Social care · Children's home inspection (SCCIF)
Children's home run by Horizon Care Limited in Cannock Chase
Summary
What we read, and from where
Click a reading to see it highlighted in the report.
- Group verified
Horizon Care Limited
- Inspection date verified
25 May 2017
- Inspectorssingle source
Michelle Edge
- Helped and protected verified
Inadequate
- Leadership and management verified
Inadequate
- Overall effectivenesssingle source
Inadequate
- Name on report verified
SC374939
- URN verified
SC374939
Deep dive
What this report says
In plain English
Join free to get a short, plain-English summary of any report.
Grade profile
Hollow rings show the previous inspection, 2016.
- OverallInadequate
- Helped and protectedInadequate
- Leadership and managementInadequate
5% of comparable inspections in the last three years were graded Inadequate (12,716 inspections).
Tone of the report
How positive or critical the inspectors' language is, from the words they chose. No AI involved.
Reads more critically than most reports of this type graded Inadequate.
Markers show where typical reports of each grade sit.
How the report reads, start to finish
Every paragraph in order, sized by length. Tap one to see it on the page.
Strengths
Quoted from the report. Tap to see it on the page.
No standout praise found.
Concerns
Quoted from the report. Tap to see it on the page.
- Therefore, young people’s safety and welfare is compromised because they are placed at risk from unsafe practices. p.14
- There are serious and/or widespread failures that mean that children and young people are not protected or their welfare is not promoted or safeguarded and/or the care and experiences of children and young people are poor and they are not making progress. p.1
- The management oversight of staff member’s practices is ineffective, and fails to promote good standards of care or to identify and put right weaknesses. p.2
- However, records demonstrated that while the registered manager had been in post, monitoring systems had failed to identify and address the shortfalls found in records such as: out-of-date risk assessments, failure to record restraints, and incomplete records of sanctions and room search records. p.12
- Their lack of awareness and knowledge about extremism and their subsequent failure to take meaningful action exposed a young person to unnecessary risk, and by doing so this potentially compromised the young person’s safety and welfare. p.2
Next steps
Quoted from the report. Tap to see it on the page.
- In particular, ensure that feedback is provided on any issues or concerns raised by children within their group meetings. 25/06/2017 p.4
- In particular, actively ensure that children receive dental treatment and assessment without delay. p.5
- Also, that the home’s day-to-day care is arranged and delivered so as to keep each child safe and to protect each child effectively from harm; and that the premises used for the purposes of the home are designed, furnished and maintained so as to protect each child from avoidable hazards to the child’s health. p.5
- The registered person must compile in relation to the children’s home a statement (‘The statement of purpose’) which covers the matters listed in Schedule 1. p.6
- In particular, include in the statement of purpose the number of children for whom it is intended that accommodation is to be provided. 25/06/2017 p.6
- The registered person must make arrangements for the handling, recording, safekeeping, safe administration and disposal of medicines received into the children’s home. p.6
- In particular, the registered person must ensure that a record is kept of the administration of medicine to each child. p.6
- The registered person must ensure that all employees receive practice-related supervision by a person with appropriate experience. p.6
What the report dwells on
Topics by how often they come up, coloured by how they are described. Open one for an example.
Anatomy of the report
How the report is built, against others of the same type and grade.
- Pages
- 16
- Words of findings
- 5,098
- longer than usual (typical 2286)
- Reading level
- Hard
- Flesch 41, typical 50
- Average sentence
- 23 words
- Next steps
- 8
- typical 8
- Hedged sentences
- 6%
- “some”, “not always”, “most”…
Where the words go
Full report text
Inspection report children’s home: SC374939 1 SC374939 Registered provider: Horizon Care Limited
p.1
Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework
p.1
Information about this children’s home
This home provides care and accommodation for up to three young people who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. The home is owned by a private organisation
p.1
Overall experiences and progress of
children and young people, taking into account
p.1
inadequate
How well children and young people are helped and protected inadequate
p.1
inadequate
The effectiveness of leaders and managers inadequate
p.1
inadequate
There are serious and/or widespread failures that mean that children and young people are not protected or their welfare is not promoted or safeguarded and/or the care and experiences of children and young people are poor and they are not making progress.
p.1
inadequate
Date of last inspection: 7 February 2017
p.1
inadequate
Overall judgement at last inspection: Sustained effectiveness
p.1
inadequate
Enforcement action since last inspection: None
p.1
Key findings from this inspection
This children’s home is inadequate because
p.1
Key findings from this inspection
Young people’s welfare and development needs are not being met, and this is Inspection report children’s home: SC374939 2 negatively affecting their safety and emotional well-being. Young people have not consistently been supported so that their health needs are met and promoted. Specifically, this is in relation to a failure to address concerns about alcohol and substance misuse and ensuring that mandatory health checks have been undertaken. Behaviour management plans and risk assessments are not robust or reviewed effectively to address the changing needs of the young people. Educational progress for some young people has significantly deteriorated and managers and staff have failed to ensure that there are appropriate support systems in place to enable young people to reach their full potential. The registered manager and staff are not fully aware of their roles and responsibilities in relation to protecting young people, and fail to take effective
p.1
Key findings from this inspection
action when there is serious concern about a young person’s welfare. This has included a failure to notify Ofsted of all significant events. The managers and members of staff failed to identify the indicators where a young person was vulnerable to being radicalised. Their lack of awareness and knowledge about extremism and their subsequent failure to take meaningful action exposed a young person to unnecessary risk, and by doing so this potentially compromised the young person’s safety and welfare. The administration and recording of medication is not robust. On occasions, young people have not been provided with the correct dosage of medication. The home is not organised and maintained in a manner that provides a continuously safe and homely environment. The management oversight of staff member’s practices is ineffective, and fails to promote good standards of care or to identify and put right weaknesses.
p.2
Key findings from this inspection
There is insufficient management review and evaluation of all records and events in the home to inform staff practice. If this were in place, it could better support young people’s progress. Young people’s views and wishes are not consistently taken into account in the running of the home. The home’s statement of purpose requires further updating to include the details of the number of young people for whom it is intended that accommodation is to be provided. The home has not maintained accurate staff rosters so that it is clear who and when staff are on duty.
p.2
Key findings from this inspection
Young people benefit from staff support that promotes contact with important people in their lives. Inspection report children’s home: SC374939 3 Members of staff are committed to their roles and try to maintain positive relationships with young people. Members of staff challenge social work professionals to gather clear information about the whereabouts of family members, and they ensure that there are no delays in the planning of contact sessions. Parents and social workers agree that communication with staff at the home is generally good and that they receive regular updates about their young people.
p.2
Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement
07/02/2017 Interim Sustained effectiveness 11/08/2016 Full Requires improvement 04/02/2016 Interim Improved effectiveness 19/05/2015 Full Good Inspection report children’s home: SC374939 4
p.3
Statutory requirements
This section sets out the actions that the registered person(s) must take to meet 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.
p.4
Requirement Due date
7: The children’s views, wishes and feelings standard
p.4
Requirement Due date
The children’s views, wishes and feelings standard is that children receive care from staff who take their views, wishes and feelings into account in relation to matters affecting the children’s care and welfare and their lives. (Regulation 7 (1)(c))
p.4
Requirement Due date
In particular, ensure that feedback is provided on any issues or concerns raised by children within their group meetings. 25/06/2017
p.4
Requirement Due date
The education standard is that children make measurable progress towards achieving their education potential and are helped to do so.
p.4
Requirement Due date
In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to ensure— that staff help each child to understand the importance and value of education, learning, training and employment; help a child who is excluded from school, or who is of compulsory school age but not attending school, to access educational and training support throughout the period of exclusion or non- attendance and to return to school as soon as possible; and that staff help each child who is above compulsory school age to participate in further education, training or employment and to prepare for future care, education or employment. (Regulation 8 (1)(2)(a)(iv)(viii)(ix)) 25/06/2017
p.4
Requirement Due date
The health and well-being standard is that the health and well- being needs of children are met; children receive advice, services and support in relation to their health and well-being; and children are helped to lead healthy lifestyles. 25/06/2017 Inspection report children’s home: SC374939 5 In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to ensure that staff help each child to— achieve the health and well-being outcomes that are recorded in the child’s relevant plans; and that each child has access to such dental, medical, nursing, psychiatric and psychological advice, and other services as the child may require. (Regulation 10 (1)(a)(b)(c)(2)(a)(i)(c))
p.4
Requirement Due date
In particular, actively ensure that children receive dental treatment and assessment without delay.
p.5
Requirement Due date
12: The protection of children standard*
p.5
Requirement Due date
The protection of children standard is that children are protected from harm and enabled to keep themselves safe.
p.5
Requirement Due date
In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to ensure— that staff— assess whether each child is at risk of harm, taking into account information in the child’s relevant plans, and, if necessary, make arrangements to reduce the risk of any harm to the child; help each child to understand how to keep safe; have the skills to identify and act upon signs that a child is at risk of harm; understand the roles and responsibilities in relation to protecting children that are assigned to them by the registered person; take effective action whenever there is a serious concern about a child’s welfare; are familiar with, and act in accordance with, the home’s child protection policies;
p.5
Requirement Due date
Also, that the home’s day-to-day care is arranged and delivered so as to keep each child safe and to protect each child effectively from harm; and that the premises used for the purposes of the home are designed, furnished and maintained so as to protect each child from avoidable hazards to the child’s health. (Regulation (1)(2)(a)(i)(ii)(iii)(v)(vi)(vii)(b)(d)) 25/06/2017
p.5
Requirement Due date
13: The leadership and management standard*
p.5
Requirement Due date
The leadership and management standard is that the registered person enables, inspires and leads a culture in relation to the children’s home that helps children aspire to fulfil their potential; and promotes their welfare.
p.5
Requirement Due date
In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to— lead and manage the home in a way that is consistent with the 25/06/2017 Inspection report children’s home: SC374939 6 approach and ethos, and delivers the outcomes, set out in the home’s statement of purpose; understand the impact that the quality of care provided in the home is having on the progress and experiences of each child and use this understanding to inform the development of the quality of care provided in the home; use monitoring and review systems to make continuous improvements in the quality of care provided in the home. (Regulation 13 (1)(a)(b)(2)(a)(f)(h))
p.5
Requirement Due date
The registered person must compile in relation to the children’s home a statement (‘The statement of purpose’) which covers the matters listed in Schedule 1. (Regulation 16(1))
p.6
Requirement Due date
In particular, include in the statement of purpose the number of children for whom it is intended that accommodation is to be provided. 25/06/2017
p.6
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. In particular, the registered person must ensure that a record is kept of the administration of medicine to each child. (Regulation 23 (1)(2)(c)) 25/06/2017
p.6
Requirement Due date
The registered person must ensure that all employees receive practice-related supervision by a person with appropriate experience. (Regulation 33 (4)(b)) 25/06/2017
p.6
Requirement Due date
35: Behaviour management policies and records
p.6
Requirement Due date
The registered person must keep the behaviour management policy under review and, where appropriate, revise it.
p.6
Requirement Due date
The registered person must ensure that within 24 hours of the use of a measure of control, discipline or restraint in relation to a child in the home, a record is made which includes— (i) the name of the child; (ii) details of the child’s behaviour leading to the use of the measure; (iii) the date, time and location of the use of the measure; (iv) a description of the measure and its duration; 25/06/2017 Inspection report children’s home: SC374939 7 (v) details of any methods used or steps taken to avoid the need to use the measure; (vi) the name of the person who used the measure (‘the user’), and of any other person present when the measure was used; (vii) the effectiveness and any consequences of the use of the measure; and (viii) a description of any injury to the child or any other person, and any medical treatment administered, as a result of the measure;
p.6
Requirement Due date
Also ensure that, within 48 hours of the use of the measure, the registered person, or a person who is authorised by the registered person to do so (‘the authorised person’) (i) has spoken to the user about the measure; and (ii) has signed the record to confirm it is accurate; and within five days of the use of the measure, the registered person or the authorised person adds to the record confirmation that they have spoken to the child about the measure. (Regulation 35 (2)(3)(a)(i)(ii)(iii)(iv)(v)(vii)(viii)(b)(i)(ii)(c))
p.7
Requirement Due date
The registered person must maintain in the home the records in schedule 4; and ensure that the records are kept up to date. (Regulation 37 (2)(a)(b))
p.7
Requirement Due date
In particular, maintain accurate staff rosters. 25/06/2017
p.7
Requirement Due date
The registered person must notify HMCI and each other relevant person without delay if— a child is involved in or subject to, or is suspected of being involved in or subject to, sexual exploitation; an incident requiring police involvement occurs in relation to a child which the registered person considers to be serious; there is an allegation of abuse against the home or a person working there; a child protection enquiry involving a child is instigated; or concludes (in which case, the notification must include the outcome of the child protection enquiry); or there is any other incident relating to a child which the registered person considers to be serious. (Regulation 40 (4)(a)(b)(c)(d)(i)(ii)(e)) 25/06/2017
p.7
Requirement Due date
44: Independent person: visits and reports
p.7
Requirement Due date
The independent person must produce a report about a visit 25/06/2017 Inspection report children’s home: SC374939 8 (‘the independent person’s report’) which sets out, in particular, the independent person’s opinion as to whether children are effectively safeguarded; and the conduct of the home promotes children’s well-being. (Regulation 44 (4)(a)(b))
p.7
Requirement Due date
* These requirements are subject of a compliance notice.
p.8
Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: inadequate
Since the previous inspection, the registered manager has not taken effective action to meet the requirements or recommendation issued. Young people’s positive progress has not been sustained and this has directly affected their welfare, development and safety.
p.8
Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: inadequate
Two young people have recently moved from the home to new placements. One young person in particular was moved because staff were unable to keep him safe. Although staffing was increased to support the young person, there was no evidence of effective strategies being in place to manage the significant deterioration in the young person’s emotional well-being or increase in aggressive behaviour. Prior to the young person moving into the home, the registered manager was fully aware of his history and the concerns around his safety and welfare. However, these had not been adequately considered in the placement matching process or in identifying the necessary support systems within the home to manage and support the young person effectively. This fails to ensure that all young people are appropriately matched, that all known risks are planned for and well managed and that necessary measures are in place to support
p.8
Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: inadequate
Educational progress for some young people has significantly deteriorated. Managers and staff have failed to ensure that there is appropriate support in place to enable young people to reach their full potential. The registered manager had taken no action to address the requirement made at the last inspection to ensure that young people make progress in their education. While one young person had engaged in education, staff reported that another had only attended three full sessions with his tutor since January 2017, and prior to that date had not attended school consistently. There was very limited information in the home to demonstrate what action staff had taken to support the young person to re-engage in education. Staff confirmed that the young person was ‘up all night and in bed all day’. The young person also said to the inspector, ‘If I don’t go to school nothing happens.’ Poor routines and a lack of structure to the day, limit
p.8
Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: inadequate
young people’s opportunities to reach their full educational potential, which affects their future life chances.
p.8
Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: inadequate
In addition, staff informed the inspector that they transported a young person daily to school, in the company car. However, due to an escalation in his poor behaviour, the registered manager had made the decision to place him on a ‘car ban’. This meant that he was unable to attend his education provision. Staff confirmed the ‘car ban’ was in Inspection report children’s home: SC374939 9 place for approximately four weeks, until the young person transferred to his new placement. No other strategies were considered to enable the young person to attend school and continue with his education and learning. Staff stated that they had raised concerns with the registered manager, as the young person was unhappy because he could not go to school. However, no further action was taken to rectify this. This decision had an impact on the young person’s right to an education and failed to address his needs. This requirement has been repeated and is subject of a compliance notice.
p.8
Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: inadequate
Staff have failed to address the health needs of all young people. Health plans contained conflicting information and did not clearly identify young people’s health needs or any strategies to support them to meet their needs. For example, when young people refused to attend planned health appointments, records failed to show what action had been taken by staff to address this with young people, including gaining an understanding about what the barriers may be to attending. Furthermore, some young people put their long-term health at risk by smoking cannabis on a regular basis. There is no clear guidance for staff to follow when young people are suspected to be under the influence of a substance so that they can take immediate action to ensure the safety and well-being of young people. There is also no consideration given to making a referral for support services to assist the young person. This fails to promote young people’s
p.9
Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: inadequate
physical and emotional well-being or to engage young people in learning and understanding the risks associated with poor choices. Fundamentally, there is no clear overview of young people’s current health needs.
p.9
Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: inadequate
Young people’s meetings take place regularly to gain their views on how the home is run. However, when young people have raised concerns, which include their views about ‘the poor environment’ and ‘restricted access to cutlery’, there was no further information or evidence available to show that these points had been listened to or any action taken. This fails to demonstrate that young people’s views, wishes and feelings are acted upon, or indeed that any action is taken to provide reassurance on how concerns will be addressed.
p.9
Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: inadequate
Staff have failed to ensure that young people’s bedrooms are maintained to an acceptable standard. One young person’s bedroom had clothes strewn across the floor, dirty plates with the remnants of food left on them and a number of empty fast food containers. Additionally, the inspector found that a 14-year-old was in possession of a number of 18-rated computer games. The inspector brought this and the condition of the young person’s bedroom to staff’s attention. While staff took action to rectify the issues raised, the home’s daily routine had not enabled staff to notice this sooner. This fails to offer a clean, comfortable, nurturing environment for young people to live in.
p.9
Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: inadequate
Despite these shortfalls, staff do promote and support family contact for young people well when it is appropriate to do so. One parent said, ‘The staff help me see my son and they let me know how he is doing.’ Staff are prepared to advocate for young people and have had some success in organising complicated arrangements with multiple carers to allow a young person to stay in touch with their brothers and sisters. Staff also challenge social work professionals to gather clear information about the whereabouts of family members and they follow this up to ensure that there are no delays in the planning of Inspection report children’s home: SC374939 10 contact sessions. This improves young people’s sense of identity and belonging, and supports their emotional well-being. One young person said, ‘I always look forward to seeing my family and I now have overnights [stays]’.
p.9
Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: inadequate
Young people express ambivalence about living in the home. However, during observations it was clear that they felt comfortable with staff and were seen laughing, joking and making plans to go out shopping. Staff express a clear commitment to their roles and young people could identify staff that they would talk to if they were unhappy. Other young people who had left the home have remained in regular contact with staff with whom they had built up positive relationships. One young person was happy to tell the inspector that, ‘Some of the staff are really nice and I liked it there.’ They spoke about knowing that there was support available during their period of transition and adjustment into their new living arrangements has helped them.
p.10
Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: inadequate
Social workers and a parent confirmed that communication is good with staff at the home and they receive regular updates about individual young people. During visits to the home, they said that they are always made to feel welcome by staff who were reported to be friendly, helpful and informative.
p.10
How well children and young people are helped and protected: inadequate
Safeguarding practice in this home is inadequate. The registered manager and staff are not fully aware of their roles and responsibilities in relation to protecting young people and effective action is not always taken when there is serious concern about a young person’s welfare.
p.10
How well children and young people are helped and protected: inadequate
The inspection identified significant shortfalls in safeguarding practices, including staff’s lack of identification, assessment and management of all potential risks to young people. For example, individual risk assessments omitted significant information, such as potential risk of child sexual exploitation and missing from care. Additionally, staff do not take effective action to ensure that young people are safe when they suspect that they are under the influence of an unknown substance. On occasions, staff failed to monitor a young person throughout the night, despite them having concerns that they appeared under the influence of ‘alcohol’. Poor quality risk assessments and the staff’s lack of response to significant safeguarding concerns is compromising young people’s safety and welfare.
p.10
How well children and young people are helped and protected: inadequate
The registered manager and staff have not always identified and taken effective action when there has been a serious concern about a young person’s welfare. Furthermore, the registered manager has failed to identify possible safeguarding concerns or consider the appropriateness of staff conduct. He has not reflected critically on what has happened to challenge and change poor practice, or what needs to happen to keep young people safe. He also failed to follow the home’s safeguarding procedures by not contacting the designated officer, when there were concerns about the conduct of members of staff. In addition, he has not informed Ofsted of all serious incidents Inspection report children’s home: SC374939 11 requiring police involvement, when young people have been missing from home, or have needed hospital treatment. This information is important to show how effectively the registered manager and staff understand, recognise and deal with concerns about young
p.10
How well children and young people are helped and protected: inadequate
There continue to be shortfalls in both the administration and recording of medication. In particular, the arrangements for the safe administration of medicines are poor. Staff informed the inspector that the registered manager had implemented a new medication recording procedure. Staff said that this was following a requirement that was set at the last inspection. Even though a new procedure had been implemented, staff stated that they had explained to the manager that they still did not understand the procedure or how to record medication. Consequently, staff have repeatedly failed to demonstrate that the administration of young people’s medication is in line with the young person’s prescription. Staff also failed to follow the company’s own medication procedures and policies. This potentially compromises the welfare and safety of young people. The registered manager failed to take sufficient action to address this requirement from the
p.11
How well children and young people are helped and protected: inadequate
previous inspection. This is subject of a compliance notice.
p.11
How well children and young people are helped and protected: inadequate
Young people do not always benefit from clear and consistent boundaries or effective behaviour management strategies. On occasions, staff had not recorded the disciplinary measures used to manage young people’s behaviours. For example, young people had their mobile phones confiscated. They also had planned activities stopped and pocket monies withheld for over three months. However, behaviour management records did not reflect this. Additionally, when young people had been restrained some records do not always provide a clear overview of the behaviour that led to the measure, the time- frame, or evidence of an individual debrief with both the young person and staff member involved. Neither had the registered manager evaluated the appropriateness or effectiveness of all measures used. Consequently, staff continue to use ineffective behaviour management strategies, and young people are not learning to reflect upon
p.11
How well children and young people are helped and protected: inadequate
Although the registered manager and staff have received training in radicalisation, they failed to recognise one young person’s vulnerabilities and the potential signs that the young person was at risk. For example, staff said that the young person had ‘converted to a new religion’, was ‘isolating himself’, and ‘spending an excessive amount of time throughout the night on the internet, using an unknown internet connection’. Staff members confirmed that they suspected he was accessing a neighbour’s unprotected internet connection, but had failed to take action to investigate or prevent this. Furthermore, they failed to check or monitor what materials or websites the young person was accessing. Their lack of awareness and knowledge about extremism and their subsequent failure to take meaningful action exposed the young person to unnecessary risk, and by doing so this potentially compromised the young person’s
p.11
How well children and young people are helped and protected: inadequate
Behaviour management plans, placement plans and risk assessments do not accurately identify or address the current needs of all young people. For example, a risk assessment, dated April 2017, failed to identify missing from care as a concern for one Inspection report children’s home: SC374939 12 young person. This was in spite of knowing there have been two occasions when the young person has been missing from care. During one incident, significant concerns were raised that the young person may have been the potential victim of child sexual exploitation. In another example, a young person was known to set fire to papers in his bedroom and had during the night left the cooker and gas switched on. Staff had failed to identify these risks within any plans or risk assessments. Importantly, the plans also failed to identify strategies to work with the young person so that they understand the risks posed to themselves and others because of their actions.
p.11
How well children and young people are helped and protected: inadequate
During discussions with staff, they confirmed that risk assessments were factually inaccurate and a number of risks identified were not actually relevant to the individual young person, such as sexually inappropriate behaviours and bullying. However, there was no evidence that they had challenged the accuracy and content of the assessments, even though they had signed to say they had read them. This approach lacks rigour and does not ensure that all those responsible for caring for and looking after the young people, including agency workers and bank staff, have up-to-date and relevant information to support young people and to keep them safe.
p.12
How well children and young people are helped and protected: inadequate
Although missing from care episodes have increased for some young people, staff take immediate action to try to locate them and do report all concerns directly to the placing authorities and the police. Staff also ensure that return home interviews take place and young people have an independent opportunity to discuss any concerns they may have about the missing episode. However, during one missing from care incident, although staff located the young person, they were unable to return him to the home in the home’s own car as the young person remained subject to a ‘car ban’. Consequently, the young person’s behaviours quickly escalated and he placed himself at further risk in the community. Although staff reported that, they did not agree with the measures in place and the strict adherence to the ‘car ban’ potentially compromised the safety and well- being of the young person.
p.12
The effectiveness of leaders and managers: inadequate
The registered manager is currently off sick and has recently tendered his resignation from the post. The regional manager has also resigned and a new regional manager had been in post for two weeks at the time of this inspection. However, records demonstrated that while the registered manager had been in post, monitoring systems had failed to identify and address the shortfalls found in records such as: out-of-date risk assessments, failure to record restraints, and incomplete records of sanctions and room search records. This lack of management action, to ensure that young people’s records accurately reflect incidents in a timely manner, places young people at risk of significant harm
p.12
The effectiveness of leaders and managers: inadequate
Furthermore, although the registered manager had signed off incident sheets, he had failed to identify and report all safeguarding concerns, including a number of allegations made by young people about staff causing injuries to them, to relevant safeguarding Inspection report children’s home: SC374939 13 professionals. In addition, he failed to take action when a young person had been restrained and no documentation was completed. This fails to demonstrate that the registered manager is fully aware of his roles and responsibilities in protecting young people as well as a failure to follow the company’s own policies and procedures to safeguard young people.
p.12
The effectiveness of leaders and managers: inadequate
There were further concerns highlighted following the rapid deterioration in a young person’s emotional well-being. Despite the registered manager informing HMCI that there was a full safety plan in place, this could not be located. In direct discussions with some staff, it was apparent that they were unaware of this plan or the strategies in place to protect young people. This does not ensure that the safety and well-being of young people is paramount.
p.13
The effectiveness of leaders and managers: inadequate
The statement of purpose within the home does not provide accurate and up-to-date information. The home currently has CCTV outside of the property. However, this is not identified within the statement of purpose. Although discussions were held with the registered manager at the last inspection about the importance of monitoring systems being included in the statement of purpose, and the need to fully understand the ethos and vision for the home, there was no evidence that this had been completed. This fails to ensure that information provided about the home is factually correct and does not ensure that all staff are aware and understand the ethos of the home and their role in ensuring that the aims and objectives are fulfilled.
p.13
The effectiveness of leaders and managers: inadequate
The registered manager and staff have undertaken training on radicalisation, safeguarding and medication administration. However, they have failed to follow their own procedures and guidance when managing emerging concerns in these areas. Furthermore, there is no evidence that the registered manager has had further discussions with staff to ensure that they have understood and embedded the learning taken from the training. Nor has the registered manager ensured that staff are clear about their roles and responsibilities in responding to concerns in these areas to ensure that young people live in a safe environment where swift action is taken on emerging concerns.
p.13
The effectiveness of leaders and managers: inadequate
During the inspection, a number of documents prior to April 2017 could not be located. Staff reported that the registered manager had moved the documents, but they were unable to locate them. This fails to ensure that clear records of care and protection are retained. Furthermore, staff rosters fail to show which staff have completed shifts, including the full names of agency workers. Staff reported that the information was recorded in the logbook and the visitors’ book. However, agency staff have not always signed in the visitors’ book or recorded their details in the logbook. The lack of transparency of who is on duty potentially places young people and staff at risk and compromises the continuity of care.
p.13
The effectiveness of leaders and managers: inadequate
The independent monitoring of the home has failed to identify the safeguarding concerns highlighted at this inspection and does not demonstrate a rigorous and impartial assessment of the home’s arrangements for safeguarding young people. During the inspection, the responsible individual recognised this shortfall and has already begun Inspection report children’s home: SC374939 14 to take action to address this.
p.13
The effectiveness of leaders and managers: inadequate
The registered manager has not taken sufficient action to ensure that all of the requirements raised at the last inspection were addressed. There are gaps within the monitoring and review systems, which deplete the analysis and evaluation of the care provided and its impact on outcomes for young people. This highlights weaknesses in the manager’s monitoring and overview of the service, and raises concerns regarding his capacity to recognise the strengths and weakness of the service. Outcomes for some young people have deteriorated in key areas of their lives, including education, their risk of harm from drug and alcohol misuse and the potential safeguarding concerns around child sexual exploitation and radicalisation. Therefore, young people’s safety and welfare is compromised because they are placed at risk from unsafe practices. In addition, some staff members have still not received regular supervision. This does not provide them
p.14
The effectiveness of leaders and managers: inadequate
with opportunities to reflect on their practices and identify areas of improvement.
p.14
Information about this inspection
Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children and young people. Inspectors considered the quality of work and the difference made to the lives of children and young people. They watched how professional staff work with children and young people and each other and discussed the effectiveness of help and care provided. Wherever possible, they talked to children and 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.
p.14
Information about this inspection
Using the ‘Social care common inspection framework’, this inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000 to assess the effectiveness of the service, how it meets the core functions of the service as set out in legislation, 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’. Inspection report children’s home: SC374939 15
p.14
Children’s home details
Registered provider: Horizon Care Limited
p.15
Children’s home details
Registered provider address: Venture House, 12 Prospect Business Park, Longford Road, Cannock, Staffordshire WS11 0LG
p.15
Inspector
Michelle Edge, social care inspector Inspection report children’s home: SC374939 16 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, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.
p.15
Inspector
If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, 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 http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .
p.16
Inspector
Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .
p.16
Inspector
T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: http://www.gov.uk/ofsted
p.16
Discuss this inspection
Members compare notes on inspectors and inspections here. Join free to read and post.
Join the discussion