Children's Home run by The Partnership of Care Today in Stockport

Unique reference number SC008487 Inspection date 21/03/2012 Inspector Valerie Shephard Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 25/01/2012 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 one of a number of children's homes owned by a private company. The home provides care and accommodation for up to six young people, who may be experiencing emotional and/or behavioural difficulties, and 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 previous full inspection when the overall judgement was good. The home has made progress in many areas which improves the quality of care and outcomes for young people.

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Progress

One requirement and five recommendations were made at the previous inspection. The requirement related to ensuring that the home was free from hazards. The recommendations pertained to the locking of communal areas within the home; the need to review and maintain the building risk assessment; pathway plans to be implemented where required; support for young people to attend their education provision, and written consent for staff to administer first aid and homely remedies. The manager has addressed all the issues raised at the previous inspection.

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Progress

Outcomes for young people overall have improved. Staff actively promote young people’s access to education and health provision. There are well established links with education providers, and staff are proactive in supporting alternative educational provision for those young people who need this. Young people’s health needs are regarded as high priority. Staff ensure that health appointments with doctors, dentists and opticians are arranged. Despite these efforts, not all young people choose to access these services; however, staff continue to encourage young people’s participation in their health care.

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Progress

Young people fully contribute to the running of the home. Attendance at young people’s meetings is good and a diverse range of topics are discussed, including behaviour, activities and menus. Young people have a choice about the décor in the home. For example both lounges have recently been brightly and tastefully decorated with colours chosen by young people. Young people’s diverse ethnic and religious needs are addressed. Staff ensure that appropriate food is available for those with special dietary needs associated with culture or religion. They seek out local places of worship for young people who have diverse religious needs. These initiatives assist young people to develop their identity and a positive self-view.

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Progress

Excellent relationships exist in the home between staff and young people. Staff report that there is open dialogue about a range of issues such as drug use and sexual health. Staff are always available for advice and support to enable young people to make good choices. One young person who recently left the home, rang to let staff know that he was moving back to his family and had “sorted himself out”; that staff had had a very good influence on him and were responsible for the changes in his behaviour and attitude to others. Staff are proactive in ensuring that links are established with the leaving care team for young people in transition. Those on independence plans are supported to buy and cook their own food and manage on a budget.

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Progress

All the young people have meaningful contact with family members. Staff make strenuous efforts to ensure that contact plans are reviewed for the benefit of young people. In some situations, contact with family has increased and this is now leading towards a possible rehabilitation home. One parent commented that she feels she ‘has a good working relationship with staff and arrangements for contact run very smoothly.’

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Progress

Behaviour management strategies appear to be working well, particularly the creative use of rewards. There have been few sanctions, and a reduction in the incidents of young people missing from home. Discussion about the use of rewards and sanctions takes place in weekly house meetings and input from young people is encouraged.

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Progress

Leadership in the home continues to be good. Currently there are two vacant posts and recruitment has commenced to fill these positions. Management has carefully considered the impact of these vacancies on the care of the young people. Cover is provided either by existing staff, or staff from another home within the organisation, who know the young people well. This helps to ensure continuity and consistency of care for the young people.

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Progress

Quality assurance systems are in place with the completion of Regulation 33 and Regulation 34 reports. The home’s Statement of Purpose and development plan have been reviewed. These measures assist the manager to focus on the strengths and weaknesses of the home and enable any shortfalls in the quality of care of young people to be quickly identified.

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