Children's Home run by The Together Trust in Stockport

Unique reference number SC025712 Inspection date 29/10/2010 Inspector Mark Kersh Type of inspection Random

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Date of last inspection 25/02/2010 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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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 Crispins, 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.

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About this inspection

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 outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004 and the relevant National Minimum Standards for the service.

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The inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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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

The overall quality rating is satisfactory.

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Summary

This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection.

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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.

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Helping children to be healthy

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, a 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

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. While no staff are presently working 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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Organisation

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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