Children's home run by My Choice Children’s Homes Limited in Mid Sussex

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 .

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

At the last inspection in September 2015 two requirements and two recommendations were made. These have been addressed. All members of staff, including those from the agency which the home uses, are familiar with home’s safeguarding procedures. This means that they are clear what action they need to take if there are concerns for a young person’s wellbeing. As a result, young people’s safety is promoted to a good standard.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There has been significant changes in the staff team since the last inspection. Recent recruitment is enabling the staff team to become more settled and to not rely on agency staff on a regular basis. This is underpinned by the managers from the organisation making sure that new members of staff have relevant previous experience. Additionally, planned training and liaison with specialist services for young people who have specific needs, such as autism, means that staff have the skills and knowledge to meet the individual needs of the young people.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Records are now made of medication received into the home. This means that amounts of medication in stock are known and audited.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Individual risk assessments reflect the support each young person needs in the event that there is a need to evacuate the home in an emergency.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Since the last inspection staff supervision has not been carried out consistently and in line with the organisation’s guidelines in this matter. This means that not all members of staff have received the formal support they need and that their practice is not examined or reflected upon in a structured manner. A requirement is made for the home to address this shortfall.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

On occasion the acting manager has signed key records, such as records of restraint, on behalf of members of staff in their absence. This means that the members of staff responsible for the records have not endorsed them to verify their accuracy. Additionally, the signatures on some of the records are illegible. A recommendation is made to rectify this shortfall. The young people in the home have made significant progress since the last inspection. They have developed their self-care skills and insight into their behaviours. This aids their growing control of emotions and anxieties. This has resulted in fewer volatile incidents and lessening of incidents requiring physical intervention.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

One young person has received very good support during his transition to a new setting. He appreciated the efforts made by the staff to help him during this period. ‘They know me, they’ve got a real handle on me’ is a comment made by a young person.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Interaction between young people and members of staff is seen to be good humoured, warm and supportive, with the young people actively seeking the company of the staff caring for them. Such an atmosphere encourages trust and young people feeling safe and cared for.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The rear garden of the property was littered with numerous cigarette ends. This was unsightly and not conducive to this being a children’s play area. While this was cleared immediately when the shortfall was identified, a requirement is made to ensure that members of staff do not dispose of their cigarettes in this manner.

p.3

Information about this children's home

This is a privately owned children's home that is registered to provide care to two young people who have emotional or behavioural problems.

p.4

Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

p.4

Recent inspection history

13/02/2015 Interim Improved effectiveness

p.4

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.5

Requirement Due date

6: The quality and purpose of care standard

p.5

Requirement Due date

In order to meet the quality and purpose of care standard, with particular reference to ensuring that members of staff do not dispose of their cigarette ends in the back garden, the registered person must -

p.5

Requirement Due date

6 (2) (c) (i) ensure the premises used for the purposes of the home are designed and furnished so as to meet the needs of each child. 01/05/2016

p.5

Requirement Due date

Ensure that all employees receive practice related supervision by a person with appropriate experience. In particular ensuring that all members of staff receive regular supervision. (Regulation 33 (3)(4)(b). 01/05/2016

p.5

Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s): Ensure staff are familiar with the home’s policies on record keeping and understand the importance of careful, objective, and clear recording; in particular that key records, such as incidents of restraint, are signed by the members of staff who write them and that signatures are legible. (The Guide to the Quality Standards page 62, paragraph 14.4)

p.5

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.6

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.6

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.7

Information about this inspection

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

p.7

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.7

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.7