Family Assessment Centre

Inspection report for residential family centre - monitoring visit: Family Assessment Centre 1 Family Assessment Centre 881 Chester Road, Stretford, Manchester M32 0RN

p.1

Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

p.1

Information about this residential family centre

This residential family centre is registered to accommodate up to three families at any one time. The residential family centre is privately owned. Families access the centre at the direction of the court and/or the local authority for the purposes of assessment .

p.1

Inspection date: 17 September 2019

Date of previous inspection: 10 July 2018

p.1

This monitoring visit

This residential family centre was judged to be good overall at its last inspection on 10 July 2018.

p.1

This monitoring visit

An unannounced monitoring inspection was conducted at this residential family centre on 17 September 2019 following concerns that had been raised with Ofsted in connection with the safeguarding and protection of children and their families.

p.1

This monitoring visit

The provider commissioned an external agency to investigate allegations made against several members of staff relating to a child placed at the centre. The investigation made several recommendations. This monitoring visit focused on action taken by the provider in response to the findings of the independent investigation.

p.1

This monitoring visit

In response to recommendations made during the internal investigation, all staff have now received whistleblowing, safeguarding and safe handling refresher training. This ensures that staff are equipped with the skills and knowledge required for the role.

p.1

This monitoring visit

The centre has now implemented an updated policy that sets out the parameters for addressing whistleblowing concerns, expectations in relation to safe handling and Inspection report for residential family centre - monitoring visit: Family Assessment Centre 2 safe care procedures. This has been disseminated to all members of staff.

p.1

This monitoring visit

Leaders and managers have ensured that appropriate action is taken when staff practice falls below required standards. On occasions, this has included disciplinary action.

p.2

This monitoring visit

Leaders and managers have taken steps to improve internal monitoring systems. This includes the use of closed-circuit television (CCTV) and physical checks by staff. The manager has now installed further CCTV cameras in the kitchen area. In addition, cameras have greater visual clarity and increased data storage. This allows managers to store CCTV footage for a minimum of 30 days.

p.2

This monitoring visit

The centre is sufficiently staffed and resourced to meet the individual needs of the families that it provides care for, and as set out in the centre’s statement of purpose. Currently, the centre operates with a minimum of two staff members on duty at any one time. The registered manager stated during the monitoring visit that staffing levels remain under regular review to ensure that practice remains effective and safe.

p.2

This monitoring visit

Not all complaints are managed effectively. Records of investigations into complaints and allegations are not robust. There is no clear evidence-based outcome to complaints, nor evidence that the outcome has been shared with relevant parties. Furthermore, actions or recommendations are not clearly recorded. Inspection report for residential family centre - monitoring visit: Family Assessment Centre 3

p.2

Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions that the registered person(s) must take to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, Residential Family Centre Regulations 2002 and the national minimum standards. The registered person(s) must comply within the given timescales.

p.3

Requirement Due date

The registered manager must ensure a written record is made of any complaint or representation, the action taken in response, and the outcome of the investigation (Regulation 20(6)) 29/11/2019

p.3

Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to monitor the action taken and the progress made by the residential family centre since its last Ofsted inspection.

p.3

Information about this inspection

This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000.

p.3

Residential family centre details

Registered provider: Kaleidoscope Assessment Services Limited

p.3

Residential family centre details

Registered provider address: Finsley House, Finsley Street, Burnley, Lancashire BB10 2HN

p.3

Inspector

Ceri Evans: social care regulatory inspector Inspection report for residential family centre - monitoring visit: Family Assessment Centre 4 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.

p.3

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.4

Inspector

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.4

Inspector

T: 0300 123 4234 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: http://www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.4