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

Unique reference number SC051947 Inspection date 07/01/2013 Inspector Graham Robinson Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Date of last inspection 30/04/2012 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

Brief description of the service

The home is owned by a private organisation. It is registered to provide care for up to two young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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

Progress

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

p.3

Progress

At the last inspection in April 2012, the home was judged to be good. Since then, satisfactory progress has been made with the home going through a transitional phase, due to the resignation of the manager and a re-organisation of staff across the company. This has resulted in temporary managerial arrangements being put into place along with staff, new to the home, taking up their posts. However, the appointment of a new, permanent manager is now at advanced stage.

p.3

Progress

New staff are settling well into the home, which despite the changes, has managed to maintain the quality of care noted at the previous inspection. Young people are looked after by a small staff group who are working towards creating improved consistency. This is being met with some success, with few behaviour management incidents taking place within the home since the previous inspection. Clear boundaries are in place which young people understand and adhere to within the home. This gives them a feeling of security and a full understanding of consequences should boundaries be broken.

p.3

Progress

Placements are either long-term or planned as long term, with young people at different stages of their journey within the home. As a result, outcomes are mixed. For example, young people are currently responding differently with regard to compliance of boundaries when away from the home. All are well supported and given every encouragement to make the right choices, giving young people a sense of direction and focus.

p.3

Progress

Staff work positively with young people through difficult periods, relying on the strong relationships created rather than resorting to punitive measures. This develops trust where individual differences are accepted and valued by all living and working in the home. As a result, young people feel well supported and cared for by staff.

p.4

Progress

Young people confirm they are consulted regularly and have opportunities to make choices and influence certain aspects of the home's daily working practices. For example, they highlight young people's meetings as forums for discussion, consultation and being able to make choices. This is reflected in activities and choice of food. The culture developed within the home as a result of this, helps young people to feel valued and that their views and opinions do matter.

p.4

Progress

Young people are encouraged to integrate into the community both socially and educationally, with appropriate individual arrangements in place. Staff attempt to work through difficulties experienced by young people patiently and with sensitivity, allowing young people to develop greater self-esteem, resilience and confidence.

p.4

Progress

The two recommendations carried over from the previous inspection have been fully addressed, resulting in improved resources promoting young people's educational needs, such as the acquisition of a home computer. The company has also improved how it evidences newly recruited staffs’ right to work in the United Kingdom.

p.4

Progress

Although the home has not made significant progress since the previous inspection, due to the transitional changes forced on it, general standards of care have been maintained. Young people are settled in their placements, with some achieving positive outcomes in many areas of their lives.

p.4

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.5

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.

p.5