Children's Home run by Kent County Council in Kent

Outstanding

The children's home provides highly effective services that consistently exceeds the standards of good. The actions of the home contribute to significantly improved outcomes for children and young people who need help, protection and care.

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The children's home provision is outstanding because:

 Children and young people with complex needs are provided with highly individualised care at a consistently high standard. This helps them to gain maximum benefit from their short break stays.  Children and young people with substantial needs and challenging health and dietary conditions are able to have fun and enjoy new experiences.  A caring and motivated staff team provides children and young people with excellent opportunities to form positive and trusted relationships with the staff and each other.  Children and young people’s experiences are enhanced by the determined efforts by staff to establish effective communication with each individual.  Staff take exceptional measures to keep children and young people safe and are able to sustain these high standards of practice.  Parents and carers are able to trust staff and enjoy peace of mind when their child / young person is having a short break.

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The children's home provision is outstanding because:

 A wide range of versatile facilities, equipment and living arrangements are flexibly and effectively used by staff to provide diverse groups of children and young people with a positive and bespoke experience.  The experienced registered manager, with an appetite for improvement, inspires staff to consistently do their very best for the children and young people.

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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 that the registered manager seeks ways of improving the immediacy of written feedback to parents and carers following short breaks to improve the effectiveness of working relationships. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 52 paragraph 10.3).

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Recommendations

 Continue to develop and review the home’s statement of purpose to ensure that all stakeholders, including the staff, understand and apply this. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 15 paragraph 3.6).

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Recommendations

 With particular reference to part-time staff, review communication systems to enable all staff to consistently remain up-to-date with the home’s policies and procedures for the benefit of the children in the home’s care. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 54, paragraph 10.20).

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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

21/03/2016 Interim Improved effectiveness

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Recent inspection history

24/03/2015 Interim Sustained effectiveness

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Outstanding

56 children and young people with complex needs benefit from using this short break provision. They receive attentive and highly individualised care which keeps them safe and healthy while they are simply having fun.

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Outstanding

The staff team understand and meet children and young people’s needs to a consistently high standard. Children and young people feel welcome and valued. They have fun and participate in interesting and enjoyable activities. They expand their tastes and preferences and increase independence wherever possible; they meet new people and develop friendships.

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Outstanding

Children and young people develop trust and confidence in the service. Thorough and detailed information is gathered about their needs before they stay. Some settle quickly, whereas others require a more gradual build-up of day and evening visits before they are ready to stay overnight. Patient and empathetic staff successfully address the natural anxieties of children and young people, and their parents and carers during this introduction period. Consequently, this is a service which benefits the wider family. Careful planning enhances children’s experiences. Staff capacity and expertise is effectively matched to the specific needs of the group of children and young people in residence at any given time. Their specialised individual health and care needs are met by competent, diligent and suitably trained staff. When additional expertise is needed, such as supporting a child with a new feeding procedure, specialist guidance is swiftly accessed. This

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Outstanding

makes for a confident staff team which is able to make children feel valued and respected and also gives parents and carers peace of mind.

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Outstanding

The buildings, facilities, décor and equipment are very child-focused and well- maintained. The clean, fresh and tastefully decorated interior creates an inviting and homely atmosphere. Each bedroom is different and can be individualised with personal belongings and adapted to meet the specific care needs of individuals. Facilities and equipment are versatile and used to the maximum benefit of the children and young people.

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Outstanding

Staff actively listen to children and young people, striving to understand their wishes and feelings and acting on these when appropriate. The preferred communication methods of the children and young people include Makaton signing and picture exchange communication systems (PECS). Some children and young people are reliant upon staff being able to interpret their own unique methods, such as behaviours and gestures. Patient staff do this well. They see beyond seemingly obvious behaviours and go to great lengths to understand how each individual communicates. This valuing culture is underpinned by regular children and young people’s meetings which enable staff to understand and improve children and young people’s experience of using the service. A sense of ownership is created whereby children and young people tangibly influence daily activities. A recent example of consultation resulted in their choosing the dining room wall

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Outstanding

Staff make careful arrangements to ensure children and young people continue to attend school and college during term time. Transport arrangements are effective and staff maintain regular communication with schools and colleges.

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Outstanding

Children and young people enjoy a wide choice of stimulating and enjoyable activities within the spacious home, both indoors and outdoors. Staff are sensitive in giving choices; encouraging, facilitating and directing when necessary. Joint activities are encouraged as much as solitary pursuits; there is spontaneity and flexibility with activities and good weather is exploited when possible. A hot day during this inspection resulted in water play and the filling of a paddling pool, providing a fun, family atmosphere. Children and young people enjoy social, educational and recreational activities outside the provision. These include swimming, bowling, shopping, attending the cinema and visiting attractions. This is made possible by a competent staff team which is flexible, adventurous and confident in its approach. Staff want the children and young people to gain the maximum benefit from their stay.

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Outstanding

Fun days, fetes and coffee mornings are held throughout the year. Children and young people, their families, external agencies and members of the community all attend. This supports continuity between visits for children and young people and puts the service at the centre of the local community.

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Outstanding

Parents and carers commend the service. One said, ‘If I were to lose (name of service), I would be worried for my son.’ Another said, ‘My child will always be safe at (name of service)’ and ‘I am extremely happy with (name of service).’ Parents and carers consistently report that their children look forward to their stays and are often reluctant to leave. One said, ‘I wish that I could replicate this (name of service) at home.’

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people are helped and protected

Vulnerable children and young people with complex needs are protected from potentially harmful adult behaviours through a combination of factors, including:

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people are helped and protected

 effective recruitment practice: the ‘choosing with care’ framework  the embedded culture of care and respect for children and young people  sensitive support for staff who work in a challenging environment  on-going safeguarding training and staff development  excellent staffing levels

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people are helped and protected

Children and young people benefit from an alert, dedicated and well trained integrated team of social care and health staff. The team keeps them safe by meticulous administration and recording of medication, closely supervising children to prevent accidents and good management of self-injurious behaviour. Accidents are very rare and there have been no medication errors since the last inspection.

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people are helped and protected

Children and young people rarely go missing. No child or young person has gone missing during the last three inspection periods.

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people are helped and protected

Safeguarding concerns are communicated effectively and in accordance with clear protocols and procedures. Other professionals are challenged and held to account when responses are insufficient; concerns are escalated appropriately. A current example demonstrates the registered manager’s resolve and tenacity in pursuing concerns about a sensitive and complex safeguarding concern, in a measured and professional manner.

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people are helped and protected

In addition to following the vetting requirements for safe recruitment, the registered manager focusses on only employing staff who are well-suited, realistic and properly motivated to provide care to children and young people with complex needs. All aspects of care in the service reflect a culture of deep care, liking and respect for children and young people, as well as a celebration of their differences.

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people are helped and protected

A sound knowledge of the children and young people, proactive preventative strategies and skilled de-escalation techniques combine to limit the need for physical restraint. If used it is only as a last resort. When applied, restrictive techniques are proportional and of short duration. Post-restraint procedures are followed and incidents properly recorded and reviewed by the registered manager within timescales. This positive practice helps to minimise the negative effects of extreme behaviours for the children, young people and staff. Other restrictive practices, necessary for the safe care of children and young people, such as locking internal gates during the night, are formally agreed with parents and carers and incorporated into care plans.

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people are helped and protected

The physical environment, including the large grounds, is secure. The driveway and secluded car park provides a safe, calm and well-controlled entrance to the building. Children and young people are kept physically safe by vigilant, proactive and well-informed staff. Equipment and toys are safely used in accordance with the abilities of the children and young people. Staff display a sensible attitude towards risk-taking and allow the children and young people to test and explore their abilities while keeping them safe.

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people are helped and protected

Well-formulated risk assessments guide staff in keeping everyone safe inside and outside of the home. Appropriate transport arrangements and the requirements for the safe enjoyment of outings are carefully considered and planned. This helps children and young people to relax and feel secure. This enables them to take full advantage of new and enjoyable experiences.

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people are helped and protected

Staff are well trained in areas including child sexual exploitation, internet safety and radicalisation. Protective factors, such as high staffing levels and supervised internet use reduce potential risks to children and young people’s safety and well- being. Staff are alert to possible indicators of exposure to harmful circumstances when children and young people come for breaks. Beyond this, the staff show good awareness about how these issues may arise for children and young people when they are away from the setting. Staff have for example, supported and advised parents about the application of parental controls on internet enabled devices when concerns about this have arisen during breaks.

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people are helped and protected

Routine health and safety checks are thorough and completed on schedule. Fire safety and evacuation plans are of a high quality and regularly externally reviewed, with any recommendations followed. All children and young people have personal emergency evacuation plans (PEEPs). Staff training is planned that will include staff role-playing individual children and young people to further practise evacuation plans.

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Outstanding

This service is led by a very experienced and capable registered manager. She has achieved the required level 5 Diploma and continues to seek further knowledge that contributes to or may improve the quality of the care provided.

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Outstanding

Expectations of staff are high. Previous care staff who did not achieve the level 3 diploma within timescales have left and this qualification is now set as an entry level requirement. All care staff are either already qualified or working to achieve the level 3 diploma. The variable needs of the groups of children and young people are met by a large and flexible staff team made up from permanent and part-time staff. The latter are skilfully deployed to only work when specific children and young people are in residence. This practice maintains important relationships and really matters to certain children and young people.

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Outstanding

The careful planning and proactive thinking of leaders and managers creates a responsive service. When unexpected needs arise, staff capacity is quickly expanded to make emergency and short-notice arrangements. Parents and carers value this aspect of the service. A recent example includes a child requiring urgent hospitalisation. This was supported by staff attending the hospital, where they remained to support the single parent.

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Outstanding

A key factor in achieving this level of service is a registered manager leading a staff team which enjoys working with this group of children and young people. Staff are strongly motivated to provide them with a rich, safe and enjoyable stay, during which parents and carers can enjoy maximum peace of mind. Staff work closely together and take pride in the care that they are collectively able to provide.

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Outstanding

Weekly staff meetings, regular reflective group and individual supervision, handover meetings and a comprehensive training programme, help to sustain the high quality of care and to maintain staff motivation and focus. One staff member used her level 5 diploma dissertation requirement to research ways of improving the manner in which the views, wishes and feelings of children and young people are sought and obtained. Some of the ideas generated are now being incorporated into the provision’s practice.

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Outstanding

Staff meetings are fully recorded and the minutes are required to be signed by all staff. While this practice promotes communication across a large staff group, there is a risk of delay, given the variable shift patterns of some. A recommendation is made for the registered manager to further explore how the potential impact of this can be minimised.

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Outstanding

Imaginative and varied evaluation forms are used to gather feedback from children and young people. An annual parent and carers’ opinion survey, and staff meeting minutes are also used to obtain feedback on the quality of care provided to children and young people. Parents and carers are also regularly and strongly encouraged to complete the Ofsted feedback survey. The views of external agencies are also valued. There is a responsive complaint/compliment procedure that is promoted amongst children, young people, parents and carers. Incident logs, medication records and daily logs are all closely scrutinised by the registered manager and her deputy. Information obtained from these sources is taken very seriously and where appropriate, used to adapt, change and improve the quality of the service.

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Outstanding

The registered manager and staff have a sensitive and realistic approach to care planning. The contributions of parents and carers are valued and respected. Children and young people are given as much choice and opportunity as possible to expand their range of experience and activity. Each child and young person has a simple aim on which staff focus during a stay. This may be to create a sense of achievement, increase independence or to reduce unhelpful or unwanted behaviours. Written feedback is provided to parents and carers after each stay but this is received a week later; thus its value is reduced.

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Outstanding

The statement of purpose meets all requirements and the service delivers on the promised services. However, it does not fully describe the core values and practices that are delivered. Further refinement of the statement of purpose is needed to provide all stakeholders with a clearer understanding. This will also provide staff with explicitly clear expectations.

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Outstanding

The registered manager displays a professional attitude and practice in her dealings with external agencies. She is able to appropriately challenge and encourage others in order to secure the best possible cooperation and contributions to the care and progress of children and young people. This approach is respected by external agencies and evidenced in expressions of appreciation by professionals for the contributions of the registered manager and her staff at reviews, strategy discussions and other related activities.

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Outstanding

New staff induction is thorough and paced according to individual needs. Supervision records indicate a positive approach to supporting staff in their roles: it is regular; there is a good balance between operational activities and personal reflection; required actions are recorded and reviewed. Staff place great value on the training provided and see it as essential to providing competent care. One staff member said, ‘With children like this you really need it.’ The positive culture around learning and development in the service is reflected in the small but well-stocked library open to all staff. The professional development of the relatively new deputy will lead to the registered manager assuming an increasingly strategic leadership role and enable a greater focus on the further development of the provision. Succession planning is a strength.

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Outstanding

This is a provision where managers listen to feedback, thinks analytically about what it does and continuously seeks ways to achieve the best possible outcomes of short breaks for children, young people and their families.

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What the inspection judgements mean

The experiences and progress of children and young people are at the centre of the inspection. Inspectors will use their professional judgement to determine the weight and significance of their findings in this respect. The judgements included in the report are made against Inspection of children's homes: framework for inspection.

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What the inspection judgements mean

An outstanding children's home provides highly effective services that contribute to significantly improved outcomes for children and young people who need help and protection and care. Their progress exceeds expectations and is sustained over time. A good children's home provides effective services that help, protect and care for children and young people and have their welfare safeguarded and promoted. In a children's home that requires improvement , there are no widespread or serious failures that create or leave children being harmed or at risk of harm. The welfare of looked after children is safeguarded and promoted. Minimum requirements are in place, however, the children's home is not yet delivering good protection, help and care for children and young people. A children's home that is inadequate is providing services where there are widespread or serious failures that create or leave children and young people being

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What the inspection judgements mean

harmed or at risk of harm or result in children looked after not having their welfare safeguarded and promoted.

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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 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

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Information about this inspection

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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