Children's Home run by The Together Trust in Bolton

SC057718 Unique reference number 10 July 2009 Inspection date Mark Kersh Inspector Random Type of Inspection

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This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated.

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You can obtain copies of The Children Act 2004, Every Child Matters and The National Minimum Standards for Children's Services from: The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Cripins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop

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About this inspection

The purpose of this inspection is to assure children and young people, parents, the public, local authorities and government of the quality and standard of the service provided. The inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcome for children set out in the Children Act 2004 and relevant National Minimum Standards for the establishment.

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The inspection judgements and what they mean

this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is strong Good: this aspect of the provision is sound Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is not good enough Inadequate: 3 of 6 Inspection Report: SC057718

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Brief description of the service

This is a children's home working in partnership with a Metropolitan Borough Council. The home is operated by a charitable trust that has a number of children's homes in addition to this home.

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Brief description of the service

The home is a detached house situated within a semi-rural location and provides care and accommodation for up to four young people aged from 13 years-old up to 17 years-old, of mixed gender.

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Brief description of the service

The home is not adapted for wheelchair users. Three young people currently live in the home, of which one was present during the inspection.

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Summary

This unannounced interim inspection looked at the progress the home has made with the recommendations made at the last inspection. These related to improvements to records in respect of restraint and transition plans.

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Summary

The key standards in the outcome area of staying safe were inspected along with Standards 6, 23, 24 and 25 under economic wellbeing. Being healthy, enjoying and achieving, positive contribution and organisation were not inspected. This is a good home with many positive features and outcomes for young people. The overall quality rating is good. This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The Registered Manager was asked to improve the records for restraint and transition plans. The Registered Manager has taken all appropriate steps to improve the records for restraint and some appropriate steps in relation to transition plans. Restraint records are completed in line with National Minimum standards (NMS). Restraint records are now routinely monitored by the manager to ensure those used by staff are consistent, proportionate and fair. Further work is needed in relation to transition plans, evidencing clear arrangements for young people preparing to move from the home and identifying those responsible for this.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Young people's confidentiality and privacy is respected by staff. The home ensures that young people's personal information is securely stored to protect their confidentiality. Young people's welfare, dignity and safety is actively promoted to keep young people safe from harm.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people are looked after by well trained staff who provide consistent boundaries which young people respond positively toward. Since the last inspection there has been no recorded complaints, or issues to do with absconding or bullying. There has been one safeguarding 4 of 6 Inspection Report: SC057718 concern which the home appropriately addressed and resolved through strategy meetings. Restraints are few and recorded and evaluated in detail and sanctions imposed are rarely used. In this regard young people's behaviours are managed very effectively.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people, staff and visitors are protected by the procedures staff follow, to ensure fire safety measures are in place. Health and safety matters are managed well, with annual safety checks undertaken to gas and portable electrical appliances. Fire evacuation tests are frequently undertaken and weekly checks are made to the home's fire detection systems to ensure these are operational and in working order. Individual risk assessments are in place for young people and known by all staff.

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Achieving economic wellbeing

The provision is good. Young people are supported in daily living tasks which enhance their skills for preparation into adulthood. Key workers set young people achievable goals and work closely with them to complete basic tasks, such as cooking, laundry and self-care skills. Care plans clearly identify daily routines for young people and are monitored to show progress or extra support young people need.

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Achieving economic wellbeing

Transition plans are in place for young people, who are at an age, preparing to move from the home. However, whilst transition plans are linked to specific statements identifying young people's future needs, there is no information within transition plans to show the arrangements for the statements made or who will be responsible for addressing them. There is good information across all sections within young people's case files, showing preparation for transition, but this information is not linked to transition plans. This would enable a sensitive and smooth transition for young people, and lead to the best outcomes for the individuals concerned.

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Achieving economic wellbeing

The accommodation is decorated and furnished to a good standard, providing a domestic style environment for the young people to live in. The home is clean and tidy. It is spacious with a number of communal lounge rooms for the young people to use, which are used for various activities, a quiet/sensory room, a games room and the more traditional lounge. The outside facilities for play and recreation are suitable, secure, colourful and safe.

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Organisation

The organisation is not judged. 5 of 6 Inspection Report: SC057718

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions, which must be taken so that the registered person meets the Care Standards Act 2000, The Childrens Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider must comply with the given timescales.

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure transition plans clearly outline the arrangements made for young people and who is responsible for these (NMS 6.2). 6 of 6 Inspection Report: SC057718

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