Children's Home run by Educare Adolescent Services Limited in Staffordshire

Unique reference number SC371723 Inspection date 21/02/2012 Inspector Jo Stephenson Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 13/12/2011 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This home is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to four young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. The home is privately owned and the organisation operates other children's homes in the area.

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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

This interim inspection has focused on the progress made by the home since the last inspection in December 2011. The overall effectiveness judgement at the last full inspection was good. The service has made good progress and demonstrated significant improvement in the quality of care and outcomes for young people. The home has addressed the one requirement and one recommendation raised at the previous inspection.

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Progress

Young people enjoy positive relationships with staff, and are safe and feel safe. Staff are enthusiastic and knowledgeable and provide clear boundaries. As a result, young people benefit from a consistent approach to their care and welfare. Their views are now actively sort on all aspects of their care and young people state that they feel supported in the home. Consequently, young people prosper in the development of their emotional and social skills.

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Progress

Following the last inspection, placement plans now detail effective consultation with young people. Young people are involved in defining the contents, and comment on the progress they are making. Subsequently, young people understand the aims and objectives of their placement. Independence plans are rigorous and identify clear targets. Staff support young people to recognise their goals and work with them to achieve these. As a result, young people benefit from improved self-esteem and confidence.

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Progress

Staff ensure that robust risk assessments are in place to protect young people. Individual action plans identify specific triggers for young people and strategies to minimise risks. These are effectively addressed in keywork sessions and as a result, young people are encouraged to reflect on their behaviour.

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Progress

Young people participate in varied and topical young people’s meetings. They state that their views are considered in the daily running of the home and they are aware of how to make a complaint. Subsequently, young people feel able to raise their concerns and are confident that these are suitably addressed.

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Progress

Education continues to be a priority for the home and attendance is high. As a result, young people enjoy an extended curriculum that reflects their individual achievements and future ambitions. Young people are encouraged to maintain positive relationships with their families and friends and staff support these relationships. This means that young people are not isolated from their social circle.

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Progress

Staff and managers are able to recognise the strength and limitations of the home and the impact of these on the quality of care and outcomes for young people. For example, the location of the home restricts independent travel and this is considered in time scales for transition to adulthood.

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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 for improvement are addressed immediately and practice changes are discussed during staff meetings. Staff state that they feel supported and are motivated about the development of the home. Consequently, young people live in an effectively and efficiently managed home.

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Progress

The home is well maintained and decorated appropriately, adding to the ‘homely’ environment.

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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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