Children's home run by CareTech Community Services Limited in Hertsmere

This monitoring visit

Serious concerns were raised with Ofsted and a monitoring visit was undertaken by two inspectors, on 8 March 2016. The outcome of the visit was that there were serious concerns about the lack of sufficient action taken to promote the welfare of the young people. Two compliance notices were made with a compliance date of 1 April 2016 and three requirements were also set.

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This monitoring visit

A monitoring visit was undertaken by one inspector on 17 March 2016. The outcome of the visit found that young people have access to a variety of nutritious foods. Progress was also being made regarding improvements to the environment of the home.

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This monitoring visit

In order to evaluate the progress the provider has made in meeting the two compliance notices and two requirements, a monitoring visit was undertaken on the 5 April 2016. The visit found that the provider has taken action to meet the two compliance notices. The provider has completed a sufficient investigation into allegations made against members of staff. There is a clear and supportive plan to inform young people and staff of the outcome and findings from the investigation. The action taken, when implemented will help to reduce recurrences within the home, and therefore promote the welfare of young people.

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This monitoring visit

The visit found continued improvement to the living environment for young people. The provider has purchased new appliances, furniture, including dining table and chairs, settees, and wardrobes. This provides a more homely environment for young people. Further work identified such as replacing windows, and additional new carpets are planned throughout the home. Staff now implement a cleaning rota to ensure that a good standard is maintained. This ensures young people are provided with a sufficient living environment.

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This monitoring visit

The visit found no young people had been missing from the home. The staff have updated young people’s missing protocol assessments to detail the action to take, if a young person did go missing. The document now includes guidance that the staff will continue to try to locate a missing young person through the night, as well as during the day.

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This monitoring visit

The provider has partially met the recommendation made. The management have made changes to the documentation for staff supervisions, to ensure that they include reflective practice. However, the new format is not fully implemented due to timescales. This recommendation is remade.

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This monitoring visit

During the visit some further shortfalls were identified. On occasions the staff have failed to ensure that all young people have their health needs consistently met. The staff have failed to take sufficient action to ensure that all young people have accessed dental treatment when needed. In addition, staff have not been proactive to gain information regarding all young people’s optical needs. As a result, some young people’s health needs have not been consistently met.

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This monitoring visit

The visit found that there had been two safeguarding incidents since the last visit, where the staff have failed to sufficiently protect the welfare of young people. The management has taken some action to reduce a recurrence through, providing staff with clear guidance on security checks to be made at night on settling young people. In addition, the staff have been provided with instruction of the checks to be made with the placing authorities prior to contact with family members or significant people for young people. Further action is planned to investigate the incident.

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This monitoring visit

Concern was raised regarding the lack of detailed and up to date records, such as young people’s placement plans. In addition, the management have failed to provide the staff with behaviour management strategies to meet the emotional and behavioural needs of all young people. As a result, this does not ensure that the staff have the information, guidance and strategies to meet all of the young people’s needs.

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This monitoring visit

On occasions the young people have received measures of control for inappropriate behaviour. However, these have not been consistently recorded within the designated recording log. As a result, this does not ensure that monitoring is robust to identify potential triggers or if the action taken was effective. The organisation is aware of these shortfalls, and are in the process of taking action.

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This monitoring visit

The staff and management are committed to take the action required to address the shortfalls, and improve the quality of care provided to young people. Ofsted will continue to monitor the progress.

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Information about this children's home

This home is registered to provide care and accommodation for three young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. A private organisation operates this setting.

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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

(2) In order to meet the protection of children standard, in particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to ensure (b) that the home’s day-to-day care is arranged and delivered so as to keep each child safe and to protect each child effectively from harm. 22/04/2016

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Requirement Due date

(1)In order to meet the health and well-being standard, the registered person is required to ensure that (c) each child has access to such dental, medical, nursing, psychiatric and psychological advice, treatment and other services as the child may require . 15/04/2016

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Requirement Due date

13: The leadership and management standard

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Requirement Due date

(2) In order to meet the leadership and management standard, in particular the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to (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. 29/04/2016

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Requirement Due date

(2) In order to meet the positive relationship standard, the registered person must ensure 29/04/2016 (a) that staff- (i) meet each child’s behavioural and emotional needs, as set out in the child’s relevant plans.

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must ensure that within 24 hours of the use of a measure of control, discipline or restraint in relation to a child in the home, a record is made. (Regulation 35(3)(a)(i)-(viii) and (b)(i)-(ii) and (c) 29/04/2016

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must maintain records (“case records”) for each child which are kept up to date. (Regulation 36(1)(b) 29/04/2016

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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 that staff supervision enables staff to reflect and act upon how their own feelings and behaviour may be affected by the behaviour of the children they care for. This specifically relates to the regularity of supervision in line with the home's policy. (The Guide to The Quality Standards, page 39 paragraph 8.15)

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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 .

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Information about this inspection

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Information about this inspection

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Information about this inspection

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Information about this inspection

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