Children's Home run by Stoke-on-Trent City Council in Stoke-on-Trent

Unique reference number SC408369 Inspection date 24/01/2012 Inspector Michelle Spruce Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 05/05/2011 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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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 children's home run by a local authority. It provides care for two young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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Progress

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

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Progress

At the last inspection in May 2011, the overall quality rating for the service was judged as good. There were no requirements or recommendations made.

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Progress

Young people enjoy living in the home and are very positive about the care and support they receive. They say they feel no different to their friends who are not in care. Staff are successful in maintaining and improving positive relationships with young people. As a result, they are happy and relaxed. Young people have improved behaviour because staff provide consistent boundaries and fair sanctions focused to each individuals need. Young people continue to feel safe because of a nurturing and supportive environment.

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Progress

Since the last inspection, staff have worked hard to improve the education for young people. Young people say, ‘my education improved because of additional support, this helped me to complete my exams. I would not have done it without the support.’ Young people benefit from work experiences that enhance skill and knowledge and as a result say, ‘my work experience was really good, I am more confident now.’ This means educational experiences continue to maximise their learning potential and achievement.

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Progress

Since the last inspection staff have consulted with young people about their future and the home they live in. Young people have improved the decor of their bedrooms because staff listen and value their requests. Staff confirm young people leaving the home have gone through a successful transition process because of robust care planning. As a result, young people move on in a positive and supportive manner.

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Progress

The manager continues to evaluate and act on findings to improve outcomes for young people. The leadership and management of the home are effective because the manager leads by good example and is consistent in supporting and developing the staff team.

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