Issue - meetings

Paula Bates, Service Manager Harbour & Residential to report.

The board considered a report from Paula Bates, Service Manager Harbour and Residential on the recent inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000 to assess the effectiveness of the service.

 Some of the following questions and discussion points included.

·       The Service Manger confirmed that she was confident that they were on the right track, but stated that that training was out of date, as identified in the report. Work was being carried to improve this.

·       The Board discussed how to make their homes feel less institutionalised and acknowledged that CCTV operations were on order; ring doorbells were also suggested. This was welcomed as it showed that staff cared for those that they were looking after.

·       It was further stated that there may be implications with this as some children may have previous experience with multimedia abuse. This could be troubling for them, so it needed to be considered.

·       Member recognised that there was a lot of good within the report, progress had been made, lessons to be learned and they looked forward to receiving the statement of purpose.

·       Important to reach out to local ward member as it was important that the Board and service be mindful of their involvement and awareness.

·       The Executive Director for People – Childrens confirmed that it was a challenge to protect young people, but still ensure that a place felt like home.  She confirmed that she would continue to have robust conversations with OFSTED to enable the authority to deliver good and proper care to young people.

·       Flexibility was required around registered manger requirements in order that good residential care was provided. 

It was suggested that a future workshop conversation of the Board should discuss “How was the County going to establish and deliver residential care”

Paula Bates, Service Manager Harbour & Residential to report.