Children's Home run by Fairfield Residential Limited in Cheshire West and Chester

Unique reference number SC397987 Inspection date 26/03/2012 Inspector Monica Farrimond Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 30/01/2012 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 is privately owned and is registered to provide accommodation for up to two children with learning 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 last full inspection at which the overall judgement was outstanding. The only recommendation made following the last inspection, related to the need for the clarification of staffing arrangements during the night. This issue has been fully addressed. The Statement of Purpose has been reviewed and updated and now better informs people about the service they can expect to receive. Information now sets out staffing levels on each shift and includes staffing ratios throughout the night as well as during the day.

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Progress

In the interim period the children's home has demonstrated continued improvement in the quality of care and outcomes for children and young people. Young people continue to achieve positive outcomes in all respects. They receive high levels of support which helps them to prosper socially, educationally and personally, for example, by having increased access to activities in the community. Staff are skilful in their approach and encourage young people to make positive and constructive use of their recreation time. They support them to engage in a wide range of purposeful and enjoyable leisure activities, such as, horse-riding, swimming, planting and growing vegetables, trampolining and attending a local youth club. Young people thrive as a result of this supportive and nurturing environment. Through their friendships and participation in activities outside the home, they acquire skills and talents and grow in confidence.

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Progress

Young people benefit from regular contact with family, friends and other appropriate adults. Staff work flexibly to co-ordinate and facilitate contact arrangements. Since the last inspection, the home has further developed it’s accommodation provision. It now has a purpose-built facility which is intended to be used to enable young people from the home to spend time and have overnight stays with their parents and carers while being supported by staff.

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Progress

All young people are in full-time education and attend community based schools that cater for their specific needs. The home is organised in a manner that helps them to maintain regular attendance and to achieve. Staff maintain excellent levels of communication with schools, as a result of which, they are able to monitor progress and ensure educational needs are being met. School staff are invited to the home to meet the staff, and to gain a better understanding of how the children live and of their routines. This enables the sharing of information, such as behaviour management techniques, and helps to achieve consistency of care in both settings.

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Progress

The home's aims and objectives are being fulfilled with young people achieving good outcomes. Quality assurance systems are good and well-established. Through these, the quality of the operation of the home is monitored alongside the management arrangements, young people's welfare and the home's records. The home is well established within the community and actively encourages young people to take full advantage of the resources available. Parents and social workers report the quality of care to be outstanding, with all aspects of young people's specific needs being well met. In addition, excellent communication levels between parties ensure young people receive a cohesive approach to their care. Staff continue to receive appropriate training. This enables them to identify and meet the needs of the young people, particularly in relation to their health. No requirements or recommendations have been made following this inspection.

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