Children's Home run by PIC Children’s Services in St Helens

Unique reference number SC022464 Inspection date 30/01/2012 Inspector Pamela Nuckley Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 04/07/2011 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, which is privately run, provides care and accommodation for one young person 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 which was carried out in July 2011 the home was judged as satisfactory. At that inspection the home was asked to improve the recordings of medication, to evidence that the views and wishes of young people and others are sought, have a record of the vetting procedures to recruit on new staff, to have a development plan in place for the home and to ensure that young people develop a positive view and understanding of their background.

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Progress

Young people now benefit from a robust medication recording system. The new format clearly shows the side effects and contra-indications of any medication and how the medication is disposed of. This will ensure that young people receive their medication in line with their prescription.

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Progress

All home managers within the company have attended focus groups to look at and implement new paperwork which reflects the new national minimum standards and regulations; this captures the views, wishes and feelings of the young people and demonstrates outcomes. As a result, young people are more confident that their views are taken on board about their care. The Registered Manager and staff team demonstrate continued improvement in quality of care and positive outcomes for young people. There is a clear and focused commitment to service development. This included managers evaluating, embedding and enhancing the current level of service. This has resulted in improved outcomes for young people.

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Progress

The home now has a robust recording procedure that demonstrates that all staff are fully vetted. This ensures that young people are protected from harm as far as possible.

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Progress

The home helps young people keep their school place and maintain religious and activity links in their previous home environment. This enables young people to maintain contacts and friendships in their previous location while also making new friends at this home.

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Progress

Young people are complimentary about the care that they receive at this home. They have a good relationship with care staff and respond well to their praise and encouragement. When young people return to the home after their education programmes, they enthusiastically inform staff of their day's activities. Staff are able to reflect on the progress young people have made during their time in the home.

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Progress

The are several monitoring systems in place to evaluate the quality of care given and the services that young people receive. The manager undertakes this monitoring. However, the manager has not submitted any reports of this to Ofsted as required

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Progress

At the last inspection a recommendation was set for the home to have a development plan in place. Although the manager is aware of this he is yet to complete this task. Therefore this recommendation has been repeated within this inspection report.

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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) the registered person shall supply to the HMCI a report in respect of any review conducted by him for the purposes of paragraph (1). (Regulation 34 (2)) 29/02/2012

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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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Recommendations

 ensure that there is a written development plan, reviewed annually, for the future of the home, either identifying any planned changes in the operation or resources of the service, or confirming the continuation of the home's current operation and resource. (NMS 15.2))

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