Children's Home run by Social Care Services (Clayton) Limited in Manchester

Unique reference number SC381339 Inspection date 20/03/2012 Inspector Mark Kersh Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Date of last inspection 10/01/2012 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

The home provides care and accommodation for up to six young people of either gender, with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. This home is operated by a private organisation.

p.4

Progress

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

p.4

Progress

At the last full inspection in January 2012 the overall quality rating for this home was judged as good. At this interim inspection, the home's progress with the three recommendations made at the last inspection, were reviewed. The home has met all of the recommendations raised at the last full inspection. These were in relation to the children's guide, consultation with significant people in young people's lives and involving young people in the home's recruitment processes.

p.4

Progress

The home has made available to young people the name and contact number of their independent reviewing officer. These details are now included within the children's guide. This enables young people to contact people who are independent of the home if they have a concern or need independent advice.

p.4

Progress

The home uses informal and formal consultation to good affect. A central core ethos of the home is to involve young people in day to day decision making. Young people’s meetings take place regularly. As a result young people have influenced the choice of food on the menus, contributed to care planning records and chosen activities. The outcome for young people is that they are being successfully engaged while living in the home. Further to this the views of parents and placing social workers are sought through questionnaires about the services and care the home provides. As a result feedback enables the management team to focus on strengths and improvements.

p.4

Progress

Young people are consulted and their opinions asked about any staff that are due to commence work in the home. Questions from young people are to be incorporated into the interviewing process at the next recruitment campaign. Young people have prepared and presented a session to senior management within this organisation about what it is like to live in this home. These arrangements benefit young people's well-being and self esteem and gives them a sense of ownership and responsibility in the home where they live.

p.4

Progress

Young people are looked after by a competent staff group who are skilled and experienced. Staff use their detailed knowledge of each individual to ensure that each young person’s needs are met. As a result, young people receive good quality care and support which is based on their individual identified needs. Staff are trained in care and control which includes restraint and have updated training. This ensures safe practices are always followed. Records show minimal restraint being used; however, one recorded instance of restraint is incomplete and does not provide a detailed account of the duration of the restraint. The home uses incentives and rewards to improve young people's behaviour. When sanctions are imposed these are fair and agreed by young people.

p.4

Progress

Most young people continue to make progress in all aspects of their development, in particular with their education. Strategy meetings are in place when young people are missing from care and not attending education. Suitable placements are identified to ensure young people are kept safe and their needs met if concerns are raised at the home.

p.5

Progress

There are some improvements required to the décor, furnishings and heating system to improve warmth and the internal look of the home.

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 that within 24 hours of the use of any measure of control, restraint or discipline in a children's home, a written record is made of the duration of the measure of restraint (Regulation 17B (4) (a)) 22/03/2012

p.5

Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure that all parts of the children's home used by children are kept clean and reasonably decorated and maintained. (Regulation 31 (2) (e)) 30/04/2012

p.5

Recommendations

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

p.5