Children's Home run by Stoke-on-Trent City Council in Stoke-on-Trent

Unique reference number SC369840 Inspection date 22/02/2011 Inspector Trevor Hall Type of inspection Random

p.1

Date of last inspection 19/10/2010 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

Brief description of the service

This home forms part of a portfolio of services for children and families, operated by a local authority. The home provides care for up to two young people aged between 10 to 17 years on admission, who have significant social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. The home is a three bedroom semi-detached house, situated in a housing estate and the young people are able to access local leisure activities in the immediate neighbourhood. Staff provide transport to take the young people to those facilities that are available at a greater distance. The home provides each of the young people with an individual bedroom. To the rear of the building is an enclosed garden, which provides space for a range of activities. To the front of the building is a small garden; the home has no off-road parking facilities.

p.4

Summary

The overall quality rating is outstanding.

p.4

Summary

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

p.4

Summary

This was a interim unannounced inspection that concentrated on all key national minimum standards in the outcome area of staying safe. It also looked at the home's responses to the one recommendation made, at the home's key inspection, that took place on the 19 October 2010. The recommendation previously made, to address some shortfalls in the recording of room searches, has been fully addressed. At the time of this inspection the home accommodated two young people, both of whom were present during the inspection process.

p.4

Summary

The home continues to provides an outstanding standard of care and support that helps young people in their education, personal, social and emotional development. The home's Registered Manager provides effective leadership which results in staff being clearly focused on meeting the needs of the young people. Staff relationships with young people are both caring and very supportive. Young people benefit from living in a home that is well managed and organised to achieve excellent outcomes.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

Since the home was last inspected the recording of searches of young peoples rooms has improved. The current record clearly states whether the young person was present during the search, it also says why if they were not invited to be present, also list all items removed. Young people also now have the right to make comment in this record and to sign the log, their refusal to sign is also recorded.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The service has previously established an outstanding focus on safeguarding and protection matters. Systems to ensure young people are safe and sound are well managed through strong leadership, effective policy, procedure and good practice.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff respect young people's right to privacy and have good policies that indicate when it is permissible for staff to search young people's bedrooms. The home maintains good records of these searches that clearly indicate whether young people were present, or if not why they were not invited to be present. Young people are now invited to make comment in this record and to sign the log; their refusal is also recorded.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Complaints about the home are investigated in accordance with the organisation's policy and the registered person takes account of these in her audits of the service. Young people know their complaints are taken seriously and feel able to make representation or complaint if they are unhappy with any aspect of living in the home.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are very clear procedures in place for responding to any child protection or safe care concerns and these arrangements are reinforced by induction and refresher training for all staff in a number of key practice areas. Trained and experienced staff promote young people's welfare and know what to do in the event of an allegation or suspicion of abuse and how to plan for, and deliver safe care in practice.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Bullying is well managed by staff who are alert to group dynamics and young peoples individual needs. This results in young people being protected from power imbalances within the group and an atmosphere where bullying is known to be unacceptable. The home's records comprehensively evidence that staff engage with young people frequently about matters that relate to their behaviour and conduct. There is a positive approach taken by staff, they are clear about social and behavioural boundaries that are expected but equally they are clear about each young person's needs and how they learn about what is and is not acceptable. As a result, staff are patient and mindful of their responsibilities to educate and focus on acceptable and improving behaviours that can be rewarded and praised.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff help young people to behave well and encourage socially acceptable behaviour through well thought out constructive responses. Strategies take account of the impact of cognitive ability and communication needs on the young people's behaviour; the manager actively seeks behavioural support from external advisors and consultants and the child and adolescent mental health services, when applicable. Staff reward young people for positive attitudes and actions and encourage change through positive respectful relationships.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The manager takes comprehensive action to make sure that children live in a home that provides physical safety and security, and is free from unnecessary risks. Risk assessments are updated frequently and social workers are asked for their views as part of this process. Young people's protection is also very well promoted through safe recruitment, selection and vetting practices for all new staff. The service has a clearly defined system in place that ensures all necessary checks have been completed and are acceptable prior to any new staff member starting work in the home. A written record of this process is maintained for inspection and is followed in respect of all staff currently employed.

p.6