Children's home run by West Sussex County Council

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 .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

At the last inspection carried out in November 2016 two requirements and two recommendations were made. The registered manager has addressed the requirements and recommendations to a good standard. Staff practice in the recording of the medication fridge temperature is now much improved. However, the recording template does not show the safe temperature range, or instruct staff about what action to take if the temperature falls outside of the acceptable range. An improved recording format for fire drills enables staff to clearly comment on if children are managed in accordance with their individual personal emergency evacuation plans during a practice drill. The registered manager has sought advice from the local fire and rescue service to ensure plans are safe.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The registered manager addressed the shortfalls leading to the two recommendations made at the last inspection. A review of the home’s location risk assessment has taken place and it considers the feedback from the local police in relation to the risk of radicalisation. While the area is seen as low risk for radicalisation the registered manager has reviewed the risk of radicalisation posed through social media. As a result the registered manager has created risk assessment forms which cover a wide range of factors relating to the risk of extremism and radicalisation. These are being shared across other services operated by the local authority. All actions identified at the last environmental health inspection have been completed. This relates specifically to the addition of fly screens in the main kitchen.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The registered manager has a good oversight of all areas of the service. She works closely with senior managers to ensure the service continually develops. This includes reviewing the maintenance provision. The timeliness of maintenance issues being actioned is much improved since the last inspection. This is the result of a change in contactors and further monies being made available. Work was being carried out on the day of the inspection to ensure all fire doors are in good working order. The redecoration and upgrading of bathrooms has been completed. Work is planned to ensure the gardens are a suitable area for children to enjoy over the coming months. A fire and buildings review and risk assessment is to undertaken in the near future. This will enable the service to identify further areas for development and allow the local authority to make suitable plans.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home is reviewing the use of closed circuit TV which has been used periodically. It is not being used currently and its reintroduction will be reviewed in three months. The registered manager is well informed of the legal requirements and children’s homes regulations relating to any future use.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The registered manager and her staff team are working hard to ensure that children and young people who stay at the same time are compatible. Young people leaving the home and service experience well organised moves. Emergency admissions only take place in extreme circumstances. Good procedures are in place to ensure that children settle in as quickly as possible.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The registered manager is supported by a strong team of senior care staff who are given clear areas of responsibilities. The staff team has a good mix of age, gender, skills and experience. There are also improved and strengthening links to the senior managers in the local authority. This ensures good flow of information and highlights areas that require action at a very senior level. A new service manager has instigated improved methods for the sharing of information and practice between home’s managers in the local authority. This will aid improved consistency in care practice and recording methods across all local authority homes.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There have been staffing difficulties in the last few months due to unexpected staff sickness. The registered manager has managed this period effectively but the staff shortages did lead to an increase in the use of agency staff. To prevent the care of children being affected the permanent staff team offered flexibility in their shifts to minimise the use of agency staff. The manager has reviewed how agency staff are sourced and has ensured the same staff are requested so they can get to know the children. The staffing situation has improved in recent weeks.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There have been no complaints or safeguarding referrals since the last inspection. Children are kept safe by a staff team that demonstrates a good knowledge of safeguarding practice. The staff are aware of the increased vulnerabilities that the children have. The staff work in accordance with the local authority’s child protection and safeguarding policies and procedures. This is supported by the home’s own procedures. Staff can contact safeguarding professionals for advice and know how and when to make appropriate referrals. Allegations or suspicions of harm are managed very well. A comprehensive complaints procedure is available and shared with children, staff, parents and professionals. In practice, no complaints have been received, only numerous compliments. The registered manager is competent in managing poor staff practice including disciplinary proceedings.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The service continues to provide a positive difference to children’s and families lives. Children are at the centre of all practice with their views, wishes and feelings taken seriously. There are excellent relationships between the staff and the children in their care. Children have fun and enjoy the wide range of activities on offer; they make friends.

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Information about this children's home

The home is registered to accommodate 16 children of mixed gender, aged between 5 and 18 years old who have a learning disability. This is a local authority home that provides short stay and full time accommodation. In addition there is an individual unit providing a bespoke environment in order to suit children who have exceptionally complex needs.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

18/02/2106 Interim Improved effectiveness

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Recent inspection history

16/02/2015 Interim Improved effectiveness

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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 within the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must make arrangements for the handling, recording, safekeeping, safe administration and disposal of medicines received into the children’s home. (Regulation 23 (1)) Specifically, ensure staff know the acceptable temperature ranges for the medication fridge and have a protocol in place of action to take should they be outside of the range. 28/02/2107

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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

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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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