Children's Home run by Cheshire West and Chester Council in Cheshire West and Chester

Unique reference number SC034849 Inspection date 16/01/2012 Inspector Michelle Moss Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Date of last inspection 14/09/2011 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 is purpose-built and managed by a local authority. It provides short-break care for up to six children and young people with disabilities. It is appropriately adapted to address the needs of children and young people with physical and learning disabilities.

p.4

Progress

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

p.4

Progress

This interim inspection has followed up on the progress made by the home since their last full inspection where they were judged to be good.

p.4

Progress

Children continue to be provided with a safe, caring and stimulating environment so that they can enjoy their short breaks. More holistic health plans are now in place. These are being used by care staff to help them remain well informed about key areas of children’s health care needs. Other elements of care planning have equally been strengthened. This has meant that staff are better alerted to children’s emotional, physical and social needs. These enhanced individualised tailored plans provide a wealth of detail which informs staff and professionals on children’s diverse needs in a person-centred way.

p.4

Progress

The staff team remain diligent in their care of children. This includes ensuring when children arrive they have access to things that give them pleasure, such as toys, sensory equipment through to various entertainment systems. Multi-agency working is increasing. This increased partnership is providing staff with valuable support and advice, which they are utilising in their practice so that children stay safe. Families hold the home in high regard describing the staff as ‘friendly’, ‘caring’ and ‘approachable’. Families are confident their children are happy during stays and confirm they feel and stay safe.

p.4

Progress

Considerable work has been undertaken to help children increase their awareness of how to complain. This includes improvements being made to the home’s procedure to make sure it is much more child-friendly and readily accessible to children. The staff are increasingly supporting children to get their views and opinions acknowledged and respected. This includes helping them to use different types of communication aids. Children are also having better opportunities to access information about support services such as children’s rights. This can be through using the computer or booklets which are designed to match children’s diverse methods of communication.

p.4

Progress

Progress has been made in the level of detail recorded when reporting on the use of any physical intervention. The increased detail provides a clear description of the restraint used, how long for and why it was necessary.

p.4

Progress

Imaginative approaches to consult children are being introduced and are giving children greater empowerment. This includes removing barriers that can hinder children actively participating in decisions. This extends to the home investing in augmented communication aids that are accessible to all children during their stays.

p.5

Progress

Effective health care has been further enhanced with improvements being made on the monitoring of medication procedures. This includes the home having more effective arrangements for the disposal of medication.

p.5

Progress

High priority is given to self-evaluation, which focuses on all key aspects of care, welfare and safety. Reports completed by the Registered Manager and Regulation 33 visitors draw on a wide range of evidence to ensure a rigorous, systematic and transparent assessment is completed. These reports reflect on current practice and form suggestions for where further improvement can be made.

p.5

Progress

The home’s commitment to improve has resulted in all previous shortfalls in both regulations and national minimum standards being fully addressed.

p.5