Children's Home run by St Christopher’s Fellowship in Sandwell

Unique reference number SC404994 Inspection date 24/01/2012 Inspector Jo Stephenson Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 17/06/2011 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

The home is one of a number of homes operated by the same organisation. The home has been set up as part of a tendering contract with a local council to provide care for no more than three children aged 12 years to 16 years with social, 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

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

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Progress

This interim inspection has focused on the progress made by the home since the last inspection in June 2011. The overall judgement was good, and no requirements or recommendations were stipulated. The service has made good progress at this interim inspection.

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Progress

Outcomes for young people have improved because of the continued improvement in the quality of care at the home. For example, educational achievements are celebrated and subsequently young people feel encouraged by staff.

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Progress

Young people enjoy positive relationships with staff, are safe and feel safe. Staff are enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Development is a priority and staff access specialist services and additional training that reflects the individual needs of young people. As a result young people benefit from a consistent approach to their welfare. Their views are actively sought on all aspects of their care and young people state that they feel supported in the home. Consequently, young people prosper in the development of their emotional and social skills. Independence plans are vigorous and recognise clear targets for young people. Staff support young people to identify their aims and objectives and work with them to achieve these.

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Progress

Staff ensure that robust risk assessments are in place to protect young people and individual action plans identify specific triggers for young people. These are effectively addressed in keywork sessions and as a result, young people are encouraged to reflect on their behaviour. Young people say they are aware of how to make a complaint. Records show that these are addressed in a timely and appropriate manner. Subsequently, young people feel able to raise their concerns and are confident that these are suitably addressed. This improves their self-esteem and self worth.

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Progress

Equality and diversity continues to be promoted in the home and considered in all aspects of care planning. Staff are proactive in identifying cultural needs, and celebrating the diversity of young people. Young people access services that reflect their background and compliment the understanding of staff. As a result, young people profit from an integrated approach to their development.

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Progress

The Registered Manager ensures that monitoring systems are in place to scrutinise the quality of care for young people. Areas highlighted for improvement are addressed immediately and practice changes are discussed during staff meetings. Notifications are completed in line with regulations. Consequently, young people live in an effectively and efficiently managed home. Feedback is actively sought from other professionals who state the home is well managed and achieving good outcomes for young people.

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Progress

The home is well maintained and decorated appropriately, adding to the ‘homely’ environment. Health and safety responsibilities are adhered to and monitored. The development plan identifies the targets of the service across a number of key areas and young people are at the centre of these targets.

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