Children's Home run by Future In Mind Limited in Staffordshire

Unique reference number SC067839 Inspection date 22/11/2011 Inspector Susan Mullin Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Date of last inspection 07/06/2011 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

This children's home is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to two young people of either gender with emotional and behavioural difficulties. The home is privately owned and the organisation operates other children's homes in the area.

p.4

Progress

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

p.4

Progress

This home was judged as inadequate at the last full inspection in June. However, since that time the children's home has demonstrated significant improvement in their quality of care and the outcomes for young people. The home has suitably addressed the requirements that were raised at the previous inspection.

p.4

Progress

The home was required to improve their recording of restraints, sanctions, accidents and young people's care plans. New systems have been introduced to the home, which now ensure all recording is in line with legislation. Up to date and comprehensive risk assessments are in place, known by all staff and are reviewed regularly.

p.4

Progress

The home was also asked to improve the monitoring systems of the service. There are now comprehensive records of regular external quality monitoring visits and there is evidence that these visits routinely include consultation with young people. Regulation 34 reports include a close overview of home records and indicate that stakeholders are approached for their thoughts on the service.

p.4

Progress

Staff receive sufficient training to enable them to provide safe, good quality and reflective care for young people, which ensures that the learning and development programme is consistently updated.

p.4

Progress

Young people are fully involved in their placement plans and there was evidence of a young person's signature in several areas of the care plan. The home ensures that their contribution to their placement plans is tailored to the individual and focuses on clear, measurable outcomes. Young people also appreciate the guidance, encouragement and help they receive from staff. Placing authorities benefit from frequent communication, which enables them to efficiently monitor the quality of each placement. A written compliment was seen from a social worker who stated, 'great visit, friendly staff the young person seemed very happy.'

p.4

Progress

Young people are making good progress to develop a positive self image and knowledge and understanding of their background and future arrangements. Whilst no young people in the home at the present time are of compulsory school age, young people maintain positive levels of attendance at training/vocational courses and their educational achievement is good. One young person stated, 'I am happy here and I like the staff. They take me to places where I meet other people. We are going to make a fire and sit around it tonight and have some fun'.

p.4

Progress

Young people benefit from well planned and consistently implemented independent living programmes and a comprehensive pathway plan is in place. Young people are regularly consulted about their readiness for independence and adult life. One social worker stated, 'the staff in the home now have a better understanding of preparing this young person for living independently and I am pleased with the progress'.

p.5

Progress

Senior staff keep up to date with new legislation and practice developments and share these with staff to improve the quality of service. Staff are motivated, well organised and clearly understand their roles and the expectations placed upon them. There is a commitment to providing a high quality service. All staff are vigorously working towards improving outcomes. The management team consistently communicate high expectations to staff.

p.5