Children's Home run by Dalepeak Limited in Oldham

Unique reference number SC005553 Inspection date 22/02/2012 Inspector Monica Farrimond Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 25/07/2011 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The home provides care and accommodation for up to seven young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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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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Progress

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

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Progress

At the last inspection in September 2011, the overall effectiveness rating for the service was judged as outstanding, with two recommendations. The recommendations related to more clarification needed in a young person's behaviour management plan and updating the children's guide. Both these recommendations have been met.

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Progress

Staff have consistently high aspirations for all children and young people in the home. Staff encourage young people to express their views and contribute to the running of the home; this makes the young people think that what they say is important and encourages self-esteem and confidence. For example, young people's meetings are held regularly and each young person has a key worker who they can talk to about their worries. Young people feel happy and safe and do not always see the need for young people's meetings; staff try to think of new ways to promote communication and have an open, transparent way of working with young people, which enhances their relationships.

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Progress

Young people are consulted about important events in their lives, promoting self- esteem and building a knowledge base of their rights. Parents and social workers are consulted about the home’s operation and kept up-to-date about how young people are looked after.

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Progress

Staff are skilled in engaging young people positively; this allows young people thrive in a supportive and nurturing environment. Staff encourage young people to plan their recreation time positively and engage in purposeful and enjoyable leisure activities. Young people are offered a wide range of activities to occupy their recreation time.

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Progress

Placements are stable and young people take responsibility for their behaviour. Behaviour management concerns are addressed and recorded well. Communication between staff is good and this promotes consistent practice. The promotion of young people's education, health and well-being are excellent. All the young people actively engage with their education programmes and attendance is good. Young people’s achievements improve self-confidence and future prospects.

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Progress

Communication between staff and young people is outstanding; this is being further enhanced by the introduction of child friendly individual placement plans. Young people can work together with staff, helping to identify achievements and goals with the aid of photographs or pictures. Therefore the plans become more real and interesting for some of the young people, and they can understand and take responsibility for identified goals.

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Progress

The home's aims and objectives are being fulfilled. The manager and deputy manager continue to develop the home's procedures and documentation with an imaginative and professional approach. The staff share the improvements in good practice with enthusiasm and dedication. There are good quality assurance systems being used to monitor the home’s operation, management, records and young people's welfare. Planning for the future is founded on robust evidence which identifies areas of weakness and builds on the areas of strength that this service demonstrates.

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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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