Children's Home run by The Partnership of Care Today in Stockport

Unique reference number SC008607 Inspection date 10/01/2013 Inspector Angela Whiteley Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 17/07/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This home is run by a private company and is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to two young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties or learning 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 satisfactory progress .

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Progress

At the last full inspection in July 2012, the overall effectiveness judgement was good with four requirements and four recommendations made for improvement. In the interim, the Registered Manager has made satisfactory progress in meeting these.

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Progress

The Registered Manager is proactive in chasing placing authorities for missing documents to ensure young people’s files contain all the required information. This ensures young people have access to accurate records about their care history and that staff are able to support their current and emerging needs.

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Progress

Pathway plans and individual independence programmes are in place for ‘eligible’ young people. This takes account of their ability to learn new skills and prepares them well for their transition to adult life. Placements are subject to frequent review, in particular emergency placements. These are managed through timely decision- making meetings, which ensure young people are fully informed about their care plan. Placements are stable and young people learn to take responsibility for their behaviour. A consistent and experienced male staff team are well qualified to meet the care needs of young people. They deliver a strong, child-focused service that helps young people fulfil their aspirations and achieve their potential. They receive appropriate training to develop their knowledge and skills and confirm they feel well supported at the home. Staff have recently received training in conflict resolution and

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Progress

sexual health issues. Positive relationships have developed, over time, between staff and young people. Any changes to staffing are carefully considered by the manager to ensure the continued stability of the current placements. As a result, physical interventions and sanctions are not needed and young people regularly reflect on their progress with their keyworker, which keeps them motivated. The promotion of further education, employment and well-being are excellent and young people have made significant progress from their starting points.

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Progress

The home’s Statement of Purpose is a working document, which has been reviewed by the organisation and notified to Ofsted. However, the document does not contain all the required information. This breach in regulation is an administrative procedure, which the manager is currently addressing. It has minimal negative impact on the outcomes for young people as staff act in accordance with policies and procedures, which promotes young people's safety and welfare.

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Progress

Regulation 33 and 34 monitoring now captures the views of young people and their parents at regular intervals to give a clearer overview of the standards of care provided in the home. Changes to Regulation 33 and 34 reporting formats have been made between inspections. Although welcomed as a positive development by the home, the Regulation 33 report does not report consistently on disciplinary measures, use of restraint and missing person’s records. This affects the standard of quality assurance conducted and prevents thorough evaluation of information. This may negatively influence the future standards within the home. The manager is addressing the matter promptly with senior management; to ensure that the standards within the home continue to improve.

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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 the home's Statement of Purpose includes all the matters listed in Schedule 1; in particular, the age range of the children they intend to accommodate. (Regulation 4 (1); schedule 1 (8) (a)) 07/02/2013

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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 visits of the home carried out under Regulation 33 include relevant checks set out in regulations and guidance and include checks of disciplinary measures and use of restraint and records of missing person's reports. (NMS 21.7)

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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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