Children's Home run by The Together Trust in Stockport

Unique reference number SC008575 Inspection date 14/03/2012 Inspector Valerie Shephard Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 10/08/2011 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

The home is owned and run by a private charitable trust. It provides residential care for up to five young people, who have a physical and/or learning disability.

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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.

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Progress

The manager has dealt with the one requirement and one recommendation made at the last inspection. The requirement was in relation to reviewing the quality of young people’s care and the recommendation pertained to the children’s guide. The manager has addressed both of these issues.

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Progress

Young people continue to receive high quality care provided by a qualified and trained staff team. Parents and social workers comment positively about the excellent care given to young people; one parent said her child was ‘happy and thriving’ in the home. Observations of the young people suggest they are well cared for and enjoy good relationships with their care givers.

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Progress

Outcomes for young people are good. All are in full time education or college and attend regularly. There is good liaison between the home, school and the family home which provides consistency in care. Young people enjoy attending their education provision and benefit from extra-curricular activities, for example, after school club and music therapy. One parent commented that her son is ‘developing in confidence and is better in social situations as his non-verbal communication has improved.’ In relation to another young person, behaviour around meal times and bed times has improved. This appears to be due to the implementation of a clear management programme and consistent handling by staff.

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Progress

Promoting healthy eating and exercise is a challenge for the staff team in relation to the young people in the home. The creative use of symbols to explain menus assists young people to choose what they want to eat. Where possible, young people are encouraged and supported to prepare and cook simple snacks. They are also encouraged to help with the planting and growing of vegetables which assists them to gain enjoyment from eating what they have grown.

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Progress

A range of activities are available which provide enjoyment and exercise, for example, swimming, cycling, walking and using the trampoline. Most of these activities are achievable with the use of equipment and aids. Staff are not willing to accept that young people’s disabilities are a barrier to their involvement in activities. Staff are keen to provide a range of opportunities which the young people can be involved in.

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Progress

Where possible, young people are supported to develop routines in relation to independence skills such as keeping their bedroom tidy and bringing laundry down for washing. Where transition plans are in place, there is good liaison between the home, the family and the local authority for the benefit of the young people. All the young people have ongoing contact with their families, supported by the staff team. Parents report that they are ‘made to feel welcome’ in the home and good liaison between the home and the family ensures contact plans are met.

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Progress

Overall there is good leadership in the home and a well-supported staff team. Good monitoring systems are in place and the manager addresses issues raised by Regulation 33 reports. However, the manager has failed to submit a summary report to Ofsted under Regulation 34. A requirement is made in this respect.

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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) shall supply to the HMCI a report in respect of any review conducted by him. (Regulation 34(2)) 13/04/2012

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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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