Children's Home run by The Partnership of Care Today in Staffordshire

SC005040 Unique reference number 8 February 2010 Inspection date Elaine Cray Inspector Random Type of Inspection

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10 September 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 6 Inspection Report: SC005040

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Brief description of the service

The home is registered to provide care for four young people, of either sex, between the ages of 8 and 17 years with emotional and behavioural difficulties. It provides medium to long-term residential care and is owned by a private company. The home is located in a residential area that has easy access to local facilities and public transport. The house consists of a lounge, large kitchen-diner, bathroom and staff office on the ground floor. There are four young people's bedrooms, and bathroom on the first floor. There are gardens to the front and rear of the house.

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Summary

This is an unannounced interim inspection. The purpose of the inspection is to assess the key National Minimum Standards in the outcome area of staying safe and to check progress made on an action and a recommendation set at the full key inspection to the home on 10th September 2009.

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Summary

The outcome area staying safe is judged as good and the overall judgement rating remains as good.

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Summary

The home continues to provide a good service to the young people. Young people are safe and their behaviour is supported by well-trained staff who respond to complex behaviours and needs. Young people’s welfare is safeguarded with clear procedures which are reinforced with effective inter-agency liaison. Young people are supported with strong boundaries. They like the reward system and say they are going missing less often and understand the need to improve behaviour in order to achieve their goals to return to their own local communities.

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Summary

Although young people express some concerns about fairness of treatment in the home, staff present a strong commitment and firm balance between enabling all young people to express their views and manage conflict and group dynamics. There are improvements in behaviour and staff are positive about the progress and achievements of the young people.

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Summary

No actions or recommendations are made as a result of this visit. 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

The service was required to record the manager's hours on the staff rota and this has been addressed. The service has also improved the recording in the sanctions book to include the names of staff members, young people and any other persons present when giving a sanction.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. 4 of 6 Inspection Report: SC005040 The safety and welfare of young people is placed in high priority. Young people are protected by robust procedures and practices for promoting their welfare. The home has clear policies and procedures regarding the recruitment of staff which are in line with the Children's Homes Regulations 2001 and National Minimum Standards.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff are trained in safeguarding children procedures. Staffing levels are allocated to ensure that all young people are kept safe and receive appropriate support. There are detailed risk assessments and management strategies in place. The needs and safety of young people are reinforced with effective inter-agency liaison. Staff are fully aware of who to notify about serious incidents in the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The privacy of young people is respected and young people enjoy their own private space. Young people are protected by an anti-bullying policy. Although some young people expressed a lack of confidence in how potential bullying is perceived and managed by staff, evidence from this inspection showed a proactive approach to managing behaviours. Staff present an excellent understanding of group dynamics and consistently work to challenge and manage challenging behaviour. Young people are further protected by a clear written complaints procedure and are encouraged to express their concerns and wishes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people are enabled to manage and improve their behaviour by staff who are trained in behaviour management, physical intervention and have a good understanding of the behaviour management procedures. Staff promote clear boundaries and expectations. There is a clear focus on rewarding positive and improved behaviour. Records are well-maintained.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The physical environment is well-maintained and monitored in terms of health and safety, with comprehensive and detailed documentation. Fire safety procedures are checked and monitored.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The registered manager 's hours are recorded on the staff roster for hours actually worked by staff in the home.

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Organisation

Not all the key standards were assessed at this inspection and therefore the outcome judgement remains the same as at the previous inspection. 5 of 6 Inspection Report: SC005040

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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: SC005040

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