Children's home run by West Sussex County Council

This monitoring visit

Ofsted inspected this home in June 2016 and judged the service to be inadequate with 12 requirements and nine recommendations. The purpose of this monitoring visit was to ensure that the provider had taken appropriate action to make improvements at the home. This was with specific reference to requirements raised in relation to using physical restraint, using and recording all measures of control, appropriately referring all allegations of abuse or harm in line with child protection and safeguarding procedures, and revising behaviour management policies.

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This monitoring visit

Since the last inspection, the registered manager has reviewed and revised the behaviour management policy. This includes an appraisal of the associated policies and procedures in relation to physical restraint, sanctions and the use of single separation as a measure of control. The ongoing implementation of additional guidance and clarity for staff better protects young people from harm.

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This monitoring visit

The registered manager continues to review and amend documentation used for recording incidents of physical restraint. These records now indicate the criteria for the use of restraint. Since the last inspection there have been very few incidents of physical restraint, and staff have not used this measure of control to enforce compliance. The registered manager has discussed the appropriate use of physical restraint with staff during team meetings. This has improved safe and consistent practice in the home and further promoted young people’s welfare.

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This monitoring visit

The use of enforced or directed single separation as a measure of control has reduced since the last inspection. This is because staff develop personalised behaviour support plans for young people. These bespoke plans incorporate risk assessments and the strategies in place to reduce risk-taking and challenging behaviours. Young people are involved in the process, and they have the opportunity to comment on their plans and to suggest strategies that they feel would help them to manage their own behaviours. The behaviour management policy now clearly defines the circumstances in which the use of single separation is appropriate, how to record incidents and the requirement for authorisation from a senior manager. Also, records of single separations now document the actions taken by staff to reintegrate young people back into the wider group. These revised procedures and accompanying records ensure that use of this measure of

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This monitoring visit

control, when necessary, is proportionate and effectively monitored. This further protects young people from harm.

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This monitoring visit

There have been no child protection concerns since the last inspection. The registered manager has amended the referral process used for the management of allegations. For example, the introduction of a checklist ensures that the registered manager, and other managers, record actions taken to date, the person the matter was referred to and when, and who is responsible for following up on the referral made. Additional lines of accountability within these documents mean that senior managers now monitor these actions on behalf of the local authority. These improved procedures help to ensure that the management of allegations will protect young people from harm.

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Information about this children’s home

This secure children’s home is managed by a local authority. It is approved by the Department for Education to restrict young people’s liberty. Education is provided on site in dedicated facilities. The children’s home can accommodate up to seven young people aged between 10 and 17 and accommodated under section 25 of the Children Act 1989. Admission of any young person aged under 13 requires the approval of the Secretary of State.

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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 children’s home since its 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

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

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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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