Children's Home run by Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council in Sefton

Unique reference number SC036304 Inspection date 13/01/2011 Inspector Elaine Clare Type of inspection Random

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Date of last inspection 19/07/2010 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 accommodates a maximum of five young people in the age range of seven years to 15 years. It is close to local amenities. It operates from a detached property, which has a lounge and dining area, a family room, activity room, six bedrooms, toilets and bathroom facilities. The premises include a large well-fitted kitchen, laundry and garden. Staff are managed and supported by the on-site Registered Manager.

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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 unannounced taking place on a weekday. No actions or recommendations were made as a result of this inspection. Key standards in staying safe were assessed. Five young people are currently accommodated at the setting.

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Summary

The home continues to function to a very good standard. The manager is supported by an experienced and caring staff team who receive appropriate training. Robust policies and procedures support the day-to- day practice that is of a very good standard. The experienced and committed staff team ensures consistency of care for young people. Education is seen as a priority with some good attendance levels. The setting is well maintained and homely. Procedures are in place to ensure young people are kept safe both in and out of the home.

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Improvements since the last inspection

No actions or recommendations were made at the last inspection.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff respect young people's privacy and seek permission by knocking before entering their rooms. There is clear guidance in place for staff to follow in the event that a room search is carried out. Young people are made aware of this on admission. Room searches are only undertaken if it is felt a young person is putting themselves at risk. Shared facilities such as toilets and bathrooms all have appropriate locks. Staff discuss confidential information with young people in private and information relating to each young person is stored in an appropriately locked facility. Young people have access to a telephone.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home has a robust complaints procedure that staff and young people are very well informed of. Young people are made aware of the complaints process when they are admitted to the home. No complaints have been made by young people since the last inspection. Regular key work sessions ensure that the staff are proactive in ascertaining the thoughts and feelings of the young people for whom they care. There has been one external complaint made since the last inspection, this is being investigated by the Responsible Individual.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home operates with an experienced staff team who are aware of the need to provide a safe and caring environment for the young people. All members of staff have attended training in child protection and safeguarding. They are aware of what they need to do in the event that they have concerns about a young person's welfare. The setting's policy is up to date, in accordance with local area child protection and safeguarding procedures and easily accessible to staff.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home has a zero tolerance approach to bullying and young people are made aware of this in their handbook, which they are given when they arrive. Bullying is not currently an issue in the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home has a very clear policy in place with regards to young people going missing. Individualised protocols ensure that the correct agencies are informed if a young person goes missing. Young people are made aware of the consequences of leaving the home without permission or not returning at an agreed time. The home's monitoring and response to individual young people is very good with thoroughly thought-out, well planned and consistent responses from staff.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

It is made clear to young people what is expected of them in relation to behaviour. All young people who live in the home have an individual behaviour management plan which outlines their fears, anxieties and what may trigger challenging behaviour. These are underpinned with personal plans which outline goals for the young people and what rewards they can earn. The home has an established system for the recording and reporting of accidents and incidents. While staff receive physical intervention training to help manage incidents of challenging behaviour, interventions are very rarely used. The home uses a rewards system where points are given for a range of behaviours, including settling well at night and going to school. These are monitored by the manager and challenged if felt to be inappropriate. Regular key work sessions ensure that behaviour issues are discussed and that the young people's views are acknowledged and valued.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are good systems to ensure the safety of young people in the home. These include regular testing of fire alarms and equipment, fire drills and checking visitor’s identity. Maintenance is good with all repairs being dealt with in an acceptable timescale. The building is kept free from risks and hazards both inside and outside. Regular environmental assessments are carried out to ensure that all health and safety risks are addressed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are robust recruitment procedures in place that ensure no member of staff is employed without all necessary checks being confirmed.

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