Children's Home run by The Partnership of Care Today in Staffordshire

Unique reference number SC005040 Inspection date 13/03/2012 Inspector Jo Stephenson Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 01/12/2011 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 home provides care for up to four young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties. It provides medium- to long-term residential care and is owned by a private company.

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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 last full inspection in December 2011, at which the overall judgement was good. Since that time the service has made good progress and shown improvement in the quality of care and outcomes for young people. For example, the consistent approach of staff results in a stable environment for young people.

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Progress

Young people enjoy positive relationships with staff and are safe from significant harm. Staff ensure that robust missing from home risk assessments and prevention plans are in place to protect young people. These are individualised and include comprehensive protocols with local police services and placing authorities. As a result, young people benefit from an inclusive and coherent approach to their care, and episodes of missing from home have significantly reduced.

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Progress

The home has an ethos of mutual respect and, as a result, young people experience improved self-worth. Young people say they feel happy at the home, are supported by staff and feel 'very safe'. Incidents of concern are few and young people are encouraged to comment on any consequences and sanctions they receive. Individual behaviour plans identify specific triggers for young people and strategies to minimise risks. These are effectively addressed in keywork sessions and this means young people are encouraged to reflect on their behaviour.

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Progress

Staff follow a consultation process with young people. Their views are actively sought on all aspects of their care and placement. The complaints procedures have been improved to detail actions taken and responses given to young people. Subsequently, young people feel able to raise their concerns and are confident that these are suitably addressed.

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Progress

Placement plans identify clear targets. Young people are involved in defining the contents and comment on the progress they are making. Subsequently, young people understand the aims and objectives of their placement. Staff support young people to recognise their goals and work with them to achieve these. As a result, young people benefit from increased self-esteem and confidence.

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Progress

Staff assist young people with their health needs. They access specialist services to augment their knowledge and skills. This means that young people experience a holistic approach to their care that enhances their social and emotional development. Staff are proactive in identifying education resources and work to break down barriers to learning for young people. Subsequently, education is continually promoted although attendance is often low.

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Progress

Young people are encouraged to maintain positive relationships with their families and friends. Staff resourcefully support these relationships and young people are able to visit their families and friends and have them visit the home. This means that young people are not isolated from their social circle.

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Progress

The Registered Manager ensures that monitoring systems are in place to scrutinise the quality of care for young people. Areas highlighted for improvement are addressed immediately. Practice changes are discussed during staff meetings and training sessions. Staff state that they feel supported and are motivated concerning the development of the home. Consequently, young people live in an effectively and efficiently managed home.

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Progress

The home is well maintained and decorated appropriately, adding to the ‘homely’ environment.

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