Children's Home run by Stockton on Tees Borough Council in Stockton-on-Tees

Unique reference number SC035222 Inspection date 29/02/2012 Inspector Steve Pearson Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 30/12/2011 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 is provided by a local authority and is registered to care for up to three young people with emotional or behavioural difficulties.

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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 previous inspection, Ofsted rated the overall effectiveness of the home to be good. The regulator made four requirements and five recommendations and these have now been met.

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Progress

As a result, the care of young people has improved in a variety of ways. An electrical fitting, which was dangerous at the previous inspection, has now been made safe. Children's safety has also improved because the recording of any restraints provides for greater clarity and accountability; the recording of missing persons is more informative and comprehensive and children's risk assessments are easier to understand and are more useful.

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Progress

Quality monitoring arrangements have also improved and so shortfalls are more likely to be identified and put right. For example, the external person who visits the home once a month now seeks the views of children's parents and relatives. The manager also monitors the quality of care on a regular basis and now seeks and records the views of children's parents and social workers.

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Progress

There is a greater assurance that children's wishes are now carried forward into action where appropriate. This is because any actions that need to be taken as a result of opinions expressed in young people's meetings are now clearly recorded in the minutes and checked at the next meeting.

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Progress

Children are now able to obtain external guidance and support more easily because the internet connection on their computer has been fixed. The health arrangements have also improved because the manager now ensures that parents provide written consent permitting the staff to administer first aid and non-prescription medication to children as necessary.

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Progress

Other improvements have also taken place. The manager and staff have helped young people build closer relationships with their families and this bodes well for the future. The educational outcomes have improved in relation to attendance and behaviour. Extra support has been provided by the staff and other agencies to help young people attend and learn at school and other educational placements.

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Progress

Young people's overall behaviour at the children's home has also improved and this has resulted in a minimal use of sanctions and no use of restraints since the previous inspection. There have been no formal complaints since the previous inspection. However, the complaint recording format has improved and it now clarifies what was found in the investigation and whether the complaint is upheld or not.

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Progress

Overall, good progress has been made since the previous inspection.

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