Children's Home run by The Together Trust in Stockport

Unique reference number SC025739 Inspection date 27/03/2012 Inspector Mandy Williams Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 17/01/2012 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 owned and operated by a private organisation. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to four children and young people. The young people may have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties or learning disabilities.

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Progress

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

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Progress

At the last full inspection in January 2012, the overall effectiveness of the home was judged to be good. At this time, Ofsted asked the provider to make improvements in just one area. This related to the Statement of Purpose as it did not accurately reflect the registration status of the home, the sleeping arrangements of young people, and the use of agency staff on occasions. The required changes have now been made to this document.

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Progress

The home continues to demonstrate a real commitment to improve the quality of care it provides and to improve outcomes for young people.

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Progress

Young people are routinely involved in the running of the home. This involves seeking their views informally on a daily basis, as well as by more formal young people’s meetings that take place regularly. They are consulted about any changes being planned to the home, such as the colour schemes for the house or new furniture, as well as menus or leisure activities. Young people are encouraged to have a structure to their week and all young people are currently engaged in some form of education or training. They use a weekly planner, so that they know what is happening in the week ahead. This serves to keep young people in a regular routine and motivated to achieve small targets that are set for them.

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Progress

There has been a stabilising of the staff group, as had been hoped at the last inspection. The newer members of the team are settling in well and getting to know the young people. This is positive for young people, as a consistency of staff caring for them will ensure a more unified approach and enable young people to build trusting relationships. This is of particular significance for many of the young people cared for in this setting, as early trauma has frequently resulted in attachment difficulties and consequently, the inability to form or sustain relationships.

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Progress

There has been a reduction in the number of notifications required to be sent to Ofsted. However, the Registered Manager is particularly good at keeping Ofsted informed about any updated information following any such notification. The home also keeps very clear and detailed records of any incidents of restraint, which ensures that young people and staff are clear about the process of events prior to and during the event. It also allows the Registered Manager to review these and look at any patterns or trends. This ensures that young people receive the most appropriate response if the need arises in the future.

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Progress

Some young people are preparing for transition to independent living in the coming months. This has been a difficult issue for some, as they have lived at the home for some considerable time. Staff at the home are working hard to assist the young people through this stressful time in their lives and are looking imaginatively at ways to ease this for them. Staff demonstrate a real empathy for these young people and a commitment to prepare them with the skills that they will require to make their own decisions in the future.

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Progress

The recent introduction of ‘praise’ books means that any positive behaviours or achievements are recorded in one place. Each young person has their own brightly coloured book that staff use to record their comments of praise or thanks. These are available for the young person to read, and staff hope this will assist them to feel positive about themselves and develop their self-esteem.

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Progress

Since the last inspection the home’s décor has been updated, as the hall, stairs and landing areas have been re-carpeted and walls painted. The Registered Manager is also in the process of planning to make one of the reception rooms in the home into a ‘chill room’ for young people. The staff and young people are currently planning together what items they wish to have in this room, so that young people have an area of the home to relax in.

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Progress

The Registered Manager is alert to the changing needs of the young people and is keen for the home to continue to develop the service it provides. However, no specific requirements or recommendations resulted from this interim inspection.

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