Children's Home run by The Together Trust in Stockport

SC025712 Unique reference number 7 January 2010 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 5 Inspection Report: SC025712

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Brief description of the service

This home is registered to take two young people of either sex between the age of 6 to 17 years, on a medium to long-term basis. It is based in a residential area, close to schools, public transport and other amenities. The home is a three bedroom property, with one of the bedrooms used as an office and sleeping-in room for staff. On the ground floor is a lounge, diner, kitchen and downstairs cloakroom.

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Summary

This was a short notice, announced interim inspection. The home is currently not providing accommodation to young people. Our inspection methodology relies on evidence found at the time of the inspection and this essentially includes young people's views about the home. As this evidence is not available when there are no young people present we have completed a proportionate inspection; the purpose of which is to decide that should an admission be made, the home would be able to work to a satisfactory standard. 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

Following the last inspection two actions and one recommendation were made in respect of fire safety. These have been addressed. The practice of wedging internal doors open has stopped, regular testing and recording of fire appliances takes place and the fire risk assessment is up to date. These steps help to keep young people, staff and visitors safe from risk from fire.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The home has appropriate provisions to attend to young people's individual dietary needs. Information taken at referral enables care plans to be implemented which cover the assessment of young people's independence skills. For example, their ability to plan, shop for and prepare meals of their choice. There are sufficient dining facilities which allow for young people and staff to eat together.

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Helping children to be healthy

Policies and procedures are in place in relation to meeting young people's individual health needs. This ensures young people are registered with local health services, for example, doctor, dentist and optician. Individual health plans are set out to include information of previous medical history and current health needs. Staff designated to work in this home have received training to administer, record and dispose of medication. This ensures they have the necessary knowledge and skills to administer medication safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Currently the home is vacant with no young people or staff presently occupying the home. The home has not taken any new admissions since the previous young person moved on. 4 of 5 Inspection Report: SC025712 Policies and procedures are in place to promote young people's welfare and safety. These include, procedural guidance for staff on dealing with new admissions, complaints, care and control, missing person's, bullying and child protection. Whilst no staff are presently working at the home, there are sufficient numbers of staff employed within the organisation to provide care should an admission occur.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Recruitment and selection procedures were assessed during the home's previous inspection, where recruitment practices were found to be compliant. The arrangements in place to promote health and safety are satisfactory in relation to the systems in place, to protect young people. staff and visitors in the event of a fire. These arrangements have improved following the actions and recommendation made at the previous inspection. For example, fire doors are kept closed, all fire equipment is tested weekly and the content of the fire risk assessment has been reviewed and amended.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The home has written information about the services it provides. This information is given to prospective admissions, their family and placing authorities so as they can determine if this home can provide the services they need.

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Organisation

Adequate staffing arrangements are in place should a referral be made and young people accommodated. The staff designated to work in this home have the relevant qualifications and experience of working with young people, within residential settings.

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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: SC025712

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