Children's Home run by Social Care Services (Clayton) Limited in Manchester

SC381339 Unique reference number 13 January 2010 Inspection date Stella Henderson Inspector Random Type of Inspection

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5 October 2009 Date of last 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 5 Inspection Report: SC381339

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Brief description of the service

This home is purpose built and provides accommodation for up to six young people of either sex from 10 years old up to 17 years old at any one time. The home is detached and is suitably adapted to meet the needs, if these arise, of young people with a disability.

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Brief description of the service

The ground floor has a lounge, a computer room with internet access, a dining room and a kitchen. The first floor consists of young people's bedrooms and a staff sleep-in room. Bathrooms and toilets are located on both floors. Off road parking is available for up to six vehicles. The home is close to local transport routes and local amenities.

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Summary

This was an unannounced interim inspection. Outcomes for staying safe and organisation were inspected and actions and recommendations raised at the last inspection were assessed for compliance.

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Summary

The home continues to provide a satisfactory standard of care for young people and clear improvements are evident. Measures are in place to ensure young people are safeguarded and their well-being promoted. There is efficient management of the home and staffing levels are sufficient to meet the assessed needs and preferences of the young people currently living there. The overall quality rating is satisfactory. This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the registered provider was asked to make restraint records compliant with these regulations. A recommendation was also made with regard to the recording of behaviour management plans. Evidence from this inspection demonstrates that this has now been met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Young people benefit from the effective implementation of policies and procedures for dealing with privacy and room searches, episodes of absconding, complaints and child protection. Staff and young people actively participated in the recent 'bullying week' to raise awareness of bullying, and this is not an issue at the home currently.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There have been no complaints since the last inspection. Young people have the opportunity to air their views and raise concerns through meetings and one-to-one contact with their key workers. Behaviour management plans now better reflect the needs of individual young people with clearer recording of any incidents, and there is improved practice where the management of restraints are concerned. 4 of 5 Inspection Report: SC381339 The physical environment of the home is safe, fire drills are held regularly and risk assessments are reviewed to reduce hazards. Visitors are monitored to ensure children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There have been no new staff appointed since the last inspection. Recruitment files indicate that information is sought before a staff member is employed, but it is important to ensure that it is previous employers who are contacted for references, rather than previous managers.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The home fulfils its Statement of Purpose and provides young people with a range of services. These are provided by a competent staff team who have the necessary skills and experience in looking after young people in care.

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Organisation

The number of staff is sufficient to meet the needs of the young people and ensure that activities, visits and appointments are completed. Staff are supported by regular supervision, appraisal and team meetings and the manager is very well supported by a senior manager who offers indepth supervision.

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Organisation

Good information regarding the performance of the home is provided to the placing local authority, and this contributes to good overall monitoring of achievements and outcomes for young people. All information is stored in a locked office to which young people have no access and the content of files are compliant with these regulations

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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

There are no recommendations. 5 of 5 Inspection Report: SC381339

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