Children's Home run by The Together Trust in Stockport

SC025712 Unique reference number 25 February 2010 Inspection date Mark Kersh Inspector Random Type of Inspection

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7 January 2010 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 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 ages of six 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 has three bedrooms, with one being used as an office and sleeping-in room for staff. On the ground floor there 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. Ofsted's 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 this 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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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The home has appropriate provisions in place 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, this includes their ability to plan, shop for and prepare meals of their choice. There are sufficient dining facilities which allow 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. These ensure that young people are registered with local health services, for example, doctor, dentist and optician. Individual health plans are set out to include information of young people's 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.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 persons, bullying and child protection. Whilst no staff are presently working 4 of 5 Inspection Report: SC025712 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. There are satisfactory health and safety systems in place to protect young people, staff and visitors in the event of a fire.

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Achieving economic wellbeing

The provision is satisfactory. The home is clean and comfortable and provides young people with a bedroom of their own. However, following a break-in, some internal damage is evident. As a result, any admission to the home is unlikely until this damage has been repaired.

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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 that they can provide services that the young people 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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Due date Action Standard

31 March 2010 ensure the home is of sound construction and kept in good structural repair, externally and internally. (Regulation 31.2.d)

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Recommendations

There are no recommendations. 5 of 5 Inspection Report: SC025712

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