Children's Home run by Right-Trak Limited in Newcastle upon Tyne

Unique reference number SC394909 Inspection date 28/03/2012 Inspector Elizabeth Tanner Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 04/11/2011 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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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.

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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 provides care and accommodation for up to six young people aged between 10 and 17-years-old. This home is privately owned by a small company.

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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 inspection in November 2011 this children's home was judged as good with one requirement and three recommendations for improvement. The findings from this inspection is that the home has made good progress. There is one new requirement and one recommendation has been restated as a result of this inspection. A previous requirement relating to the format of the restraint log has been addressed.

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Progress

Missing from home policies and procedures have been reviewed. The manager is actively involved in developing local policies with other children's homes and agencies in the local area to ensure consistency of approach between all professionals. Through consultation the internal procedures are now compatible with the police procedures. This means young people are more likely to be returned to the home in a prompt and appropriate manner.

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Progress

A recommendation was made on the last inspection to ensure recording reflected the room search policy of the home. While some improvement has been made shortfalls in records remain. The recommendation is repeated.

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Progress

Effective systems to monitor the quality of care and improve outcomes for young people are being developed by the manager. This is a significant improvement from the last inspection. Improved monitoring is assisting with the development of good practice and in identifying any shortfalls. Monitoring reports are effectively completed by the manager but have not been sent to Ofsted. A statutory requirement is made about this. Staff say they are well supported in their work and their professional development is encouraged. Because of this young people benefit from a stable, motivated and enthusiastic staff group.

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Progress

Young people continue to receive a good quality of care. Young people receive an individual service which is sensitive to their personal needs and backgrounds. One young person said the home was, 'amazing' and the best thing about it was, 'the staff'. Another young person said if bullying was to become a problem they did not mind as, 'staff would sort it at once'. All young people said they felt safe in the home. There is a commitment to promoting positive outcomes for young people. Young people are able to reflect on their excellent progress while living in the home. This progress is consistently reinforced by staff. Progress includes increased engagement and achievement in education, a reduction in missing from home and reduction in the use of drugs or alcohol.

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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) supply to the HMCI a report in respect of any monitoring and improving the quality of care provided in the children's home. (Regulation 34 (2)) 27/04/2012

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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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Recommendations

 ensure staff only carry our searches of a child’s room or their possessions in accordance with the home’s guidance and that records kept of these searches clearly demonstrate this. (NMS 3.20)

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