Children's Home run by Platinum Services for Children (Residential Care) Ltd in Staffordshire

SC378187 Unique reference number 25 February 2010 Inspection date David Morgan 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: SC378187

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Brief description of the service

The home is one of two children's homes located in a small cul-de-sac a short drive from the centre of town. It is registered to provide care for up to two children or young people aged from eight to under 18 years who have emotional or behavioural difficulties. The property is a four-bedroom, detached house that was built in 2008 and is in a suburban area with shops close-by and ready access to the countryside. Each child has their own good sized bedroom, one with en suite shower and toilet, and there are gardens at the front and rear.

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Brief description of the service

The young person currently resident contributed to this report.

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Summary

This unannounced interim inspection finds that steady progress is being made. The focus of the inspection was staying safe and the findings of the previous report only. Improvements are clear in important areas such as staff recruitment, professional supervision of the manager, and behavioural issues being well monitored; no new actions or recommendations are made. 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

The last inspection made three actions and two recommendations all of which have been addressed. Appropriate recruitment procedures are now in place that provide suitable levels of protection to children. Children also benefit from improved attention to individual behavioural issues, which they are involved in drafting. The manager now receives professional supervision, which is an important contribution to the organisation and future of the home. The bullying policy is complete and the proprietor has drafted a development plan for the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The welfare of children is fully promoted. Children are protected from abuse, for example, by appropriate recruitment processes, and do not experience bullying. Appropriate consideration is given to risks to children if they are absent without authority and this is well managed. Children benefit from a high level of privacy and this is being improved further by installing more appropriate bedroom door locks. If children have any concerns they are usually addressed immediately by staff and the complaints policy is clear.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are assisted to develop socially acceptable behaviour through encouragement from staff and rewards, including much praise. Satisfactory sanctions and physical interventions are also used and they are monitored closely. Individual behaviour management plans are in place for each child, which is good practice.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home provides children with high levels of physical safety and security. There is good attention to fire drills and staff understand how to undertake emergency evacuations as safely 4 of 5 Inspection Report: SC378187 as possible. Child safety is also ensured by good staff recruitment procedures, clearly reflected in staff files.

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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: SC378187

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