Children's Home run by PIC Children’s Services in Sefton

Unique reference number SC040785 Inspection date 23/02/2012 Inspector Chris Scully Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 12/07/2011 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The home is one of 10 owned and managed by a private organisation. The home is registered to care for two young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties or a learning disability.

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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

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

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Progress

The home was last inspected in July 2011, when the overall effectiveness was judged to be good. One statutory requirement and three recommendations were raised. These related to fire safety, providing a homely and well-maintained environment, the monitoring of records and Regulation 33 reports.

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Progress

The Registered Manager for the home left a short while ago. A new manager has been appointed and is in the process of completing all of the required forms for registration. During the interim period the home has been appropriately supported by the Registered Manager of another home within the organisation. Staff feel well supported and the home continues to provide good outcomes for young people. Young people were not present during the inspection and later chose not to speak to the inspector as they were enjoying spending time with their friends. They did ask staff to pass on that ‘everything was fine’ and that they had ‘no worries’. Young people's safety has been enhanced as the home has consulted with the fire service about safe arrangements for wedging open fire doors. The arrangements introduced following this consultation have enabled the home to ensure that the environment is safe and remains homely for the young people. Young people and

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Progress

staff are aware of, and familiar with, the arrangements for fire safety in the home; this means that, in the event of a fire, they are able to keep themselves safe.

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Progress

Young people enjoy living in a warm, welcoming homely environment. This is because of the extensive refurbishment of the property. Staff reported that young people are very pleased with the new décor and accessories within the home and feel that the home no longer feels 'industrial.' They have been instrumental in choosing the new accessories and have helped to paint certain areas of the home. This has improved their own skills and enabled them to develop a sense of ownership. Young people are reportedly pleased with the creation of a games room. This is because they now have their own private space to meet and socialise with their friends. This has had a very positive impact upon their self-esteem. Effective systems are in place to monitor the accuracy of records and to identify health and safety issues within the home. This is achieved through the independent person’s monthly monitoring visits. Staff have taken appropriate action to ensure all

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Progress

outstanding documentation is in place; for example, by sourcing information with regards to young people’s personal education plans and work experience placements. Consequently, information held within the records remains current. Monitoring reports made by the independent person clearly outline any maintenance or health and safety issues within the home. The acting manager says there is an ongoing maintenance programme for the home to address the issues identified. This includes the painting of the front of the property. Regulation 34 reports are usually written on a monthly basis, in line with company policy, but appear to have lapsed in the last couple of months. The home has not yet sent copies of these reports to Ofsted. These issues do not have a direct impact upon young people.

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Progress

There have been a number of changes to the recording systems since the last inspection. Staff feel these have been positive and have assisted them in streamlining the records. Consultation with young people remains good. Consequently, they feel their views and wishes, such as their request for information about family members, are listened to and acted upon. They are extremely excited and pleased that they are to attend a school arts trip to New York. They are eagerly making plans with staff to go shopping for the trip. The home worked in conjunction with the placing authority to secure funding for the trip. Staff say the trip is important to young people and will actively encourage their interest in art and design. This opportunity has significantly raised their confidence and self-esteem. Staff continue to support young people's educational achievements, for example, paying visits to universities and sixth form colleges to help them make choices about

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Progress

their future career opportunities. Young people now have access to the internet at home. This has improved their educational outcomes as they are able to log into school sites from home and continue with their course work.

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

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Recommendations

 ensure that reports reviewing the quality of care under Regulation 34 are completed at six monthly intervals and a copy of every report sent to HMCI within 28 days of completion. (Volume 5, statutory guidance, paragraph 3.14)

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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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