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

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

The manager has taken action to address the four requirements raised at the last inspection in October 2016. The fire risk assessment has now been updated to reflect the location of the firefighting equipment. Firefighting appliances are no longer removed from their allocated place when a child targets them. This ensures that they are easily accessible should staff be required to use them.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The staff now clearly label medication when it is first opened. This makes sure that it is not used beyond its shelf-life. Staff return unwanted medication to the pharmacy. This ensures that it is not given to young people who no longer require it.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager has now gained consent from a young person who requires a monitoring device during the night. As a result, the young person understands and consents to the use of the measure. This ensures that young people are safe.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff have improved the way they record information and write reports. Following the last inspection, the manager held a meeting with staff to reiterate the importance of record-keeping and recording. As a result, records are more factual and accurate.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager has improved the access to advocacy services. Some young people now have access to a designated advocate. The manager has contacted an advocacy service and discussed with social workers the need for independent advocates to be allocated. As a result, young people have an independent voice.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Physical intervention has been used three times since the last inspection. The manager confirms that incidents of physical intervention are reducing. One record did not record the duration of the hold applied. This makes it difficult to ascertain if the hold was proportionate.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people are safe. Social workers confirm this and say that they have no concerns about the service. When there are concerns, the manager and external agencies work in partnership to resolve them. Following an allegation, a quick and efficient response into an investigation confirmed no further action. The safety of the child was not at risk. However, the manager did not notify Ofsted in line with regulation. This hinders any action that needs to be taken by the inspector.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Toothpaste prescribed for young people is not routinely recorded onto the medication record sheet. As a result, it is not clear if it is being administered as prescribed. Some vitamin supplements administered to the young people have not been prescribed. This does not guarantee that there are no contra-indications with any other prescribed medication.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people remain happy and settled in the home. Some young people are preparing well for the transition into adult care. A social worker said, ‘He will be making a transition into adult services. We have visited him. There are no safeguarding concerns. Staff manage his risk very well. There is good communication between the home and me. They are very cooperative.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Good partnership working has helped a young person move school quickly and efficiently. A social worker said, ‘This was a very quick move following a quick decision. The staff were very proactive in supporting the transition and planning the timetable. We had a joint meeting to look at how the arrangements would go. Staff only had a short time between the changes taking place to work things out. The move has gone really well. He is autistic and this is a major life move for him.’ As a result, the young person is settling in well.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

All young people continue to thrive. Staff know and understand them well. They use each young person’s preferred communication style to engage with them. A staff member said, ‘She is doing more for herself now, like walking to the shop. Another young person is now more able to participate in group activities. This has reduced his behaviours a lot. We used to have a lot of physical intervention, but there hasn’t been any lately.’

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Information about this children’s home

The home is registered to provide care for six children with learning disabilities. The home forms part of a large social care company.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 12/10/2016 Full Good 15/03/2016 Interim Sustained effectiveness 05/01/2016 Full Good 18/03/2015 Interim Sustained 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 ensure that, a record is kept of the administration of medicine to the child. (Regulation 23 (2)(b)(c)) 31/03/2017

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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 and restraint which may be used in relation to children in the home, a record is made which includes, a description of the measure and its duration. (Regulation 35 (3)(a)(iv)) 31/03/2017

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must notify HMCI and each other relevant persons without delay if there is an allegation of abuse against the home or a person working there. (Regulation 40 (4)(c)) 31/03/2017

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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, work- based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It inspects services for children looked after 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

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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