Children's Home run by Step-A-Side Company Limited in Gloucestershire

Unique reference number SC030650 Inspection date 15/02/2012 Inspector Thomas Webber Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 11/08/2011 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This children's home is one of two run by the same limited company. The home currently provides long term care and accommodation for a maximum of four children and young people of either sex with emotional or behavioural difficulties, or learning disabilities. Respite care can also be provided depending on vacancies.

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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

The overall quality rating for this service was judged as good at the last full inspection undertaken in August 2011. One requirement was identified as part of that inspection. The Registered Manager has taken positive action to fully comply with this requirement. As a result, the case records of young people within the home now include all the required information as set out in Schedule 3.

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Progress

An application is currently being processed by Ofsted for the acting manager to become the Registered Manager for the home. The acting manager provides clear and effective leadership. He is extremely approachable and supportive. This is very much appreciated by both staff and young people. This management style contributes to ensuring that young people enjoy stability and consistency of care.

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Progress

Excellent staffing levels are maintained throughout the day and night. These ensure that the individual and collective needs of young people are met. Young people benefit from being looked after by a staff team who are trained and competent to meet their needs. Although there has been some changes to the staff team since the last inspection, young people receive care from a stable, core staff team.

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Progress

Young people benefit from living in an environment where warm, caring and supportive relationships exist between them and the staff. Young people are very appreciative about the care, support and services provided to them and their experience of living at the home. The staff team undertake their duties in a warm, supportive manner. Young people are relaxed and at ease in the company of staff and within their environment. They feel safe living at the home.

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Progress

Staff continue to promote the education of young people to ensure that they are provided with every opportunity to reach their educational potential. Clear routines are well established which assists them in achieving excellent school attendance.

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Progress

Young people are supported and encouraged to participate in a range of activities both within the home and in the wider community. These have been extended since the last inspection to provide a wider range of opportunities for young people.

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Progress

Young people live in a warm and welcoming environment where there is a homely, caring and relaxed atmosphere. It is maintained to a good standard being clean, tidy and comfortable. The home is also well furnished. Young people are provided with their own bedrooms which are personalised to their individual tastes. The home provides young people with a good level of communal space. This together with sufficient bath, shower and toilet facilities meets the individual and collective needs of young people. The doors to these facilities are fitted with suitable locks to promote the privacy and dignity of young people. The new extension to the property is near completion and an application is being made to Ofsted for an increase in the number of young people accommodated.

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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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