Children's home run by Cherry Cottage Limited in Wigan

Unique reference number SC398367 Inspection date 20/03/2012 Inspector Alicea Churchward Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 19/10/2011 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

This is a private children's home, one of two owned by the provider. The home provides care and accommodation for three children and young people with learning disabilities and physical disabilities.

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Progress

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

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Progress

The purpose of this visit is to assess the progress made since the time of the last inspection and how any progress has improved the quality of care and outcomes for children and young people. The last full inspection was undertaken in October 2011; the home was then judged as good. At that time, the provider and Registered Manager were asked to take account of requirements and recommendations to improve further the quality of care in the home. Since that time the manager of the home has completed an application to become registered to manage this service.

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Progress

At the time of the last inspection the provider was asked to ensure that all staff files include a complete employment history; there was a small gap on one file; this was addressed on the second day of the full inspection. In addition the provider was asked to ensure that the placing authority’s consent is obtained in respect of monitoring bedroom doors and that the monitoring is included in individual placement plans. The use of monitoring devices has been reviewed and they are not currently in use. The manager has devised a form to obtain written consent for the use of the monitoring and reports that it will be included in children’s placement plans, should it be required in the future.

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Progress

A recommendation was also made to include details in the children's guide about how to contact the Children’s Rights Director; this has also been addressed.

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Progress

The overall appearance of the premises is very homely; children and young people benefit from excellent accommodation and facilities. Their bedrooms are personalised and they are encouraged to have a choice in the décor of the home. Since the last inspection the garage has been converted to an office and sleep-in accommodation. This conversion has been completed to a high standard.

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Progress

The ethos of the home is that all children and young people attend educational placements; wherever possible this is in local mainstream schools. Children and young people benefit from a good range of activities in the local area so that they can build relationships with local children and have friends at school; this is good because it builds on their self-esteem and allows for a sense of belonging in their surroundings. Children and young people are positive about their experience of living in the home, staff, and in particular, the good activities and food provided. The home has demonstrated continued improvement in quality of care and outcomes for children and young people and has addressed all requirements and the recommendation that were raised at the previous inspection. Here are no requirements or recommendations as a result of this visit.

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