Children's Home run by Staffordshire County Council in Staffordshire

SC028905 Unique reference number 18 August 2010 Inspection date Jackie Callaghan Inspector Random Type of 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: SC028905

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Brief description of the service

The home is part of a residential provision for looked after children. The home provides emergency short- term residential accommodation for a maximum of five young people of either gender, who are aged between 12 and 17 years on admission. The purpose of the home is to provide a safe and secure environment that promotes the welfare of the young people accommodated. An assessment is carried out to identify how best to meet a young person's needs and plan for their future.

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Brief description of the service

Placements are for a maximum of 12 weeks duration, other than in exceptional circumstances, during this time plans are made for a return home or another placement will be made and initiated. The home is situated in a residential area and is a large Victorian building comprising of five en-suite bedrooms for young people. Five young people are currently living at the home.

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Summary

This was an interim inspection that looked at the key standards in staying safe from the national minimum standards. The home at its last inspection was judged to be outstanding in all outcome areas. This is why a more proportionate visit that focussed solely on staying safe has been undertaken this time. This visit also looked at the one recommendation made at the last inspection. Three young people were present throughout this inspection and contributed directly to the findings in this report.

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Summary

This visit found that the overall outcome judgement for this service continues to be outstanding. Young people are helped to develop a sense of value within society. Staff deeply respect young people and relationships are excellent. There is a positive approach to making things happen for the benefit of young people. The Registered Manager and senior staff team combine a creative vision with good strategic planning to develop the home to do the best for the young people who attend. No actions or recommendations have been made as a result of this visit. The overall quality rating is outstanding. 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 Manager was asked to make sure that all requirements of schedule 2 are met. All staff files now contain a recent photograph which ensures the home holds the required proof of identity.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Staff clearly respect young people's privacy and confidentiality. Staff are also successful at enabling young people to respect the privacy and confidentiality of others. One external complaint has been raised since the last inspection. However, this has been effectively and quickly resolved by the Registered Manager. 4 of 5 Inspection Report: SC028905 Young people are very safe, their welfare is comprehensively promoted and they are overwhelmingly protected from abuse. Staff know what to do in the event of an allegation or suspicion of abuse and have a strong lead from the Registered Manager and other senior staff. Arrangements for child protection are excellent and all staff, including ancillary staff, have regular child protection training. Young people receive clear information about countering bullying. One young person confirmed that, 'bullying is not an issue at the home.' As a result,

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

any issues are discussed openly ensuring young people are fully protected.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are written procedures for staff to follow if a child leaves the home without authority. Procedures comply with requirements and ensure that young people's welfare is safeguarded. Staff are accomplished in encouraging the good order of young people by creating a positive environment where young people flourish. Staff are sensitive and attuned to individual needs. Excellent planning and close supervision ensures staff always give supportive responses. Consequently, young people are successfully helped to talk about and understand their behaviour through planned and documented behaviour management strategies.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home has regularly updated risk assessments for all aspects of safety of the premises and grounds including fire, young people's behaviour and activities. Young people stay in a home that provides physical safety and security because staff take positive steps to keep everyone safe from unnecessary risks. Safe recruitment is managed to a very high standard. There is rigorous selection and vetting of all adults who may have contact 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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Recommendations

There are no recommendations. 5 of 5 Inspection Report: SC028905

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