Children's Home run by Keys Stepping Stones Limited in Tameside

Unique reference number SC005567 Inspection date 23/01/2012 Inspector Caroline Jones Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 15/08/2011 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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Brief description of the service

This is a private children's home that is part of a large national organisation. It provides care and accommodation for up to four young people with emotional and/or behaviour difficulties.

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Progress

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

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Progress

At the last full inspection the home was judged as outstanding. This excellence is maintained and all recommendations from the previous inspection have been addressed and continue to be developed further to inform day-to-day practice. Improved monitoring scrutinises the quality of care and excellent development plans are in place to challenge barriers and drive improvements in the service. The home's improved focus on education compliments young people's learning further and written recordings of information are now clear and legible.

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Progress

Young people remain central to care practice and thrive in a stable, nurturing environment. Young people continue to make progress across all aspects of their development in particular to their education in which they are achieving comparable with their peers. Young people still like living at the home and feel that it is 'outstanding.' Staff engage positively with young people and create and encourage opportunities for them to develop peer relationships, interests and talents.

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Progress

Respectful and warm relationships between staff and young people provide the basis for managing behaviour. Techniques such as positive consequences and building towards a treat encourage young people's participation and are proving successful. Furthermore, trained therapists regularly assist young people in understanding their emotions and behaviours. As a result of this work, young people behave well and sanctions and physical interventions have significantly reduced.

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Progress

Staff are committed to young people and the team remains stable which provides consistency and predictability for young people. There are processes and procedures in place for rigorously monitoring the welfare of young people and quality assurance systems are effective in ensuring the high quality of care to young people. A further requirement is made to ensure that all up-to-date looked after children's documentation, including care plans and reviews, are secured from the placing authority.

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Statutory Requirements

This section sets out the actions which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Children's Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The registered person(s) must comply with the given timescales.

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure that documents and records specified in Schedule 3 are maintained by the home. (Regulation 28 (1)(a)) 28/02/2012

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Recommendations

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

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