Children's Home run by Platinum Services for Children (Residential Care) Ltd in Staffordshire

Unique reference number SC378181 Inspection date 19/01/2011 Inspector David Morgan Type of inspection Random

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Date of last inspection 08/07/2010 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

The home is one of two children's homes located in a small cul-de-sac a short drive from the centre of town. It provides care for up to two children or young people aged between eight and 17 years who have emotional or behavioural difficulties. The property is a four bedroomed detached house that was built in 2008. It is in a suburban area with shops close by and ready access to the countryside. Children have their own good-sized bedrooms, one with en-suite shower and toilet, and there are small gardens at the front and rear. The young person who currently lives at the home was unable to contribute directly to the inspection process.

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Summary

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

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Summary

This interim inspection was announced at very short notice to ensure staff were available. Good standards of care are being maintained for young people. This inspection only considers the safety of young people and the previous action and three recommendations. The action and recommendations have all received appropriate attention although staff turnover means that the percentage of staff with a qualification remains slightly too low and the recommendation is carried forward. Standards of safety are high and the service continues to improve in a variety of areas.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The last inspection raised one action and three recommendations. Since then, carpets have been replaced to bring the property up to an acceptable standard throughout. Behaviour management files now show the acceptable forms of physical intervention so they are clear to new staff and any auditors. The hot water temperature risk assessment has been reviewed so that hot water is at a safe and comfortable temperature.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Staff training is ongoing. The percentage of staff who are qualified remains somewhat low and the recommendation is carried forward; however, this has minimal impact on the current young people because of their high levels of independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people’ enjoy a high level of safety and privacy. There is close attention to detail, for example, regarding staff fire training, and the home is small, which permits an exceptional level of individual care. Staff are alert to safeguarding issues and liaise well with other agencies. Currently, for example, research is underway to improve internet security. This means that young people are able to extend their independence in a structured and safe way. Recruitment standards are being maintained at a high level too, which also helps to maintain standards of protection and care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There have been no issues regarding bullying or of young people being absent without authority since the last inspection. Similarly, behaviour management issues are almost zero. These factors combine to provide an extremely constructive environment in which young people make substantial progress. The staff are undertaking impressive work to summarise the changes in young people’s behaviour in graphs and numerical formats. This contributes to more effective care planning and provides clearer, more succinct information to social workers.

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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):

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Recommendations

 ensure there is a minimum ratio of 80% of all care staff who have completed their National Vocational Qualification at Level 3 in Caring for Children and Young People, or have similar qualifications. (NMS 29.5)

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