Children's Home run by Time-Out Children’s Homes Limited in Calderdale

Unique reference number SC069293 Inspection date 11/10/2011 Inspector Shaun Common Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Date of last inspection 08/06/2011 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

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 to assess the effectiveness of the service and to consider how well it complies with the relevant regulations and meets the national minimum standards.

p.3

About this inspection

The report details the progress made by the provider since the last full inspection, identifies any further strengths, any areas for improvement and makes judgements as outlined in the Inspection of children’s homes – framework for inspection (March 2011).

p.3

The inspection judgements and what they mean

Good progress The children’s home has demonstrated continued improvement in quality of care and outcomes for children and young people and where appropriate has addressed all requirements and the large majority of recommendations that were raised at the previous inspection. Satisfactory progress The children’s home has maintained quality of care and outcomes for children and young people and where appropriate has addressed all requirements and the majority of recommendations that were raised at the previous inspection. Inadequate progress The children’s home has failed to address one or more requirements and/or has not met the majority of recommendations and/or the quality of care and outcomes for children and young people have declined since the last full inspection.

p.3

Brief description of the service

The children's home provides care and accommodation for up to two young people of either gender from 11 years to 17 years of age. The home is owned by a private limited company.

p.4

Progress

Since their previous inspection the service is judged to be making good progress.

p.4

Progress

At the last inspection in June 2011, the overall effectiveness rating for the home was judged to be good.

p.4

Progress

The home has continued to make progress since the last inspection. Developments and improvements made ensure that young people are well cared for and kept safe.

p.4

Progress

Young people spent time talking with the inspector. They said they felt safe at the home. They raised some areas where they felt the home could improve in their care. They said that they were not sure about plans for their future and how they will be cared for as care plans had not been shared with them. Care plans are not routinely shared with young people, so that they can make comment on how they will be cared for and understand what will happen in the future. They also felt that staff go into their rooms when they are not in the home and were not clear why. Although staff do go into young people's rooms for justified health, safety and welfare reasons, this is not clearly recorded in risk assessments and shared with the young people.

p.4

Progress

One requirement and one recommendation were made at the last inspection and both these matters have been fully addressed.

p.4

Progress

The registered person was required to ensure that a monitoring system is in place that helps to improve the quality of care provides for consultation with young people, parents and placing authorities. This system has been revised and the Registered Manager now ensures that consultation forms a regular part of quality monitoring processes to improve the service provided.

p.4

Progress

The recommendation made at the last inspection was that the Registered Manager obtains a relevant management qualification at least at level four. The Registered Manager has enrolled on an appropriate management course. This qualification will take the manager some time to attain so a recommendation will be repeated until the qualification is complete. However, this course will help the manager to develop knowledge to support her in delivering a quality service to young people. In addition, the home has made further improvements that enhance the quality of care provided to young people. The home has commissioned an independent organisation to gain the views of young people on a range of matters, such as their involvement in decisions in their lives and participation. A clinical psychologist is now accessible to young people providing specialised emotional and mental health support. This professional also provides guidance and support for staff in caring for

p.4

Progress

young people. Staff have access to a range of specialist training courses, which helps them keep young people safe and care for them effectively. The children's guide to the home has been reviewed and revised to provide a document that is easy to read, child-centred and has good information about the home for young people.

p.5

Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

p.5

Recommendations

 revise risk assessments to identify all potential sources of harm to the children; specifically ensure that sources of harm in young people's bedrooms are risk assessed and show the action that needs to be taken to address these risks (NMS 10.8)  ensure the Registered Manager obtains a relevant management qualification within three years of their appointment (NMS 14.3)  ensure that children understand the purpose and content of their plan and the reasons behind any decisions about their care. (NMS 25.1)

p.5