Children's Home run by Building Bridges Care Homes Ltd in St Helens

Unique reference number SC063284 Inspection date 26/03/2012 Inspector Karen Forster Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 21/09/2011 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

The home is provided by an independent company and provides care for up to five young people of either gender with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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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 last inspection in September 2011, the progress at the service was not judged as they were not accepting placements. This interim inspection was conducted with staff from the provider organisation, as there are currently no young people accommodated within the home. The home has been closed for some time and has not provided any placements for young people since the last inspection. The registered provider has indicated that the home will not be operational yet. Should the home decide to accept placements they are required to inform Ofsted of their intention before they do so. In this instance Ofsted does not make a judgement about progress. Apart from three shortfalls, the home meets the regulations and continues to be registered with Ofsted.

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Progress

The home provides sufficient hand wash basins for the intended number of occupants. However not all of the hot water taps are in working order, which impedes access to a suitable hot water supply. The fire escape route towards an external fire exit on the first floor, is protected by an electronic fob mechanism. This feature is not sufficiently explored within the home's fire safety risk assessment, and the detail of the risk management strategies relating to this issue is limited.

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Progress

The home is currently without a Registered Manager. A requirement is raised in relation to this shortfall.

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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.

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure fitness of premises. Specifically that that all wash basin taps provided for accommodated children are fully functional (Regulation 31(5) (b)) 20/04/2012 (2001) ensure that the home meets the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Specifically, that the fire safety risk assessment includes the risk management of the fob access to the fire escape route (Regulation 32 (1A)(b)) 20/04/2012

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) appoint an individual to manage the children's home. (Regulation 7(a)) 20/04/2012

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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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