Children's Home run by Social Care Services (Clayton) Limited in Manchester

SC381339 Unique reference number 5 October 2009 Inspection date Stella Henderson Inspector Key Type of Inspection

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19 August 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: SC381339

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Brief description of the service

This home is purpose built and provides accommodation for up to six young people of either sex from 10 years old up to 17 years old at any one time. The home is detached and is suitably adapted to meet the needs, if these arise, of young people with a disability.

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Brief description of the service

The ground floor has a lounge, a computer room with internet access, a dining room and a kitchen. The first floor consists of young people's bedrooms and a staff sleep-in room. Bathrooms and toilets are located on both floors. Off road parking is available for up to six vehicles. The home is close to local transport routes and local amenities.

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Summary

This full unannounced inspection was undertaken to assess whether the home has addressed the requirements raised at the last inspection and to ensure that the home continues to provide suitable care and support to children and young people residing at the home.

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Summary

A particular focus was given to staying safe and organisation as these were areas of practice found to be inadequate at the last inspection. A 'lighter touch' assessment was made of being healthy, enjoy and achieve, positive contribution and achieving economic wellbeing as these outcomes were found to be either 'good' or 'satisfactory' at the last inspection.

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Summary

Children and young people continue to benefit from good practice where health, education, consultation and planning for independence are concerned. They are also now afforded greater protection as the provider has promptly responded to actions raised at the last inspection and practice has consequently improved. 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

At the last inspection the Registered Person was required to improve practice on staff training, recording on restraint, monitoring, information on prospective employees, staffing levels and respecting the privacy of children and young people living at the home. Evidence from this inspection demonstrates that these actions have now been met.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children and young people continue to be encouraged by staff to pursue a healthy lifestyle through diet, access to appropriate medical intervention and exercise. They live in a healthy environment and their health needs are identified.

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Helping children to be healthy

The health and safety of children and young people continues to be safeguarded through the home's policies and procedures for the administration of medication. Services are provided to meet their needs and good health generally is promoted.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. 4 of 6 Inspection Report: SC381339 Children and young people are safeguarded by suitable practice and procedures. Any episodes of bullying and absconding are responded to appropriately and in a timely fashion, and there is an effective complaints procedure in place.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff are all trained in and conversant with child protection procedures. Comprehensive risk assessments are in place which address all known or likely behaviours, as well as potential environmental hazards.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Practice has improved in relation to room searches and the vetting of prospective members of staff. The restraint book now accurately records the duration of any restraint that takes place. There is still a shortfall in practice, however, in the recording of the details of the child's behaviour that leads to restraint, and this is raised as an action for the provider to address.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children and young people continue to benefit from the guidance and support provided by staff to meet their individual needs. The home actively promotes the involvement of all children and young people in the home's social group and nurtures appropriate friendships.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The home maintains a pro-active approach to learning and achievement. The majority of children and young people are engaged in some form of education. Children and young people benefit from facilities that are conducive to study, should they so require it, and have access to a computer.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The needs of children and young people continue to be effectively met. Individual planning is good and children and young people benefit from the regular review of their needs, development and progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There is some inconsistency, however, in accurately recording the individual needs of children and young people where behaviour management plans are concerned. The provider has been asked to address this as a good practice recommendation.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Senior management work closely with the placing authority to ensure that appropriate placements are made and sustained. There is frequent consultation with children and young people and contact with family and friends is encouraged and supported.

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Achieving economic wellbeing

The provision is satisfactory. Children and young people continue to be supported in developing age-appropriate skills that will support them in independence. Young people who are shortly to move to independence are given particular help in preparation for leaving care. Their views are given weight where moving on to independent living is concerned.

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Achieving economic wellbeing

Children and young people benefit from living in an environment that is supportive to their individual development. As at the last inspection, the home remains fit for purpose. It's location, 5 of 6 Inspection Report: SC381339 size and design are in keeping with its function, and it is situated within a location that is convenient for public transport and other amenities.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The statement of purpose is unchanged from the last inspection, and continues to provide a good indication of services provided for children and young people.

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Organisation

The promotion of equality and diversity is good. Children and young people continue to benefit from the emphasis on equality and diversity which is apparent in the statement of purpose and the children's guide, and in practice at the home.

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Organisation

There is improvement in practice in relation to staff training and staffing levels. Children and young people therefore receive the care and services they need from fully competent staff. The staff team is also sufficient in number, experience and qualification to meet their needs.

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Organisation

Children and young people are further safeguarded by more rigorous and efficient monitoring under Schedule 6 of these regulations. Weekly audits are now carried out which feed into the overall quality assurance process. This means that any identified trends or patterns can be quickly identified and addressed.

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Organisation

Records relating to the care and welfare of young people continue to be maintained to a good standard and these records are compliant with legal requirements.

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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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Due date Action Standard

3 November 2009 record in the dedicated and bound book details of the child's behaviour leading to the use of the measure in the case of any form of restraint. (Regulation 22.9 (4)(b))

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure that placement plans reflect the individual needs of the child where behaviour management is concerned. (NMS 2.1) 6 of 6 Inspection Report: SC381339

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