28 /10/2015
During a routine inspection
We undertook an announced inspection on 28 October 2015. We gave the registered manager 48 hours’ notice of our intention to undertake an inspection. This was because the organisation provides a range of services to children with disabilities in their family home and or taking the children out in to the community to participate in different activities. We needed to be sure that someone would be available at the office.
The provider registered this service with us to provide personal care and support for children with disabilities. At the time of our inspection 16 children received care and support services.
There was a registered manager in post. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are
‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.’
Children who used the service were safe .There were sufficient numbers of suitably qualified staff, who had a good understanding of protecting children from the risk of abuse and harm and their responsibilities to report suspected abuse. Emergency medicines were administered by support staff that had received training to do this. The provider had procedures in place to check that children received their medicines as prescribed to effectively and safely meet their health needs.
Support staff had been recruited following appropriate checks on their suitability to support children in their homes and out in the community activities to keep them safe.
Parents told us they received reliable care from a regular team of staff who understood their child’s likes, dislikes and preferences for care and support.
Parent’s consent was sought and they were consulted in the care planning and review process for their child’s support. The provider demonstrated that they worked in partnership with other agencies, including health professionals, social services and special schools in order to provide the best outcomes for the child. Children were encouraged to choose their activities and the service was responsive to their requests.
Staff had received training in food hygiene and specialist feeding techniques to ensure the children were kept healthy and not put at risk of choking. The provider had been involved with health and social care agencies for training and advice on the use of specialist equipment and mobility advice to keep the children and staff safe.
Parents who used this service told us their child was happy, and the service had made a positive impact on their lives. Staff were caring and showed a genuine warmth and commitment to the children and the families they supported.
Parents and children were encouraged to share their opinions about the quality of the service, through reviews, telephone contact and customer satisfaction questionnaires.
Leadership at the service was open and transparent at all levels. Staff were encouraged to share any ideas or concerns about the service to shape future development for the benefit of children who used the service. Management reviewed and standards of the quality of the service and strived for continuous improvement.