Children's Home run by Crossway Services Limited in St Helens

SC386810 Unique reference number 11 August 2010 Inspection date Robert Curr Inspector Random Type of Inspection

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2 December 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 5 Inspection Report: SC386810

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Brief description of the service

The home is registered to provide accommodation for young people of either sex, between the ages of eight to 17 years with emotional or behavioural difficulties. The promotion of attachment is viewed by the home as very important in the work undertaken with young people.

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Brief description of the service

The home is situated within walking distance of the town centre and is well served by public transport.

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Brief description of the service

There is good access to local amenities including schools, shopping and leisure facilities. The home is a well maintained two bedroom, two storey, mid-terrace property. The lounge, dining room, kitchen and bathroom are on the ground floor, with two bedrooms on the first floor. The smaller of the two bedrooms serves as a staff office/sleep-in facility. There is a paved yard/patio area at the back of the house.

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Summary

This was a short notice interim inspection. Matters looked at during this visit relate to the outcome area of staying safe only. Staff have a very good understanding about keeping young people safe from harm. Young people's privacy and confidentiality is respected by staff. Good systems exist for young people to raise any issue or concern they may have about their care. 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

There were no actions or recommendations raised at the last inspection.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Young people's privacy and confidentiality is well regarded. For example, young people have their own bedroom and access to a telephone, if appropriate for the individual.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is a clear complaints procedure and young people understand how to make a complaint. Young people have used this process to voice their concerns about the service. Records show that favourable outcomes are reached to ensure that young people are happy with their care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff take all reasonable steps to keep young people safe from harm and know how to respond in the event of an allegation or serious concern about a young person's safety. Safeguarding training helps staff to protect the welfare of young people. Missing from home procedures are known to staff and records show that staff implement these as necessary.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people receive care from staff who are trained and understand the need to encourage good behaviour through the use of restorative practices. This also includes techniques to manage challenging behaviour. 4 of 5 Inspection Report: SC386810 The home environment is well-maintained and systems are in place to ensure health and safety checks are carried out. Regular fire drills take place and checks on fire fighting equipment are up to date. Not all staff have undertaken a fire drill practice at the recommended frequency. This does not fully uphold the health and safety of the young people residing at the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The manager monitors the criminal records bureau process to ensure that checks are renewed regularly, to confirm that staff remain suitable to work with young people.

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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

11 August 2010 ensure the identified staff member takes part in a fire drill on or before their next duty. (Regulation 32 (1)(e))

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Recommendations

There are no recommendations. 5 of 5 Inspection Report: SC386810

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