Agenda item

Regulation 44 Independent Visiting Service - 6 Month Report (April to September 2019)

(To receive a six monthly report from Carolyn Knight, Quality and Standards Manager, which provides the Corporate Parenting Panel with an overview of the Regulation 44 Independent Visiting Service for the period April to September 2019)

Minutes:

Consideration was given to a report from Carolyn Knight, Quality and Standards Manager, which provided the Panel with an overview of the Regulation 44 Independent Visiting Service for the period April to September 2019.

 

Attached at Appendix A was a copy of the 'Report for the Independent Visiting Service April 2019 to September 2019'.  The Panel noted that since April 2019, Regulation 44 visits had been undertaken by two Independent Reviewing Officers (Visitors).  It was noted further that monthly visits were made to each of the seven homes; and that there had been a launch of a new supported living scheme in Grantham and Gainsborough, which was also receiving support from the Independent Visiting Service, with four monthly visits.

 

In guiding the Panel through the report the Independent Chair advised that overall the homes provided good, and in some instances exceptional levels of care for the young people.  The Panel noted that there was an ethos of reflective practice and the sharing of learning across the whole team.  The Panel noted further that the use of Signs of Safety and Social Pedagogy Champions ensured that practices were continually updated and promoted

 

It was reported that across the service the homes were very good at promoting communication between staff and young people.  Details of the various methods adopted by the homes were shown on pages 49 and 50 of the report.

 

It was reported that staff teams had been resilient and had remained motivated even when staffing issues and management of young people had caused extra challenges.  The Panel was advised the staff and manager's commitment to providing good quality care to the young people was to be commended.

 

During discussion, the Panel raised the following points:-

 

·         One member enquired as to why the visits to the supported living schemes at Grantham and Gainsborough were four monthly.  The Panel was advised that following discussions with Ofsted, it was felt appropriate for the frequency to be four monthly.  The Panel noted that the supported living scheme had been nominated for an award;

·         Use of Bank Staff - The Panel was advised that the use of bank staff provided the flexibility required within the homes, to meet the needs of the children.  Confirmation was given that bank staff were the most cost effective option for the authority;

·         Sharing of Best Practice – Officers advised that practice was shared across the homes; however, Beacon and Albion Street had a number of challenges.  The Panel was advised that a management plan was now in place.  It was highlighted that Albion Street was currently not at full capacity, which was providing staff the opportunity to up skill to meet demand.  It was noted that mentoring and coaching was being provided from staff from other homes.  One member asked what effect changes to staffing had on the stability of the children.  Reassurance was given that the children were never compromised, members of staff always ensured that the care provided mirrored that received by a child in a family environment. 

·         One member enquired whether it was possible to visit the Gainsborough supported living scheme.  Officers agreed to provide the member with the necessary contact information after the meeting.  The Panel noted that both schemes were being monitored; and that at the moment there was no further need to expand the scheme further; and

·         Managing change for young people - The Panel was advised that the staff at the homes went out of their way to ensure that young people were happy and content; and did not become stressed, as a result of a change in their daily routine.  An example use was Christmas.  The Panel noted that at one of the homes the children had their Christmas dinner before Christmas Day, and on the actual Christmas Day the children have a buffet lunch, so that there was a more relaxed atmosphere, and the staff were then able to focus on the children rather than on preparing lunch.

 

RESOLVED

 

That the Regulation 44 Independent Visiting Service – 6 Month Report (April to September 2019) be received.

Supporting documents:

 

 
 
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