Children's Home run by Stoke-on-Trent City Council in Stoke-on-Trent

Unique reference number SC403895 Inspection date 02/02/2012 Inspector Louise Redfern Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 20/10/2011 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 children's home is registered to provide care and accommodation for two young people of either gender with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. The home is operated by the local authority.

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Progress

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

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Progress

The home was judged as outstanding in all areas at the previous full inspection in October 2011. No statutory requirements or recommendations were made at this inspection.

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Progress

The home continues to provide exceptional care for young people who, as a result, achieve excellent outcomes. Young people benefit from a home that is warm and nurturing. The staff team work consistently, with clear and defined boundaries for each individual young person. The staff team talk about the young people’s achievements with genuine pride. Young people are encouraged to be involved in their own care planning and developing their skills in preparation for leaving care. They report the care at the home is, ‘ten out of ten, there is nothing they can do better’.

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Progress

The home has continued to develop their practice and make improvements in the care of the young people. The staff team have started to develop, with young people, a ‘survival file’ for them to work through, in preparation for their transition into independence. The file supports young people’s understanding of issues associated with living independently, such as being a good neighbour. They are encouraged to try out real tasks with the support of staff to embed the skills into their daily life. Young people are enthusiastic and fully engaged in this piece of work and are continuing to develop a positive self-view and build emotional resilience.

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Progress

Young people maintain important relationships with those who are significant in their lives by having regular contact both in and outside of the home. The staff team have recently undertaken training for supervising contact. This enables the staff team to fully support young people during and after their individual contacts. Young people now benefit from having free access to a phone in their living area, this provides them with the opportunity to contact agencies involved with their care, such as their social workers.

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Progress

The staff have a clear understanding of equality and diversity, they address issues with young people in an open and honest manner. They are developing a wider resource of information around cultural diversity to support staff and young people’s understanding and knowledge. Young people report that they feel comfortable asking staff questions and they feel listened to.

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Progress

Young people are consistently consulted in all aspects of their care. Since the last inspection they have been involved in decorative changes to the home. This has included redecoration of the lounge area and kitchen walls.

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Progress

Staff are proactive and consistent in supporting young people's educational achievement. The home regularly consults with the school and actively participates in maximising the education attainment, for example attending parents/carers evenings. As a result, young people have achieved 100% attendance in their educational placements. The home embraces and fully recognises young people's achievements which are celebrated and rewarded.

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Progress

The continued success of the home is due to a dedicated and settled staff team who are supported through a positive and proactive manager. They benefit from continued motivation, praise and personal development, which enhances the quality of care. There is an ongoing commitment to providing a high quality service. All staff are vigorously working towards improving outcomes for young people.

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