Children's Home run by Castle Homes Care Limited in Cheshire East

Unique reference number SC060590 Inspection date 08/01/2013 Inspector Sue Winson Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 20/09/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The home, run by a private company, is registered to accommodate three young people, of either sex between the ages of 8 and 17 years. The home is registered for young people with emotional or behavioural difficulties. It is also registered as a school and provides education on the premises.

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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 full inspection on 20/9/12 the home was judged to be good. The home has fully addressed the three recommendations made at the last inspection. Young people now have details of the children's rights services in their home authorities, and are aware of a range of people they can contact with any concerns. They are being well supported in moving on, and expressed high levels of satisfaction with the arrangements. Staff are up to date with mandatory training and additional training has taken place, or has been arranged, to ensure that they are equipped with the skills required to meet the needs of the young people resident. Young people continue to make good progress in all areas of their lives. They enjoy good physical, emotional and psychological health and have access to health professionals as needed. In addition, the looked after children nurse calls in and engage with them in informal discussions about a range or health issues. They are

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Progress

well informed about healthy living, which allows them to make informed decisions and choices. Most notably, they have grown in confidence and self-esteem, which allows them to take part in community activities, including fund raising for charities and attending courses at a local college. Comprehensive care planning ensures that young people benefit from consistency and continuity of care, to which they respond well. Clear plans are in place and there is a strong commitment to supporting young people and their families to ensure contact visits take place and are positive. The young people have been supported to build positive relationships with their families, and are enjoying spending increasing times at their family homes.

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Progress

Young people have made considerable progress in education from their starting points at the time of placement. They are attending and achieving at schools which are geared to their individual needs and in-house education prepares them well for integration to mainstream schools. In addition they have access to courses at a local college, where they will gain vocational qualifications. The young people are proud of their progress and recognise the progress they have made.

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Progress

As a result of effective working together with a range or other services, young people have reduced their risk taking behaviours and do not go missing from care. Staff continue to work with them, which ensures they are well aware of personal safety issues.

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Progress

Young people say that their views and opinions are listened to and they are routinely involved their plans and encouraged to read and contribute to reports. Individual key worker sessions take place regularly and address issues which are identified in their placement plans. Young people report good relationships with staff and engage well with them and other agencies which ensure they have access to a range of support. They attend their meetings and contribute their opinions, or are confident that staff will represent their views.

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Progress

The home continues to be effectively managed, and staff are positive about their support, supervision and training. The staff team is stable, communicate well and have high aspirations for the young people. Regular monitoring takes place to ensure the quality of care is maintained and the staff group share the improvement agenda, in the best interests of the young people.

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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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