Children's Home run by PIC Children’s Services in St Helens

Unique reference number SC022442 Inspection date 13/03/2012 Inspector Pamela Nuckley Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 11/10/2011 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 home provides care and accommodation for one young person with emotional or behavioural difficulties.

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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 October 2011, the overall effectiveness rating for the home was judged to be satisfactory. One requirement and five recommendations were set. The requirement and four of the recommendations for improvement made at the last inspection have been adequately addressed. These relate to young people having a varied diet; having access to a range of activities; being consulted; the promotion of young people's identities, and ensuring recruitment checks are robust. However, the home was also asked to ensure that the views of social workers, parents and other professionals are gained regarding young people's care. The home has yet to evidence this and also how feed back and consultation impacts on the home's development. A further two recommendations have been made as a result of this inspection.

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Progress

The home was asked to ensure that young people receive a varied diet. Young people enjoy a well balanced diet and confirm that they are included in the choice, preparation, cooking and shopping for food. As a result, young people feel that they are being prepared for independence and enjoy a balanced diet.

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Progress

The home was asked to ensure that young people took part in a range of activities. Young people are very complimentary about the range of activities offered and records show that activities done by young people cover educational interests, relaxation, fun and individual interests.

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Progress

The home has incorporated new paper work that includes sections for young people to comment on all aspects of their care. Young people confirm that they are fully included in their placement plan and are able to discuss their views, wishes and feelings. Therefore, young people feel that they are fully supported and listened to. Young people’s individuality and identity are promoted. Young people are cared for in line with their individual placement plans and their identity and culture are reflected within this. Young people are making good progress in developing a positive self image and gaining knowledge and understanding of their background and future arrangements.

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Progress

Recruitment records are now robust and show that all checks carried out are verified. Therefore, young people are protected as far as possible from any potential harm. The manager does not currently ensure that all events and incidents, that are classed as notifications within Schedule 5 of the Children's Homes Regulations 2001, are reported to Ofsted. Currently, not all accidents, self harm incidents and first aid treatment given are recorded within the home’s accident book and the information of the incident retained on the young person's file.

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Progress

The views of the child's family, social worker and independent reviewing officer are not sought regularly, when appropriate, on a young person’s care. This is necessary in order to ensure that all parties are aware of all aspects of a young person's care, that everyone is working towards the same plan, and that all feel that their input is valued. Also, consultation with others allows the home to use their feed back to highlight any areas for development.

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Progress

The home has made some progress in developing paperwork systems to reflect the new national minimum standards and in seeking young people's views. The new filing system in place allows for a clearer auditing of all documentation kept by the home. Managers make good use of internal and external monitoring systems to highlight areas for further development. Actions identified in Regulation 33 visits are addressed. Staff are enthusiastic about their care of young people and feel positive about young people's futures. Young people are positive about the quality of care they receive and confirm they feel safe at the home.

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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

 the registered person has a system in place to notify within 24 hours the persons and appropriate authorities of the occurrence of significant events in accordance with Regulation 30 (NMS 24.1)  ensure that there is a written record of all medication, treatment and first aid given to children during their placement, specifically in relation to ensuring that the accident book is completed in all circumstances of injuries (NMS 6.15)  ensure the views of the child, the child's family, social worker and Independent Reviewing Officer are sought regularly on the child's care, (unless in individual cases this is not appropriate) specifically in relation to consultation and gaining feed back. (NMS 1.4)

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