Children's Home run by Time-Out Children’s Homes Limited in Rochdale

Unique reference number SC065072 Inspection date 07/02/2012 Inspector Elaine Clare Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 16/11/2011 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 children's home provides accommodation for 2 young people of either sex aged from 10 years to 17 years of age.

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Progress

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

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Progress

The last inspection of the home in November 2011 assessed the standard of care as being good. In the interim period, the home is assessed as making good progress. The requirement imposed following the last inspection has been mainly addressed. Improvements to the décor have improved the environment for young people; however the sofa in the lounge remains damaged.

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Progress

Overall, the accommodation is of a good standard and provides a range of individual and communal facilities for young people to use. Some parts of the home, such as the lounge are in need of refurbishment. The home's action plan addresses these issues within timely and realistic timescales.

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Progress

Behaviour is very well managed and staff keep young people safe. There are very minimal incidents of young people going missing. Young people clearly understand the expectations of behaviour and mostly conform to these. Staff successfully de- escalate most conflict situations and there are seldom any incidents necessitating police involvement. To date, this has not had a detrimental impact on young people as the home has worked successfully to sustain the placement and achieve a positive outcome.

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Progress

Staff help young people to reflect on their behaviour and develop positive ways of dealing with stressful situations. Physical restraint has not been necessary to protect young people from harm. The frequency of these incidents is diminishing significantly as the group becomes better established. Sanctions are not routinely used. When applied, they are effective at preventing repetitions of behaviour.

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Progress

Young people make progress in all aspects of their development. They regularly attend education and vocational courses and are optimistic about the future. Staff maintain close communication with schools and colleges. This enables the prompt resolution of problems. Young people gain confidence and social skills through their participation in local activities, such as ice skating. Staff promote age-appropriate opportunities for young people to practise and develop life skills, such as cooking their own meals and managing their own budgets. As a result, young people gradually become more confident and independent.

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Progress

Monitoring processes are well-established. There is a desire within the senior management team to continually improve practice and drive standards forward. The views of young people are regularly sought and influence the decisions made.

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