Children's Home run by Rochdale Borough Council in Rochdale

Unique reference number SC034851 Inspection date 07/03/2011 Inspector Jacqueline Malcolm Type of inspection Random

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Date of last inspection 26/10/2010 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 provides care and support for four young people of either sex between the ages of 11 and 17 years. Young people are accommodated in single bedrooms on the upper floor and there are three communal rooms and office accommodation downstairs. The home is a detached property located close to public transport and local amenities.

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Summary

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

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Summary

This was an unannounced interim inspection to assess the home's performance in promoting young people's safety and welfare. Actions and good practice recommendations made previously were also reviewed to monitor compliance with the national minimum standards 2002 and children's homes regulations 2001.

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Summary

The home provides young people with a good standard of care. Young people's safety and welfare is promoted and active steps are taken to work in partnership with appropriate family members and professionals to this effect. Young people's privacy is respected and they have a range of opportunities to raise any complaints or concerns. Young people's behaviour is well managed and good, trusting relationships have developed, positive behaviour is encouraged and rewarded. Health and safety matters are well managed and protect young people, staff and visitors from fire risks and other hazards.

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Summary

One good practice recommendation has been raised at this inspection. This relates to sanctions and encouraging young people to write or have their views recorded about the fairness of any sanction they receive at the home.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The two actions and three good practice recommendations raised at the last inspection have been met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Staff now have access to a sanctions book that complies with the standards and regulations.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The manager no longer carries out Regulation 33 visits of the home. This significantly reduces any conflicts of interest and promotes transparency.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The health and safety arrangements are enhanced now that the gas installation certificates are accessible to staff and the actions raised in the fire risk assessment have now been met. Damaged furniture in one of the young people's rooms has been replaced. The room is now a better environment for young people in which to spend their time.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people's privacy is actively promoted. Young people are provided with a key to their room and they have access to their own private space. Bathroom facilities contain appropriate locking devices. This promotes young people's dignity. A high regard is given with respect to appropriate levels of security and storage of young people's information.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people know how to complain or make their concerns known. Young people live in a culture at the home that allows them to resolve any issues before they reach a formal complaint stage. Young people are encouraged to discuss any issues informally, in young people's meetings and key work sessions. Young people are also provided with independent means to express their concerns. For example, regular visits are undertaken by a worker from an advocacy service and the statutory review process allows for questions in this area to be asked. These measures provide additional opportunities for young people to complain and be listened to. No complaints have been made for some time.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people are safeguarded and protected by competent staff who are trained to protect them from abuse and deal with allegations or suspected abuse. Staff are vigilant around the home when young people are present. They discreetly monitor young people's activities and intervene as appropriate. For example, if bullying behaviour is detected, staff speak with the young people involved and seek a resolution. This helps to reduce the likelihood of further incidents. Bullying behaviour is monitored and addressed. Staff training has been developed to include racist bullying. This ensures agreed strategies and improved awareness. Young people who go missing without authority are well protected. Staff follow agreed protocols and take all necessary action to ensure that young people return home safe and reduce the number of times that they go missing.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people are encouraged to develop socially-acceptable behaviour by staff who are trained, knowledgeable and experienced in this area. This is made possible due to the good relationships developed between the staff and most young people. This is positive because it allows trust to be developed and young people will communicate with staff about their lives. Behaviour management plans are developed and individualised. Young people are supported to recognise and reflect on the times when their behaviours are not acceptable and positive behaviours are recognised and rewarded. This is effective and is noted in there being no restraints and minimal sanctions imposed. The manager monitors the sanctions and comments on the appropriateness of them. This includes discussions with staff about the rationale for some of their decisions. However, young people are not provided with an opportunity to comment on the fairness of sanctions at the time they are

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people's health and safety is taken seriously inside and on the home grounds. Regular fire prevention tests on the fire alarm, evacuation drills and emergency lighting take place. Contractual testing of electrical and gas appliances are undertaken and are up to date. A visit from a fire professional is due now that the actions raised in the fire risk assessment have been addressed. Young people have individual risk assessments setting out the control measures and strategies agreed to minimise risk to themselves and others.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff recruitment and selection procedures were not checked at this inspection.

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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

 encourage young people to write or have their views recorded in any sanction imposed. (NMS 22.14)

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