Children's Home run by PIC Children’s Services in St Helens

Unique reference number SC022442 Inspection date 28/03/2011 Inspector Michelle Moss Type of inspection Random

p.1

Date of last inspection 10/12/2010 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 is one of 11 children's homes that are owned and operated by this private company. The home provides care and accommodation for one young person aged from eight to 17years and their baby. The home is a terraced property situated within walking distance of the town centre. The location of the home enables young people to access facilities in the community easily. It is close to a range of shopping and leisure facilities.

p.4

Brief description of the service

The home is staffed on a one-to-one basis, with one member of the staff team sleeping within the home each night on a rota basis. The home's staff team are managed and supported by the Registered Manager who is also registered as a manager for two other children's homes operated by the provider in the area.

p.4

Brief description of the service

One young person lives in the home but did not take part in the inspection.

p.4

Summary

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

p.4

Summary

This was an short notice announced interim inspection that focused on assessing improvements since the last inspection and re-assessing outcomes under staying safe. The home has taken positive steps to address all previously identified shortfalls and in doing so, has enhanced the safeguarding of young people. This extends to action being taken to address two actions and three recommendations raised at the last full inspection conducted in December 2010. Young people continue to receive tailored support based on their individual needs. The principles of multi-agency collaboration are well established and utilised effectively to help keep young people safe.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

There is ample evidence of good progress being made by the home to address all previous shortfalls. The home is now capturing, in the sanction's log, more details over the effectiveness of the measure. This is helping to evaluate how effective interventions are at curbing poor behaviour and minimising risk taking. For example, sanctions are used to help prevent young people going missing from care. There are clearer arrangements in place for reporting when young people go missing, including strong collaboration with other professionals to safeguard young people who are placing themselves at risk. Following the close liaison with other professionals, the home ensures risk assessments are now being updated. These assessments are helping staff fully identify the hazards and develop clearer action plans to help reduce risks to more acceptable levels. There are systems now in place to ensure young people's personal education plans

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

are obtained and utilised explicitly in helping address all aspects of education needs.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The staff team's support of young people is flexible, consistent and responsive to changing needs. The staff understand their key responsibilities in safeguarding young people. There are excellent links established with various agencies to help young people stay and feel safe. For instance, the home has enabled young people to get advice on personal health matters such as alcohol, drugs and sexual health.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are systems in place to monitor, record and prevent risks to young people's health and safety. This includes fire and gas safety. Fire drills take place at set intervals and help staff and young people to remain familiar with evacuation procedures. The home carries out risk assessments regarding young people's behaviour and activities. Particular attention is paid to young people who go missing from care. These assessments take into account the extent of risk and the measures necessary to reduce the risk without compromising a young person's rights. For example, the staff team work closely with other agencies when young people place themselves at risk of being missing from care. Excellent attempts are made to guide, advice and support young people to stay safe, including maintaining contact with them when they go out.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Attention is given to ensuring young people's privacy is respected. This includes young people having a sense of ownership over the design and layout of their bedrooms. Young people have access to a clear complaints procedure and also have access to people independent of the home who they can also approach if they have concerns.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The selection and recruitment procedures are well established to ensure if new staff members are recruited, young people remain sufficiently safeguarded. Anti-social behaviour including bullying is closely monitored within a clear recording system. Physical restraint has not been required. However, if it was necessary a clear recording book is in place. A record is made for all other disciplinary measures used by staff. For sanctions, this includes a section where young people can record their views and countersign the record made by staff.

p.5