Children's Home run by The Partnership of Care Today in Staffordshire

Unique reference number SC005045 Inspection date 02/02/2012 Inspector Jo Stephenson Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 25/05/2011 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

The home is registered to provide care for three young people of either sex between the ages of 10 and 17 years with emotional and behavioural difficulties. It provides medium to long-term residential care and is owned by a private company.

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Progress

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

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Progress

This interim inspection has focused on the progress made by the home since the last inspection in May 2011. The overall judgement was good, and no requirements or recommendations were stipulated. The service has made satisfactory progress at this interim inspection. The home has maintained the quality of care and outcomes for young people.

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Progress

Young people continue to live in a caring and supportive home environment that enables them to make good progress in their lives. Young people are safe and generally feel safe and enjoy positive relationships with staff and each other. As a result, young people demonstrate improved self-esteem and self-confidence. The home environment is relaxed and friendly, which enables young people to converse well with staff. One young person stated that the staff were, ‘the best thing about the home’.

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Progress

Staff ensure that robust risk assessments are in place to protect young people from significant harm or accident. Incidents of missing form the home have reduced and the home works closely with local police and the community. Consequently, young people benefit from a comprehensive and partnership attitude to maintaining their safety.

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Progress

Staff support young people with their physical, emotional, and psychological health needs. The home accesses specialised services, which reflect the individual needs of young people and promotes their social and emotional development. As a result, young people are involved in a holistic approach to their care.

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Progress

Young people are supported in their education placements by enthusiastic staff and school attendance is good. Subsequently, young people have high aspirations for their future careers and achievements. Activities provided by the home reflect the curriculum choices of the young people and enhance their social progress. Independence programmes reflect the skills and abilities of young people and celebrate their accomplishments.

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Progress

Young people regularly participate in meetings and say they know how to make a complaint and feel confident these would be suitably addressed. However, young people are not encouraged to comment following incidents of concern or sanctions. Their views are not sought in key work sessions regarding accuracy or personal statements. As a result, young people are not involved in all aspects of their care or given the opportunity to reflect on their behaviour.

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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 are addressed in staff meetings and through training sessions. As a result, young people benefit from consistent practice and care. The home’s development plan is regularly reviewed and targets outcomes for young people. Subsequently, young people live in an effectively managed home. Staff benefit from structured supervision that they find supportive and therefore young people work with a motivated staff team.

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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 where any sanction, disciplinary measures or restraint are used, children are encouraged to have their views recorded in the records kept by the home (NMS 3.18)  ensure children are actively encouraged to read their files, and to correct errors and add personal statements, specifically in relation to key work sessions. (NMS 22.5)

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