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

Unique reference number SC357979 Inspection date 16/03/2011 Inspector Caroline Jones Type of inspection Random

p.1

Date of last inspection 14/09/2010 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

The premises have been purchased by a local authority. It is a substantial property, which has been completely refurbished; it is suitable for purpose and indistinguishable from surrounding properties. The home is close to all amenities and public transport.

p.4

Summary

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

p.4

Summary

This was an unannounced interim inspection and the national minimum standards relating to the outcome area staying safe were inspected. The actions and recommendations following the last inspection were also examined. One young person and staff members contributed to the inspection process.

p.4

Summary

This is a high quality service that provides young people with a safe and caring environment in which to thrive. A competent and stable staff team provide insightful and individualised care and support to young people: they comment 'it's relaxed like a home and staff care about you, I feel comfortable and safe.'

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the Registered Manager was required to act and make improvements to the service. Five recommendations and one action were made and all of them have now been addressed. In relation to staying safe, the employment history for staff has been gained and records show that young people are encouraged to record their views following any disciplinary measure.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

Young people's menus demonstrate a balanced diet and placement plans reflect their day to day educational arrangements. Procedures for discharge have been updated and show the process to be followed in the event of an emergency. Additionally, written medical consent for all young people placed has been secured.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff are proactive in promoting young people's right to privacy and confidentiality. Young people have their own bedrooms with lockable doors that can be overridden in case of an emergency; furthermore staff gain permission before entering. Room searches are only undertaken in the best interests of young people, who fully understand the reasons for this. All documentation is securely stored and young people have easy access to a private telephone. This affords privacy and respect to young people.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people are provided with excellent information about the complaints process, through welcome guides, leaflets and weekly meetings. As a consequence they are well aware of their right to complain and fully understand how to raise any dissatisfaction. Written records are available for complaints received however, there have been none since the last inspection. Staff view complaints positively as a way of gaining feedback to improve practice, this encourages young people to express their views freely.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff have a thorough knowledge and practical experience of safeguarding, which they use to protect young people. Excellent protocols are in place with professional agencies to ensure a robust response to young people missing from home and any safeguarding concerns. Moreover; staff reinforce the anti bullying policy throughout their care practices within the home to ensure that young people feel safe and secure. Multi-agency working, without delay is an exceptional strength of the home and is at the forefront of the home's safeguarding practice.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff receive guidance and training in positive behaviour management strategies and all recordings of consequences are appropriate, regularly monitored and include the opportunity for young people to record their views. Physical intervention is not practiced within the home. The achievement of a child focused culture and staff's comprehensive understanding of young people's needs shines through; this promotes placement stability and security with young people. Young people comment: 'It's really good here, they are focused on us.'

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people live in a home where health and safety is a priority in ensuring a safe and clean environment. Written records clearly show that staff carry out routine health and safety checks around the premises and safety and insurance certificates are up to date and displayed. Regular fire drills take place to ensure young people and staff are aware of an emergency evacuation route in the event of a fire.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Recruitment and vetting procedures that help safeguard young people from potential risks of unsafe persons are in place. A rigorous recruitment process, Criminal Records Bureau and reference checks are all undertaken before any appointment of staff is made. Sampling of staff files also confirms that a full employment history is obtained and verified. Records of visitors are maintained and identification is requested where appropriate ensuring that the safety of young people is foremost.

p.5