Children's home run by Birmingham City Council in Birmingham

Inspection report children’s home: SC035107 1 SC035107 Registered provider: Birmingham City Council

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Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This local authority operated service provides short-break placements for children and young people who have learning disabilities. It provides care and accommodation for up to seven children and young people at any one time.

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Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

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requires improvement to be good

How well children and young people are helped and protected requires improvement to be good

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requires improvement to be good

The effectiveness of leaders and managers requires improvement to be good

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requires improvement to be good

The children’s home is not yet delivering good help and care for children and young people. However, there are no serious or widespread failures that result in their welfare not being safeguarded or promoted.

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requires improvement to be good

Overall judgement at last inspection: improved effectiveness

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requires improvement to be good

Enforcement action since last inspection: None Inspection report children’s home: SC035107 2

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Key findings from this inspection

This children’s home requires improvement to be good because:

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Key findings from this inspection

 Children and young people do not always have access to communication aids.  Incidents of physical intervention are not recorded in accordance with regulations.  Staff do not ensure that risk assessments identify all known risks.  Areas of the home and grounds require improvement to maintain a safe and homely environment.  Staff have not received annual appraisals.  Managers have not ensured that references are in place prior to staff commencing employment.  Managers do not consistently promote team working.  Staffing levels are occasionally insufficient to provide adequate support to children and young people.  Staff do not have the necessary knowledge of health and safety, fire safety and online safety to help reduce risk, and they also lack knowledge of the methods of communication used by children and young people.  Children and young people do not have access to an up-to-date children’s guide.

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Key findings from this inspection

 The manager does not have a workforce plan.  Managers have not ascertained the views of others to inform the quality-of-care review.  Managers do not always make sure that serious safeguarding incidents are notified to HMCI.  Staff morale is reported to be low.

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Key findings from this inspection

 Staff help children and young people to develop their independence skills.  Children and young people are encouraged to celebrate diversity.  Staff have good relationships with parents, social workers and other professionals.  Staff receive regular supervision.  Children and young people’s health needs are met.  Children and young people have access to a range of activities that reflect their interests and hobbies. Inspection report children’s home: SC035107 3  Links between the service and schools are good.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

01/03/2017 Interim Improved effectiveness 06/09/2016 Full Requires improvement 16/02/2016 Interim Improved effectiveness 14/09/2015 Full Requires improvement Inspection report children’s home: SC035107 4

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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.

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Requirement Due date

The protection of children standard is that children are protected from harm and enabled to keep themselves safe.

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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. (Regulation 12(1)(2)(a)(i)) 22/12/2017

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Requirement Due date

The protection of children standard is that children are protected from harm and enabled to keep themselves safe.

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to ensure that staff understand their roles and responsibilities in relation to protecting children that are assigned to them by the registered person. (Regulation 12(1)(2)(a)(v)) 22/12/2017

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Requirement Due date

The protection of children standard is that children are protected from harm and enabled to keep themselves safe.

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to ensure that the premises used for the purpose of the home are designed, furnished and maintained so as to protect each child from avoidable hazards to the child’s health. (Regulation 12(1)(2)(d)) 05/01/2018

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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.

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to ensure that staff work as a team where appropriate. (Regulation 13(1)(a)(b)(2)(b)) 05/01/2018

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must ensure that a disabled child accommodated in the home is provided with access to such aids and equipment as the child may require as a result of the child’s disability in order to facilitate the child’s communication with other persons. (Regulation 22(4)) 05/01/2018 Inspection report children’s home: SC035107 5 The registered person must ensure that all employees undertake appropriate continuing professional development. (Regulation 33(4)(a)). This is in relation to training to raise awareness of health and safety, fire safety and online safety. 05/01/2018

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must ensure that all employees have their performance and fitness to perform their roles appraised at least once every year. (Regulation 33(4)(a)) 05/01/2018

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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 or restraint in relation to a child in the home a record is made which includes the time of the measure and its duration. (Regulation 35 (3)(a)(iii)(iv)) 22/12/2017

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must ensure that, within 48 hours of the use of the measure, the registered person, or a person authorised by the registered person to do so, has spoken to the user about the measure, has signed the record to confirm it is accurate and within 5 days of the use of the measure adds to the record confirmation that they have spoken to the child about the measure. (Regulation 35(3)(b)(i)(ii)(iii)) 22/12/2017

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must establish and maintain a system for monitoring, reviewing and evaluating the quality of care provided for children, the feedback and opinions of children about the children’s home, its facilities and the quality of care that they received within it and any actions that the registered person considers necessary in order to improve or maintain the quality of care provided to children. The system referred to in paragraph (2) must provide for ascertaining and considering the opinions of children, their parents, placing authorities and staff. (Regulation 45(2)(5)) 28/02/2018

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Recommendations

 Ensure that the children’s guide helps children to understand what the day to day routines of the home are (‘what happens in the home’); the Statement of Purpose of the home (the care they can expect to receive while living there); how to make a complaint in line with the home’s complaints procedure; how they can access advocacy support or independent advocacy if eligible; how to contact the Office of the Children’s Commissioner. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 24, paragraph 4.22)  Ensure that there is a workforce plan in place which can fulfil the requirements of Regulation 16 Schedule 1. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 53, paragraph 10.8) Inspection report children’s home: SC035107 6  Ensure that the registered person plans staffing levels to ensure that they meet the needs of children and can respond flexibly to unexpected events or

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Recommendations

opportunities. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 54, paragraph 10.15)  Ensure that the registered person is responsible for maintaining good employment practice. They must ensure that recruitment safeguards children and minimises potential risks to them. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 61, paragraph 13.1)  Ensure that the registered person notifies Ofsted and other relevant persons if one of the situations specified in regulation 40(4), (a)–(d) occurs, or if there is an incident relating to the protection, safeguarding or welfare of a child living in the home which the registered person considers to be serious (40(4)(e)). (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 61, paragraph 14.10)

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improvement to be good

Children and young people have individualised symbols packs that help them to understand their routines. However, communication boards are not always up to date, and some batteries have been allowed to go flat. Also, information displayed around the home is not always in a format that helps all children and young people to understand it. For example, staff had put up posters about black history month. However, this information was not available in widget form. Some staff are still waiting for training in Makaton. Because of the slow progress with staff training and the fact that not all communication systems are working and kept up to date, children and young people have limited opportunities to participate in the life of the home.

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improvement to be good

Children and young people access a range of activities and experiences. Children and young people make good use of the home’s sensory room. They often use an activity room that has a purpose-built stage to create their own productions. Children and young people also have the opportunity to enjoy leisure time outside of the home. For example, children and young people have enjoyed a day trip to Barmouth. However, limitations in rota planning mean that there are not always enough staff to enable children and young people to access the community. A member of staff told the inspector, ‘At the weekend we had three staff on but we could have done with four staff to be able to take them out.’ In addition, on occasions preparing meals in the absence of the cook means that it is difficult for staff to spend time with children and young people both in and outside of the home. Insufficient staffing limits the ability of staff to enhance the experiences of children and

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improvement to be good

young people, and to respond to their needs.

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improvement to be good

Children and young people who are new to the home benefit from gradual introductions, Inspection report children’s home: SC035107 7 which help them and their parents feel at ease. A parent told the inspector, ‘I am happy with introductions - it was all around him. When he didn’t like it, they took account of that. But then he started to love it. He knows when his bag is packed and is really happy.’

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improvement to be good

Staff maintain positive relationships with schools through good communication, including using a home and school diary. Staff visit each school twice a year to discuss the needs of children and young people. This helps to ensure that there is consistent care and support between school and the short-break service.

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improvement to be good

Staff ensure that the health needs of children and young people are clear by holding pre- admission conversations with parents. Staff follow practice guidance. Regular auditing ensures the safe receipt, storage, and administration of medication. When children and young people have specific health needs, for example epilepsy, protocols are in place to ensure that staff provide safe health care according to the child’s needs. Children and young people enjoy meal times, which are a communal occasion. The cook ensures that a varied menu reflects the dietary needs and preferences of children and young people. Fresh fruit is readily available. This helps children and young people to maintain good health and well-being.

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improvement to be good

Staff enable children and young people to become more independent. Stepping stones targets are agreed, which help children and young people to develop their skills and abilities at a steady pace. For example, one young person is now able to get a cold drink from a water dispenser, and another young person is able to shave independently.

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improvement to be good

Through pictures and stories such as ‘My Stay’ booklets and monthly summaries, children and young people are helped to remember their short break and to celebrate their progress.

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improvement to be good

Relationships between staff and parents are positive. A monthly summary, including pictures of the child’s time at the home, have recently enhanced communication with parents. A parent told the inspector, ‘The sheet they send back is great. It lets you know what has been good and not so good. They send loads of photos.’ Good communication helps parents to understand their child’s experiences and progress at the home, and supports consistent care for children and young people.

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improvement to be good

Staff have made improvements to the physical environment for children and young people. A parent told the inspector, ‘There have been a lot of visual changes to make it more aesthetic for the children.’ The décor in bedrooms now reflects the name of the room. For example, the ‘owls room’ displays images of owls and trees. Accessories such as duvet covers and teddies match the theme. This gives children and young people a point of visual reference when they come to stay, and helps them to feel comfortable and secure. However, some aspects of the physical condition of the home require improvement to ensure the safety of children and young people. For example, the play area in the garden is slippery, cables to a television and computer equipment in the computer room are accessible, and a sofa in the computer room is broken. Hazards such as untended flowerbeds, a gravelled area, and discarded roofing materials

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improvement to be good

mean that the sensory garden is not safe or open for children and young people. Attention Inspection report children’s home: SC035107 8 to the cleanliness of the home is lacking. For example, doors and walls in the kitchen are grubby. The fat fryer is dirty. The lack of prompt action to resolve cleanliness and maintenance issues detracts from children and young people being able to fully enjoy the home, and have a safe and homely environment in which to stay.

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improvement to be good

Children and young people are comfortable and relaxed in the company of the staff. Children and young people do not go missing from the home, and there are no known risks in relation to child sexual exploitation or radicalisation. Individualised plans and risk assessments help staff to understand the risks to children and young people. However, managers do not always review risks following incidents, or give guidance regarding the actions staff should take to ensure that children and young people are safe. For example, one child’s risk assessment does not identify that he has previously tried to run away from carers in the community, or the action needed to reduce this risk. For a child presenting a risk from head banging, information regarding triggers is lacking. In addition, there is no guidance to staff about seeking medical attention. Consequently, this compromises the ability of the team to manage risk safely and effectively.

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improvement to be good

Staff feel confident in reporting safeguarding concerns, and engage in a variety of training to help them fulfil their safeguarding responsibilities. These include safeguarding, behaviour management, physical intervention, and the administration of medication. Staff have benefited from learning opportunities to help them understand the risks that children and young people can face from child sexual exploitation and radicalisation. However, staff have not had the opportunity to refresh training in the areas of health and safety and fire awareness. This means that staff are less informed about health and safety and how to keep children and young people safe from the risks presented by fire.

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improvement to be good

When physical intervention has been necessary to help to support the safety of a child or young person, staff do not maintain accurate records. Managerial oversight is not always in line with regulation. For example, one record failed to show the time of the measure, and another lacked detail about the length of the measure. Two records had not been overseen by the manager. In one instance, a staff member recorded their view of what the child would say about the measure of control, rather than consulting with the child. A lack of managerial oversight and incomplete records mean that safeguarding issues are at risk of going undetected, and opportunities for learning and developing practice are lost.

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improvement to be good

Children and young people make good use of electronic tablets to access the internet for communication purposes and leisure. Staff supervision and parental control systems reduce the risk of access to unsuitable content, enhancing safety. However, not all staff have received online safety training to raise their awareness of the risks of the internet.

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improvement to be good

Managers pay attention to group dynamics and the impact of individual needs. This ensures that children and young people spend time in the company of peers with whom they are well suited. This, coupled with work with children and young people about anti-bullying and Inspection report children’s home: SC035107 9 positive relationships, helps to keep children and young people safe. Regular house meetings provide an opportunity to explore a range of topics that help increase children and young people’s understanding of safety. For example, a road safety session illustrated road hazards and gave practical instruction on crossing the road safely. However, the children’s guide does not reflect changes to the home, and does not include the details of the Children’s Commissioner. This means that children and young people do not have up-to-date information about the service, and to whom they can complain.

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improvement to be good

Regular servicing of gas, fire and electrical systems ensure that they remain in good working order. Individualised plans ensure that there are arrangements for the safe evacuation of children and young people in the event of a fire. Cleaning and other hazardous products are safely stored.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: requires improvement to be good

The registered manager has been in post since November 2012. She is suitably qualified, holding a level 4 award in social care leadership and management. The home has eighteen care staff, all of whom hold an appropriate level 3 award. A cook and a domestic provide additional support.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: requires improvement to be good

Children and young people benefit from the support of a permanent and stable team of staff who are committed to their work. Staff have regular, good quality supervision and frequent team meetings which they use to reflect on their practice. However, staff report that they do not feel that their efforts are always recognised, or that the manager adequately considers their ideas for service improvement. In addition, staff have not had an annual appraisal and the manager has not yet developed a workforce plan. Staff describe morale as low. A weak approach to teamwork and team development affects the ability of the service to deliver care in accordance with the home’s aims and objectives.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: requires improvement to be good

Potential employees are subject to an assessment of their suitability to work with children and young people, and are confirmed as suitable prior to commencing work with children and young people. However, in two instances second references could not be located on employment files. This compromises the organisation’s recruitment procedures.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: requires improvement to be good

There has been one occasion when the manager failed to report the initiation of a child protection enquiry to Ofsted. Failing to report serious safeguarding issues to outside agencies does not allow for external scrutiny of the conduct of the home.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: requires improvement to be good

Monitoring visits from someone independent of the home take place every month, and managers make use of the findings to support service improvement. Managers regularly review the quality of care to identify good practice and areas for development. However, they do not ascertain the views of placing authorities, staff, parents, and children and young people to inform the evaluation. Consequently, managers’ understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the service is limited, and service development is ill informed.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: requires improvement to be good

Sufficient action has not happened to satisfy a previous inspection requirement regarding Inspection report children’s home: SC035107 10 children and young people’s access to appropriate communications. These shortfalls continue to have an impact on the overall progress and experiences for children and young people.

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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 differences 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 whom it is trying to help, protect and look after.

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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: SC035107 11

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Birmingham City Council

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: The Council House, Victoria Square, Birmingham B1 1BB

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Inspector

Alison Cooper, social care inspector Inspection report children’s home: SC035107 12 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.

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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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