Children's Home run by St Helens Metropolitan Borough Council in St Helens

Unique reference number SC063550 Inspection date 23/01/2012 Inspector Denise Jolly Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 21/09/2011 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

The home is owned and managed by a local authority. The accommodation is for up to six young people from the ages of 11 years to 17 years, who have emotional or 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 full inspection the home was judged as good. The children's home has demonstrated continued improvement in the quality of care and outcomes for children and young people. Staff have accessed a broad range of training opportunities which have increased their competence and understanding of their roles and responsibilities. All relevant staff are now registered to complete a childcare qualification. The acting manager has now been appointed as permanent, and is applying for registration.

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Progress

All requirements and recommendations from the last inspection have been met. This means young people are now encouraged to contribute their views to the evaluation of any disciplinary measure they have received, and have access to appropriate procedures for making an independent complaint. Young people are further protected by staff who have a clear understanding of all measures to be taken when young people are missing from care. This includes access to independent adults upon their return. The manager ensures a robust approach to planning for vulnerable young people, enhanced by a good understanding of risk management, and suitability of the placement. Additionally, staff have been identified to manage allegations within the home, although, at present, their understanding of the responsibilities for this role is limited. The manager has improved monitoring of any disciplinary measure imposed, and leads staff to regularly review their practice in

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Progress

training days and meetings. Young people are encouraged to accept responsibility for their behaviour as staff adjust their response to challenge in line with the best interests of young people.

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Progress

Relationships between staff and young people are warm and respectful. Confident young people readily acknowledge that staff have their best interests at heart, and ensure their safety as a priority. Managers stimulate the enthusiasm of staff and channel their efforts effectively in delivering a strong, child-focused service that is conducive to young people developing their potential. Young people have aspirations, are engaged successfully in education and prepare for transition to independent life, equipped with all skills necessary to participate in the wider community as a young adult.

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Progress

The home's aims and objectives are being fulfilled. However, to ensure that young people, staff and the placing authority are clear about these, the Statement of Purpose, which has been updated, requires further review to ensure it reflects all current policies and procedures of the home. This minor shortfall does not affect the care young people receive. Realistic and challenging targets are outlined within the home’s development plan, which accurately portrays discussions about the future of the service, although the manager has not yet provided Ofsted with this document.

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Progress

Quality assurance systems are used to monitor the operation and management of the home, young people's welfare and progress, and the home's records. Some minor shortfalls in recording, particularly in recently re-organised records of restraint and sanctions, means that young people may experience difficulty in accessing a clear picture of their time at the home, although this has not affected their safety or well-being.

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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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Recommendations

 ensure information about the child is recorded clearly and in a way which will be helpful to the child when they access their files, in particular with regard to records pertaining to behaviour management and disciplinary action (NMS 22.5)  ensure that the learning and development programme is evaluated for effectiveness, in particular with regard to child protection, and if necessary is updated (NMS 18.2)  ensure the registered person approves the Statement of Purpose and reviews it to include any changes in policy and procedure for the home (NMS 13.3)  ensure the registered person notifies Ofsted if substantial change to the home significantly affecting the care, welfare or placement of children, is likely or is actively being considered. (NMS 15.4)

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