Children's Home run by The Together Trust in Stockport

Unique reference number SC025745 Inspection date 01/03/2012 Inspector Michelle Bacon Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 07/12/2011 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

This children's home is owned and managed by a charitable organisation. It provides a short-breaks service for up to five young people with learning disabilities, including autistic spectrum disorders.

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Progress

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

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Progress

At the last full inspection in December 2011, the overall effectiveness of the service was judged as outstanding. The home has maintained the quality of care and outcomes for young people. The manager has taken action to address the one recommendation made at the last inspection. The management and staff are holding an open day for parents and stakeholders with a view to their opinions and comments influencing the future development of the home.

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Progress

There have been improvements in the decoration of the home. Because young people do not live at the home on a permanent basis the bedrooms are not personalised to reflect their individual taste. Nevertheless young people are encouraged to bring personal belongings from their home for the duration of their stay to enable them to settle.

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Progress

The home recently had a visit from the fire and rescue authority who issued an enforcement notice. The manager is addressing the requirements made.

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Progress

Young people benefit from a consistent and nurturing staff team. All staff are up to date with their mandatory training including first aid and medication. Furthermore, staff also receive regular training in caring for young people with epilepsy and autistic disorders. This ensures young people are well cared for by staff who have the right skills and knowledge to support them.

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Progress

The management team use quality assurance systems to monitor the running of the home and care of the young people. The staff are provided with good support and benefit from having their performance annually appraised. The home meets the aims and objectives of the Statement of Purpose and demonstrates a capacity for continued improvement.

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Statutory Requirements

This section sets out the actions which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Children's Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The registered person(s) must comply with the given timescales.

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure where the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to the children's home that any regulations made under it are complied with.(Regulation 32(1)(a)(b)) 30/03/2012

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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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