Children's Home run by Meadows Care Limited in Rochdale

Unique reference number SC390577 Inspection date 08/03/2012 Inspector Valerie Shephard Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 08/12/2011 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated.

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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 home provides care and accommodation for up to two young people with emotional and/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

This interim inspection has focused on the progress made by the home since the previous full inspection when the overall judgement was outstanding. The home has made good progress in all areas which improves the quality of care and outcomes for young people. The manager has dealt with the one recommendation made at the last inspection, which pertained to staff obtaining appropriate qualifications.

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Progress

The quality of care afforded young people in the home is excellent. Staff promote the benefits of healthy eating and exercise. Staff consult young people about the food they like and encourage them to contribute to the menus. One night per week there is a cooking evening where staff and young people cook specially chosen dishes together. Young people are encouraged to take part in leisure activities and a range of opportunities are available. Staff work hard to engage young people to use their spare time productively. Activities include bowling, fishing, swimming and one young person has recently re-joined a football club. The home arranges trips out and an annual holiday. Involvement in activities has helped young people to develop their confidence and abilities to make and sustain friendships.

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Progress

There is ample evidence of good outcomes for young people. Attendance at school is excellent and young people are making progress in their education and behaviour. Where young people are not attending school, other measures are in place, for example, education can be provided within the home. Young people’s self-care skills have improved. Examples of this are in relation to young people showering with minimal prompting and taking their medication responsibly. Young people contribute to the running of the home by undertaking set chores such as sorting out their own laundry. Staff have created a ‘chore chart’ to encourage young people to take care of their living space. This assists young people to develop a sense of belonging within the home and pride about themselves and their living environment.

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Progress

Staff work well with other professionals for the benefit of the young people in their care. Liaison with the placing authority, schools and the health service are excellent. For example, staff assist young people to access support from the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services where appropriate. A social worker made the following comment about the home; ‘there is excellent communication with other agencies.’ Staff promote contact with families for the benefit of the young people. In one situation, family members visit the home regularly to share a meal with a young person. A social worker commented that ‘staff have good working relationships with the young person and her parent.’ Staff work well with parents in accordance with care plans, and provide support where appropriate. An example of this is in relation to a young person on a rehabilitation plan. A complimentary letter from the parent states ‘staff have played a massive part in making things happen.’

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Progress

There is robust leadership within the home. The manager promptly addresses all issues raised by the Regulation 33 visitor. There is good monitoring of the running of the home and a focus on recording systems, and files being up to date. One shortfall in relation to staff supervision records has been identified, and a recommendation made in respect of this. The manager provides good leadership to the staff team who are enthusiastic, child-centred and full of aspiration for the young people. An action plan is in place for the deputy manager to enable her to learn about different aspects of the manager’s role. Staff are encouraged to lead on projects and develop a sense of ownership of their work with, and for, young people. All these measures help to ensure that young people are cared for well and their individual needs met.

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Progress

The home is spacious, well maintained and decorated to a good standard. However, the home would benefit from a methodical cleaning regime and a requirement under the regulations is made in this respect. Attention to this matter will further enhance young people’s experience of living in the home.

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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 that all parts of the children’s home used by children are kept clean. (Regulation 31(2)(e)) 09/04/2012

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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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Recommendations

 ensure that a written or electronic record is kept by the home detailing the time and date and length of each supervision held for each member of staff. (NMS 19.5)

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