Children's Home run by After Care (NW) Limited in Sefton

Unique reference number SC042652 Inspection date 05/11/2012 Inspector Graham Robinson Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 26/06/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The home is owned by a private company and is registered to provide residential accommodation for up to three looked young people with emotional and behavioural needs.

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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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Progress

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

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Progress

At the previous full inspection this service was judged as good with one recommendation for improvement. This has been partially addressed. An improved format for reporting the internal monitoring of the home has been introduced. This is more evaluative of practice. However, these reports are not being forwarded to Ofsted within the recommended timescale.

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Progress

There has, however, been no improvement to the analytical or evaluative content of the reports submitted to Ofsted, in respect of the external monitoring visits that take place. Since the previous inspection, there has also been a lack of consistency in the frequency of external monitoring taking place, meaning the relevant regulations have not been met. This has not impacted on the welfare of young people as a result of the competence and diligence of the manager.

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Progress

Some areas of progress have been made. Notably, in the quality of care where young people continue to prosper. Based on their starting points when first admitted to the home, young people are making good progress in all areas of their lives. Strong links with external agencies have been maintained. For example, the Police Missing from Home Co-ordinator works actively with staff to improve young people's awareness regarding potential dangers. This improves general welfare and safeguarding, as well as giving greater protection for some young people who are vulnerable and susceptible to exploitation.

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Progress

Difficulties and challenges created by young people are dealt with positively, in a non-punitive and supportive way. This improves trust and creates a caring environment where young people can prosper by developing greater self-esteem and resilience.

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Progress

Positive feedback was received from the young people currently living at the home. They speak positively about the staff and about the way they are looked after. They feel safe living the home, saying that staff are sensitive and supportive of their needs.

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Progress

Despite the issues flagged up around monitoring, the home is well-managed and organised. The needs of young people are identified and there clear plans and strategies in place to address those needs positively.

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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 that external monitoring visits take place at least once a month. 30/11/2012

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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

 improve the analysis and evaluation contained in the reports produced following the home's external monitoring visits (Volume 5, statutory guidance, paragraphs 3.12 - 3.13)  ensure that reports from the internal monitoring of the home are completed and sent to Ofsted at six monthly intervals. (Volume 5, statutory guidance, paragraph 3.14)

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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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