Children's home run by Milton Keynes Council

Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC401927 1 SC383187

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The Walnuts School

Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home is a residential special school registered with Ofsted as a children’s home. The home provides short breaks and 52-week placements for up to 24 young people who have learning disabilities.

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Information about this children’s home

The home’s manager has been registered with Ofsted since October 2013.

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This monitoring visit

This monitoring visit was carried out following the inadequate judgement made at the full inspection on 5 September 2018. Three compliance notices, in relation to the protection of children standard, fire precautions and fitness of manager, were issued.

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This monitoring visit

The purpose of this monitoring visit was to assess if the provider had met the three compliance notices, which had completion dates of 26 October 2018.

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(1)(2)(a)(i)(iii)(v)(vi)(vii)(b)(e)

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

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(1)(2)(a)(i)(iii)(v)(vi)(vii)(b)(e)

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to ensure that staff—

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(1)(2)(a)(i)(iii)(v)(vi)(vii)(b)(e)

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; Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC401927 2 have the skills to identify and act upon signs that a child is at risk of harm;

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(1)(2)(a)(i)(iii)(v)(vi)(vii)(b)(e)

understand the roles and responsibilities in relation to protecting children that are assigned to them by the registered person;

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(1)(2)(a)(i)(iii)(v)(vi)(vii)(b)(e)

take effective action whenever there is a serious concern about a child’s welfare; and are familiar with, and act in accordance with, the home’s child protection policies;

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(1)(2)(a)(i)(iii)(v)(vi)(vii)(b)(e)

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;

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(1)(2)(a)(i)(iii)(v)(vi)(vii)(b)(e)

and that the effectiveness of the home’s child protection policies is monitored regularly.

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(1)(2)(a)(i)(iii)(v)(vi)(vii)(b)(e)

An interim manager has been appointed temporarily. She has conducted a full review of children’s care plans, risk assessments and health and medication protocols, and ensured that they contain the correct information, clearly identifying each child’s needs. The new care plan format ensures that there is minimal duplication of records, reducing the risk of error. The manager has introduced a system in which care staff take responsibility to ensure that they read and understand the plans to care effectively for each child. She tests their knowledge and understanding in supervision. The manager has introduced a ‘change book’ to communicate with staff any amendments to key documents. This has been incorporated into the formal handover procedures, so that staff are kept up to date with the most recent information.

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(1)(2)(a)(i)(iii)(v)(vi)(vii)(b)(e)

The manager has been successful in obtaining copies of looked-after child medicals to communicate any health needs or ensuring that there are alternative arrangements for children, for example regular health checks with a paediatrician. Key health information such as immunisations are now kept in the home.

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(1)(2)(a)(i)(iii)(v)(vi)(vii)(b)(e)

The manager has undertaken a training needs analysis for staff. This clearly shows the training that is due and details the level of training staff need to promote the welfare of the children accommodated. The vast majority of staff have been retrained in safeguarding, with the remaining staff booked onto the relevant course soon. Likewise, one of the deputy safeguarding leads has completed the necessary training, with the other due to complete this in December 2018.

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(1)(2)(a)(i)(iii)(v)(vi)(vii)(b)(e)

The designated officer in the local authority responsible for safeguarding has provided training. This included the role of the designated officer, thresholds for referrals, and when and how to make a referral. The designated officer provided training in the additional responsibilities placed on staff because they work with children who may be unable to relay details or be considered a ‘reliable witness’.

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(1)(2)(a)(i)(iii)(v)(vi)(vii)(b)(e)

The job descriptions for staff and the registered manager have been rewritten to include their safeguarding responsibilities. The manager has developed a Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC401927 3 questionnaire to test staff’s knowledge and understanding of safeguarding. Additionally, the local authority training team has provided a quiz to test staff’s safeguarding knowledge. Safeguarding is now an agenda item in supervision. Staff can reflect on incidents and practice and consider if there are any safeguarding concerns in a formal environment.

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(1)(2)(a)(i)(iii)(v)(vi)(vii)(b)(e)

The local authority has put in place additional management resources so that staff always have immediate access to a suitably qualified and experienced manager if safeguarding advice is required. Staff are clear who is on duty and how they can contact them.

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(1)(2)(a)(i)(iii)(v)(vi)(vii)(b)(e)

Senior leaders in the local authority recognised the need to address the management structure within the home. They appointed a responsible individual with care experience to oversee the home. In addition, senior leaders recognise that the shift-leading arrangements need to be strengthened. They are undertaking a review of the staffing structure in the home and developing their role profiles. A formal request for change process is imminent.

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(1)(2)(a)(i)(iii)(v)(vi)(vii)(b)(e)

A duty manager system has been introduced using managers and deputies for the orngaisation’s other homes as well as the responsible individual. They visit daily and review safeguarding, including talking to staff, listening to young people and observing interactions between staff and young people. Evidence was seen at the monitoring visit of staff practice being challenged with appropriate consultation with others. The interim manager is reviewing records daily, including the daily logs and incident records, to ensure that there are no issues that meet the reporting threshold for safeguarding. A potential safeguarding issue was dealt with effectively in consultation with other professionals.

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(1)(2)(a)(i)(iii)(v)(vi)(vii)(b)(e)

Senior leaders have reviewed the child protection policy. It now contains up-to-date references to statutory guidance and a clear procedure for raising concerns about any event or individual.

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(1)(2)(a)(i)(iii)(v)(vi)(vii)(b)(e)

Senior leaders have met with the independent visitors to identify any shortfalls in practice, communication and responses to their reports. They have planned regular operational meetings to focus on emerging issues, fact checking, and highlighting strengths and areas of concern. They have briefed the independent visitors to have a specific focus on safeguarding and check that staff are fully aware of all local safeguarding practice, policy and procedures and the actions they should take. The independent visitors will adopt a new format for the recommendations that they make. This will be used to track progress against the action points.

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(1)(2)(a)(i)(iii)(v)(vi)(vii)(b)(e)

The manager has reviewed the format of the statutory six-monthly report (the regulation 45 report) that is sent to Ofsted to include the quality standards. The effectiveness and quality of the report are yet to be assessed; one is due in mid November 2018.

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(1)(2)(a)(i)(iii)(v)(vi)(vii)(b)(e)

The steps set out to meet this compliance notice are completed. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC401927 4

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A compliance notice was served under Regulation 25 (1)(a)

After consultation with the fire and rescue authority, the registered person must— take adequate precautions against the risk of fire, including the provision of suitable fire equipment in the children’s home.

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A compliance notice was served under Regulation 25 (1)(a)

Senior leaders have reviewed the recommendations from the 2016 fire audit. They have commissioned additional surveys and found that the scope of works regarding fire prevention is far more extensive than first thought. Remedial work is invasive and requires installing access hatches in rooms to gain access to the roof space so the relevant work can be completed. This is under way and is being overseen by the ‘capital lead’ within the local authority who is based on site. This is scheduled to be completed by December 2018.

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A compliance notice was served under Regulation 25 (1)(a)

Fire doors that require replacement have been identified and work is under way and should be complete by mid November 2018. An independent surveyor has been commissioned to sign off the works when complete.

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A compliance notice was served under Regulation 25 (1)(a)

There is some minor work left to do, such as relocating some fire extinguishers and removal of solvent-borne paint and boxes from the plant room. This is scheduled to be completed by mid November 2018. An alternative store room has been identified.

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A compliance notice was served under Regulation 25 (1)(a)

The provider has arranged for the fire and rescue service to visit the provision when all works are complete and give a view on the fire safety.

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A compliance notice was served under Regulation 25 (1)(a)

There are procedures in place for the ongoing checking, maintenance and repair of fire equipment. Records seen were good, with clear guidance for staff on how to check a fire door and its associated fittings, such as automatic door closers in the event of fire.

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A compliance notice was served under Regulation 25 (1)(a)

The manager has an interim fire risk assessment in place, approved by the local fire service, while the necessary remedial works are carried out. A successful trial evacuation has been done.

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A compliance notice was served under Regulation 25 (1)(a)

The issues set out in this compliance notice are met.

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A compliance notice was served under Regulation 28 (1)(b)(i)

A person may only manage a children’s home if having regard to the size of the home, its statement of purpose, and the number and needs (including any needs arising from any disability) of the children— the person has the appropriate experience, qualification and skills to manage the home effectively and lead the care of children.

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A compliance notice was served under Regulation 28 (1)(b)(i)

The registered manager possesses the relevant leadership qualifications but her practice in relation to management tasks, such as monitoring and safeguarding oversight, has been poor. The wider leadership and management team failed to Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC401927 5 address concerns, over a long period, in relation to safeguarding practice in the home. The team has investigated the concerns and identified the key shortfalls in the management structure, training, support and oversight. The investigation found a breakdown in some professional relationships that contributed to the shortfalls found at the full Ofsted inspection. As a result, there are changes in the management structure, responsibilities, training, monitoring and support to bring about the necessary change.

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A compliance notice was served under Regulation 28 (1)(b)(i)

The registered manager’s job description has been reviewed to include safeguarding. This clearly identifies the safeguarding responsibilities, such as managing referrals, raising staff awareness and keeping up to date with guidance.

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A compliance notice was served under Regulation 28 (1)(b)(i)

An interim manager has been appointed. She is a registered manager from the local authority’s other homes and holds a social work qualification and a management qualification.

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A compliance notice was served under Regulation 28 (1)(b)(i)

The issues set out in this compliance notice are met.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

05/09/2018 Full Inadequate 05/02/2018 Full Requires improvement to be good 02/03/2017 Interim Declined in effectiveness 21/11/2016 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC401927 6

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Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to monitor the action taken and the progress made by the children’s home since its last Ofsted inspection.

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Information about this inspection

This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC401927 7

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Children’s home details

Provision sub-type: residential special school

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Milton Keynes Council

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Saxon Court, 502 Avebury Boulevard, Milton Keynes MK9 3HS

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Inspector

Keith Riley, social care inspector Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC401927 8 to 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 children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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