoted. This includes regular skyping as well as face-to-face visits. This ensures that young people maintain attachments with family, siblings and those important to them. Attendance at school remains good. Young people continue to participate in activities within the local community such as youth clubs and trips to the beach. Within the home, young people enjoy watching films, painting and experimenting with art and craft materials.

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Information about this children's home

This children’s home is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to three children with emotional and behavioural difficulties. It is managed and run by a private organisation.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

03/03/2015 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

The registered person may only employ an individual to work at the children's home if the individual satisfies the requirements in paragraph (3).

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Requirement Due date

(3) The requirements are that— (a) the individual is of integrity and good character; (b) the individual has the appropriate experience, qualification and skills for the work that the individual is to perform; (c) the individual is mentally and physically fit for the purposes of the work that the individual is to perform; and (d) full and satisfactory information is available in relation to the individual in respect of each of the matters in Schedule 2 (Regulation 32(2)(a)(3)(a-d)) 01/05/2016

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s): Ensure the specific responsibilities of the home towards supporting the health and wellbeing of each child are agreed with the placing authority and recorded in the child's placement plan. (The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 34, paragraph 7.7)

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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

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

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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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