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 last full inspection. At this interim inspection Ofsted judge that it has Improved effectiveness .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The requirement regarding frequency of supervisions and recording of physical interventions have been fully implemented.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The recommendation in relation to staff following care plans and protocols remains. Staff did not seek medical support for a young person in line with policy. The Registered Manager thoroughly investigated this incident; she shared lessons learnt with senior managers, the child’s social worker and staff.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The Registered Manager ensures that physical intervention records demonstrate an excellent and effective standard of recording, evaluation and consultation with young people. She effectively monitors such incidents and helps staff to learn new strategies to keep young people safe.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff are committed to listening to the wishes and feelings of the children. They encourage children to communicate their feelings by placing a whiteboard in communal areas accessible to all the children. Children use a variety of methods to record their views, including words and symbols added to the board with Velcro. Children are able to express their views, independently or with support.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff proudly display children’s artwork in communal areas. They value children’s contributions to decision making about subjects such as activities and the unit’s decorations. One young person requested an Easter Egg hunt during his stay, this was organised by staff and enjoyed by all. Children actively participate in children’s meetings in which they are able to express choices. If staff are unable to fulfil a request, they explain to the young people why. Staff are developing ways of evidencing feedback to children.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff devise clear, achievable goals, which allow young people to make good progress. One child is now able to go on the minibus; previously he would not leave the unit. Another young person is able to wait for food; this means that he can now go to cafés. Staff encourage children to learn good social skills so that they can access community facilities. Staff have good relationships with parents and carers, who value the service. The excellent communication in place ensures that parents and carers are confident that their children are cared for safely. One parent said ‘staff communication is good; I speak to them every night and receive a detailed report after each stay’. Another parent said ‘it’s like a child’s dream place, five star’, another reported ‘my son is keen to go there, I know he is safe’. The Registered Manager records any negative comments from parents as complaints. She ensures that any lessons

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

learnt are shared with staff to continually improve the service.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Professional relationships between the manager, staff and partner agencies results in highly effective multi-disciplinary working to provide the best possible care. The practice educator works effectively with other professionals and parents to ensure that young people’s health needs are met. Social workers are positive about the service. One Social Worker reported that ‘children are safe there, any incidents are addressed appropriately’.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

A recent admission was carefully planned and co-ordinated in partnership with the young person’s social worker and family. Staff were familiar with his needs prior to admission, consequently he settled in well. Staff managed another young person well during an emergency placement. The Registered Manager organised additional staffing to ensure his and other’s safety. She devised a detailed care plan, behaviour management plan and risk assessments to inform his next placement of his complex needs. His Social Worker reported ‘staff managed the emergency placement and transition to another placement well, they did a brilliant job’.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff receive regular and effective supervision, which focuses on the children’s needs and any staffing issues. The Registered Manager is a strong leader who inspires a high standard of care, this is reflected in team meetings, which constructively challenge and motivate staff. Children remain the focus of the meetings, staff discuss each child before and after each stay, care plans reflect any changes agreed.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The Registered Manager actively monitors the quality of care provided. She has a thorough understanding of activity within the home, the children who use the service and staff performance. Monitoring reports are transparent and detailed. The Registered Manager addresses any areas of weakness and sets goal for the ongoing improvement of the service.

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Information about this children's home

This children’s home is operated by a local authority and provides short break care for children and young people aged between 5 and 17 years who have learning difficulties, physical disabilities and other associated complex needs.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

24/03/2015 Interim Sustained effectiveness

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

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Recommendations

Ensure all staff consistently follow the homes procedures for the benefit of the children in the home's care, especially in relation to keeping to care plans and protocols (The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 54 paragraph 10.20)

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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

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

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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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