Children's Home run by Oakfields Children’s Care Limited in Tameside

Unique reference number SC069176 Inspection date 01/02/2012 Inspector Alicea Churchward Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 11/07/2011 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 privately owned children’s home that provides care and accommodation for up to four young people of either gender aged from 8 to 16 years. There is a focus on meeting the needs of young people with behavioural and emotional difficulties through holistic care planning and individual support.

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Progress

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

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Progress

The purpose of this visit is to assess the progress made since the time of the last inspection and how any progress has improved the quality of care and outcomes for young people. The last full inspection was undertaken in July 2011; the home was then found to be good with outstanding outcomes for young people. At that time, the provider and Registered Manager were asked to take account of requirements and recommendations to improve further the quality of care in the home.

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Progress

The Registered Manager now ensures that all notifications of significant events are sent to Ofsted. The behaviour management policy has been updated and all sanctions are included; this ensures that no measure of discipline is excessive or unreasonable.

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Progress

The home has CCTV in relation to the grounds; consent has been obtained from placing social workers, it is included in individual placement plans and young people are clear about why it is used. The young people’s telephone has been repaired and they may use it without asking staff, they also have their own mobile telephones. Reports of independent Regulation 33 visits to the home now reflect that staff and young people are given the opportunity to meet with the visitor in private.

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Progress

Some young people are of an age whereby pathway plans are necessary; the Registered Manager has been pursuing these documents with the respective local authorities; however some plans are not present. Young people communicate their views on all aspects of their care and support, on routine matters and formally in regular meetings. Young people are enjoying sound relationships with each other.

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Progress

The children’s guide has been revised to include contact details for the Children’s Rights Director; however the document does not include details of how young people can contact their Independent Reviewing Officer. Young people know and have used the complaints procedure; there are detailed records of outcomes of any complaints made.

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Progress

The home does look at the overall development of the service, but a plan is not in place that provides for consultation with young people accommodated in the home, their parents and placing authorities. A training plan has been devised to ensure that staff keep up to date with professional and legal developments. At the time of this inspection the home was not displaying the new certificate issued by Ofsted in December 2011.

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Progress

The overall appearance of the home has improved significantly; the lounge, dining area and young people’s bedrooms have been re- decorated. Young people have been included in the choice of décor. They are very proud of their home and are eager to show it off, they are respectful of their surroundings and there is little damage. Young people benefit from a computer suite and have internet access, with associated safeguards in place. The home is well maintained and the grounds have also improved, particularly the rear of the premises. There are plans in place to re- decorate the halls and stairwell.

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Progress

The home has demonstrated continued improvement in quality of care and outcomes for children and young people and has addressed all requirements and the large majority of recommendations that were raised at the previous inspection. As a result of this the home is making good progress.

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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

2000 must display the new certificate of registration (CSA 2000 (S28)) 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 the children's guide includes how a child can contact their Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) (NMS 13.5)  ensure that the home has a written development plan (NMS 15.2)  continue to pursue copies of the young people's pathway plans (NMS 12.2)

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