Children's Home run by Courtyard Care Limited in Bolton

Unique reference number SC389823 Inspection date 08/01/2013 Inspector Angela Whiteley Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 13/06/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This privately run children's home is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to five young people who have learning and/or physical disabilities.

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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 good progress .

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Progress

At the last full inspection in June 2012, the overall judgement of the home was good. There were six requirements and four recommendations for improvement made at the last inspection, which the Registered Manager has positively addressed. The children’s home has made substantial progress in all areas, improving the quality of care and outcomes for young people.

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Progress

The manager has established a system for monitoring matters within the home. Regulation 33 and 34 reports have been received by Ofsted and copies held within the home. The home has a comprehensive and realistic development plan. These measures ensure young people’s needs are central to the running of the home and identify how resources will be improved to ensure the services young people receive are of the highest quality.

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Progress

The home has a more robust system of notifying child protection incidents to Ofsted, which ensures young people are able to receive the necessary support and protection immediately, although there have been no child protection referrals since the last inspection. The manager chases placing authorities for missing documents to ensure young people’s files contain all relevant information, which is up-to-date and signed. This ensures young people have an accurate record of their care history and that staff are able to support their current needs. Pathway plans and individual independence programmes are in place for eligible young people. This takes account of their ability to learn new skills and move forward at their own pace. Staff regularly monitor and review the skills and encourage young people to take appropriate risks as part of their development.

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Progress

The Statement of Purpose is a working document and has been reviewed by the organisation to give up-to-date staffing details. A further review of the document is to take place to ensure it meets the aims and objectives of the home. A review of the children’s guide has also taken place, however a further review is required. This will ensure young people have all the relevant contact information they require in one place and that the guide has specific information about their home.

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Progress

Placements are stable and young people are learning to take some responsibility for their behaviours. Young people are beginning to respond positively to individual incentives and rewards. As a result, incidents requiring the use of physical intervention are reducing. Physical intervention records now include all the required information.

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Progress

Young people regularly reflect on their progress with their keyworkers and this keeps them motivated. Individual differences are accepted and valued by everyone living and working at the home. The promotion of education, health and well-being are excellent.

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Progress

Young people’s views are consistently gathered and used to influence the home’s operation and future direction. There are many examples of how staff listen to young people and consider their views. For example, the home uses a daily choices form for each young person to give their views about contact, activities and meals. A fortnightly residents meeting gives further opportunity for young people to take ownership of their home and feel valued and respected.

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Progress

A consistent and highly experienced staff team are well qualified to meet the care needs of young people. Ensuring the staff receive appropriate training to develop their knowledge and skills is a priority at this home. This ensures they can continue to meet the emerging needs of young people placed. Staff receive excellent support from seniors and managers and confirm they feel well supported at the home.

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Progress

The Registered Manager is taking an organised and proactive approach to managing the home. As a result, staff have the necessary support to deliver a strong, child- focused service that helps young people fulfil their aspirations and develops young people’s potential. The manager is further developing the quality assurance systems to capture the views of young people, parents and professionals. This will give a more robust evaluation of the operation and management of the home, the quality of care, young people’s progress and the home’s records. The Registered Manager deals with any areas of weakness promptly. These effective measures ensure the standards within the home remain high and continue to improve.

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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

 review the children's guide to include the contact details for each child's Independent Reviewing Officer and how they secure access to an independent advocate. In particular, ensure the information within the guide is specific to the home. (NMS 13.5)

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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.

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