Children's Home run by Trafford Borough Council in Trafford

SC032475 Unique reference number 8 October 2009 Inspection date Anthony Kyem Inspector Random Type of Inspection

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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: SC032475

p.3

Brief description of the service

The home provides care and accommodation for up to five young people of either sex from 11 to 17 years of age. The home is situated in a quiet residential area and benefits from good access to local amenities. This home fits in with neighbouring properties and has no distinguishing features. Young people are accommodated in single bedrooms, which they are free to personalise.

p.4

Summary

This was an unannounced, interim inspection. The purpose of the visit was to assess the home's progress with the recommendations identified at the previous inspection. The outcome area for staying safe was also assessed.

p.4

Summary

The home continues to provide care for young people to good quality standards. Staff provide young people with a safe environment and are very supportive of young people's individual needs. As a resident group, young people are collectively encouraged to develop and sustain, socially acceptable behaviour.

p.4

Summary

Staff keep young people safe from harm and take appropriate action to reduce young people's risk taking behaviours. However, not all room search records are clearly recorded, to evidence the protective measures taken by staff, to promote young people's welfare. Good arrangements are made to promote health and safety. The overall quality rating is good. This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

There were no actions raised as a result of the home's previous inspection. Since the last visit, the home has introduced a new incentive programme designed to encourage young people to behave in a socially acceptable way. These programmes are tailored to reflect young people's individualised needs.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

There are new group rules, which young people have agreed to. These arrangements are designed to promote harmonious relationships within the home and make it explicitly clear to young people what the expectations of them are. Such rules prohibit bullying or the use of racist or homophobic language, as one of several new agreed house rules.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection young people's individual risks assessments have been updated to reflect their present circumstances.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Staff respect young people's privacy. They only ever undertake room searches where these are considered necessary and where there is identified cause for concern. There have been a small 4 of 6 Inspection Report: SC032475 number of recent room searches undertaken, but not all have been documented to show the protective measures taken by staff to promote young people's safety.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Complaints made by young people are managed effectively and the home's procedures for investigating complaints are always followed by staff. The home has not received any complaints from young people, since the home's previous inspection.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff know how to keep young people safe from harm and young people are protected from bullying, abuse and exploitation. Staff receive training in child protection and care and control, which enables them to undertake their duties effectively, in accordance with the home's policies and procedures. There are no current issues with bullying or with young people placing themselves at risk of significant harm. Where young people have been reported missing, staff adhere to the home's systems to promote their safe return.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff manage young people's behaviours very effectively. The use of permissible forms of control are used fairly by staff, to maintain good order and discipline within the home. Sanctions used by staff are few, with rewards and incentives creatively used to encourage, praise and reward young people's positive behaviours. Young people learn to cope with social situations better, by learning to behave in a socially acceptable way.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are no issues with the arrangements in place, for the promotion of health and safety within the home. There is a fire evacuation procedure in place and regular testing of home's fire fighting equipment. There are frequent fire drills and safety tests undertaken to all gas and portable electrical appliances. Such arrangements ensure that young people and staff are kept safe from potential hazards within the home.

p.5

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.

p.5

Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure that a written record is kept of all room searches. (NMS 9.8) 6 of 6 Inspection Report: SC032475

p.6