Children's Home run by Rochdale Borough Council in Rochdale

SC034851 Unique reference number 14 January 2010 Inspection date David Martin Inspector Random Type of Inspection

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1 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: SC034851

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Brief description of the service

This home provides care and support for four young people of either sex between the ages of 11 and 17 years. Young people are accommodated in single bedrooms on the upper floor and there are three communal rooms and office accommodation downstairs. The home is a detached property located close to public transport and local amenities.

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Summary

This unannounced interim inspection was carried out to assess the home's performance against national minimum standards under the staying safe outcome area. An assessment was also made in respect of the recommendations made at the last inspection.

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Summary

The home continues to ensure that young people are looked after safely. Unauthorised absence is managed well and safeguarding matters are referred to the appropriate agencies. Improvements have been made concerning fire safety, the promotion of equality and diversity and monthly monitoring. 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

Since the last inspection the fire risk assessment has been reviewed and updated. This protects young people from harm. The promotion of equality and diversity has been improved and the home has implemented an audit to ensure that it is embedded as a key value. Regulation 33 reports are now evaluative, ensuring that areas for improvement are identified.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Young people's privacy and dignity is respected. Bedrooms and bathrooms are lockable and there is access to a private telephone. Young people are expected to be appropriately dressed when they are in communal areas of the home. Records are held securely in the home's offices. The staff have completed training on issues of confidentiality which ensures that information about young people is protected.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The young people have clear information about raising their concerns, complaints and grumbles. They are regularly reminded that they have access to the local children's rights officer.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The staff have completed safeguarding training and are confident about reporting any concerns or disclosures. There have been no child protection issues in the home in the period since the last inspection. The home successfully promotes an anti-bullying culture. These steps help protect young people from harm.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home actively promotes good, socially acceptable behaviour. Staff have been trained in using safe methods of physical intervention and techniques for managing confrontation. There 4 of 5 Inspection Report: SC034851 is minimal use of sanctions. Incidents of unauthorised absence are managed appropriately and where necessary are dealt with on a multi-agency basis. This contributes to the overall safety of young people.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The premises are maintained in good order. Fire safety checks are up to date and the fire risk assessment has been reviewed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

New staff are employed following a robust selection process and thorough vetting. This ensures that staff are suitable to work with young people and contributes to their overall safety and well being.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The promotion of equality and diversity is good. The home has implemented a bi-annual audit of the way in which equality and diversity is promoted. This contributes to the young people's understanding of individual difference.

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Organisation

Regulation 33 monitoring visits are being carried out and the reports now contain an evaluation of the work undertaken in the home. This ensures that areas for improvement are clearly identified.

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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: SC034851

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