Children's Home run by Crossway Services Limited in St Helens

SC386810 Unique reference number 2 December 2009 Inspection date Julia Toller 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: SC386810

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Brief description of the service

The home is registered to provide accommodation for young people of either sex, between the ages of eight to 17 years with emotional or behavioural difficulties.

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Brief description of the service

It is situated within walking distance of the town centre and is well served by public transport.

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Brief description of the service

There is good access to local amenities including schools, shopping and leisure facilities. The home is a well maintained two bedroom, two storey, mid-terrace property. The lounge, dining room, kitchen and bathroom are on the ground floor, with two bedrooms on the first floor. The smaller of the two bedrooms serves as a staff office sleep-in room facility. There is a yard/patio area at the back of the house which is paved and concrete.

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Summary

At this unannounced interim inspection, all key standards were not inspected, the inspection focussed on how the service has addressed the actions and recommendations made at the last key inspection and the outcome area of staying safe was assessed. This is a good service overall.

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Summary

Young people benefit from positive relationships with staff, they are afforded a range of facilities and opportunities to encourage and support a healthy lifestyle, to develop their life skills and to reach good outcomes from education.

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Summary

Staff benefit from a good level of training and support, they work well with other professionals to meet the complex and holistic needs of young people in areas such as emotional and physical wellbeing. 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

No actions were raised at the last inspection, but five recommendations were made regarding meals eaten by young people, medication training for staff, restraint training, educational opportunities for young people and staff supervisions.

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Improvements since the last inspection

This inspection showed that there is an adequate record of meals eaten by young people, and that staff have received training in the safe handling storage and administration of medication. This ensures that the health needs of young people are promoted, monitored and met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The statement of purpose shows that young people will not be physically restrained at the home, however staff have attended training in non-violent crisis intervention, this promotes the welfare and safety of young people and staff at the home.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Young people are involved in education with staff playing a pro-active role in maintaining their placements so that young people are achieving and are successful.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Staff are receiving regular supervision sessions, this provides them with an opportunity to discuss any issues they may have and also for the manager of the home to ensure that young 4 of 6 Inspection Report: SC386810 people are receiving a consistent approach from all staff and being cared for in line with their placement plans.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Staff create a warm and open environment where young people are treated with respect and are supported in every day decisions about their lives. Staff encourage young people to talk about any problems they have and work together to sort them out, whilst being aware of potential safeguarding issues and the need to involve relevant professionals. This helps to promote an open atmosphere where young people develop skills for adult life.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff respect young people's privacy and confidentiality in a way that is consistent with good parenting, and the need to protect young people. Young people make and receive telephone calls in private and are given space and time to be alone when they wish.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff fully understand about their roles and responsibilities to promote and safeguard young people’s welfare, receiving training in how to safeguard young people, including recognising the signs and symptoms of abuse. They provide a good level of supervision for young people based on their age to make sure they are safe in the home and in the community. They give young people good advice about personal safety. Staff respond appropriately to any serious concerns about young people’s safety and let parents, the police and social workers know about serious events involving young people.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Bullying is not an issue at the home. Where staff are concerned that bullying may be an issue, risk assessments are completed and updated regularly to ensure that young people are kept safe. Staff make use of opportunities, such as conversations with young people to address bullying in a proactive manner, this reduces the risks associated with these behaviours and creates an open atmosphere for young people to discuss issues concerning them.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people are provided with information about their rights and how to deal with their concerns through the complaints procedure. They know how to make a complaint if they are unhappy, including making a complaint to the placing authority. This allows the manager to monitor any recurring issues that may need to be rectified.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff act as positive role models and use effective communication skills to encourage young people to develop socially acceptable behaviour. They place great emphasis on building positive relationships with young people and understanding young people’s behaviour. Young people have clear and consistent boundaries and know what is expected of them and what is unacceptable.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff praise young people when they do well and reward them. They also reassure young people when they are upset and help them deal with their anxieties and frustrations in a positive way. Staff do not condone unacceptable behaviour and assist young people to learn to manage their behaviour and solve problems. This means that young people are clear about what is expected of them and how to achieve positive outcomes. 5 of 6 Inspection Report: SC386810 Young people live in a safe and secure environment. Systems are in place for the regular testing of fire safety equipment and training for staff in fire safety awareness. Good systems are in place for the vetting of visitors and people wishing to work at the home, this makes sure young people are protected.

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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. 6 of 6 Inspection Report: SC386810

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