Children's home run by Salford City Council in Salford

Unique reference number SC064858 Inspection date 19/03/2012 Inspector Anthony Kyem Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Date of last inspection 26/07/2011 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

Brief description of the service

This is a local authority run children’s home. The home accommodates four young people of either sex between 11 to 16 years of age. The home is a purpose built children’s home providing short-term residential care for children and young people. The purpose of the home is to work with young people to prepare them for future placements or rehabilitation home.

p.4

Progress

Since their previous inspection the service is judged to be making satisfactory progress.

p.4

Progress

The home has addressed a proportion of the recommendations made, at its previous inspection full inspection which took place on 26 July 2011, the home's overall effectiveness judgement at this time was good. Of the four recommendations made at the previous inspection, two recommendations have been met, and two are partially met, resulting in improvements in the quality of young people's care. Those recommendations that are partially met are repeated at this interim inspection.

p.4

Progress

Young people are better supported to attend school to support their attainment and achievement. They receive positive support to enable them to understand the contents of their plans, to help them to make sense of their past experiences. As a result, young people are more understanding of their backgrounds and histories. The home has yet to make positive progress in preparing young people for their independence. This is despite staff being trained to promote young people's independence. As a result, the same recommendation is repeated.

p.4

Progress

Whilst the views of young people are regularly ascertained the broader systems used to involve young people, their families and other interested parties, are not used effectively. As a result, the home is unable to respond to, or act on, the views of relevant stakeholders. The performance of the home is monitored consistently, to ensure its smooth operation. However, issues with group dynamics and the incompatibility of young people's placements are a cause for concern.

p.4

Progress

Group incompatibility hinders the effectiveness with which staff can provide young people with the care they need, as individuals. As a result, the needs of young people are not being met effectively. The use of sanctions and restraints are kept to an absolute minimum. Risks associated with individual young people are recorded clearly and this enables staff to keep young people safe from harm.

p.4

Progress

The accommodation provided for young people is safe and suitable. However, communal living areas are sometimes locked which means that young people do not benefit from a homely environment. Young people's personal records are well maintained. However, consent for the administration of first aid and homely remedies has not been obtained to enable staff to provide young people with emergency treatment. Young people's care plans do not reflect where a change in placement has occurred and contingency plans are absent. As a result, changes in a young person's personal circumstances are not appropriately considered.

p.4

Progress

As a result of this inspection, there are a small number of requirements and recommendations made for the registered person to address, to improve outcomes for young people.

p.5

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.

p.5

Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure the children's home only provides care for children or young people whose needs it can reasonably expect to meet (Regulation 11 (1) (a)) 20/04/2012

p.5

Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure no measure of control shall be used which involves any restriction of liberty. Specifically, this is in relation to locking the lounge door during school hours. (Regulation 17 (2) (c)) 20/04/2012

p.5

Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

p.5

Recommendations

 ensure consent for the administration of first aid and homely remedies is obtained for all young people (NMS 6.5)  ensure young people are supported with their independence and development of life skills (NMS 12.1)  ensure the systems used to improve the quality of care, considers the views of young people, their families and social workers (NMS 21.1)  ensure young people have their care plans reviewed if a change to the plan is needed, or required. (NMS 25.5)

p.5