Children's Home run by Aspire Child Care Ltd in Rochdale

Unique reference number SC413779 Inspection date 12/03/2012 Inspector Robert Curr Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 03/08/2011 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 setting provides care and accommodation for up to two young people. One of the main aims of the setting is to provide a safe and structured environment for children and young people. The home provides care for young people who may need support with emotional and behavioural difficulties. Currently the service is not operational.

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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 inspection in August 2011, the overall effectiveness rating for the home was judged satisfactory. No young people have been admitted into the home since this time. This inspection focuses on whether the home meets its statutory requirements in order to maintain its registration status and is ready for young people to access.

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Progress

The registered provider has indicated that the home will not be operational for at least three months. Should the provider decide to accept placements they are required to inform Ofsted of their intention to do so. This will result in a further visit to the home to ensure that it still meets the requirements to provide a service to young people.

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Progress

There are a number of actions made at the last inspection that have not been addressed due to the service not being operational. These include employing a number of suitably qualified, competent and experienced staff at the home. Currently there are no staff employed. All the previous requirements will be raised for a second time.

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Progress

Health and safety is not fully effective in ensuring young people will benefit from a safe and homely environment. Although maintenance is carried out on portable electrical appliances and fire safety equipment, the gas safety checks are not up to date.

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Progress

Quality assurance systems that comply with the requirements of Regulation 34 and developmental plans are not in place. Regulation 34 reports are not being forwarded to Ofsted to demonstrate how the manager intends to continue to improve the quality of the service.

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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) make arrangements for all staff working at the home to receive training in fire prevention (Regulation 32 (1)(d)) 30/06/2012

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure that all persons employed receive appropriate training, that is kept up to date, in learning disabilities, food hygiene and attachment disorders (Regulation 27 (4)(a)) 30/06/2012

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure that consequences for unacceptable behaviour are clear to staff and children (Regulation 17 (4)) 30/06/2012

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure that all parts of the children's home to which children have access are so far as reasonably practicable free from hazards to their safety; specifically provide evidence that the home's gas service has been maintained (Regulation 23(a)) 12/03/2012

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure the Registered Manager is in full-time day-to-day charge of the home (Regulation 7 (1)(b)(iii)) 30/06/2012

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure a sufficient number of suitably qualified, competent and experienced persons are employed at the home (Regulation 25 (1)) 30/06/2012

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure the system for monitoring the matters set out in Schedule 6 improve the quality of care provided; ensure the system provides for consultation with children, their parents and placing authorities. (Regulation 34 (1 - 3)) 31/03/2012

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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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