Children's Home run by The Together Trust in Stockport

Unique reference number SC025747 Inspection date 20/03/2012 Inspector Caroline Jones Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 28/11/2011 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 children's home run by a charitable organisation. It provides care and accommodation for up to three young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties, physical disabilities and learning disabilities.

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Progress

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

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Progress

At the previous full inspection the home's overall effectiveness was judged as good. The outcomes for young people remain strong and the quality of care is maintained. The recommendation from the last inspection has been addressed and comprehensive recording processes are now in place to ensure a full account of incidents of young people missing from home.

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Progress

Young people continue to have positive and supportive relationships with staff which are the foundation for the good standards of care they receive. Staff work together with parents and partner agencies to ensure young people's holistic needs are promoted. Young people continue to achieve educationally and remain in good health. They take part in a range of opportunities to learn skills to improve their independence and transition to adulthood. Despite staff efforts to support young people's transition to independent living, this has not been achieved and requires further collaborative work to prevent drift.

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Progress

Staff are committed to young people and the team remains steady, which provides consistency and predictability for young people. Staff continue to champion young people's rights and they are fully supported to voice their opinions and views. Young people are involved in the daily running of the home and their ideas have influenced change, including the décor of the home. These practices empower young people to have more control in their lives.

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Progress

The home is efficiently managed in the best interests of young people. Quality assurance arrangements are in place to rigorously monitor the welfare of young people. These ensure the good standards of care and the safety of young people. Staff are very well supported by the Registered Manager who strives for quality and excellence. They have regular supervision, appraisals, team meetings and training opportunities that contribute to their competence in providing quality care to young people.

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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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Recommendations

 ensure effective liaison with local authorities to progress young people's readiness to move to future accommodation. (NMS 12.3)

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