Children's Home run by Progressive Futures Care Limited in Knowsley

Unique reference number SC431931 Inspection date 24/01/2013 Inspector Sonya Robinson Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 01/05/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The home provides care and accommodation for up to three young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties. The home is managed by a private company.

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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

There were no young people placed at the home at the time of this interim inspection.

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Progress

At the last full inspection in May 2012, the home was judged as adequate overall. At that inspection Ofsted asked the provider to make improvements in some areas.

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Progress

The provider was asked to ensure environmental risk assessments were undertaken and implemented; that the Registered Manager's monitoring be sent to Ofsted specifically at six monthly intervals and that there are systems in place to notify Ofsted of any significant incidents that occur.

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Progress

Additionally, the home was asked to ensure that young people's files are kept up-to- date with specific reference to any incident reports; that young people's risk assessments should allow young people to take proportionate risk and staff training was also highlighted.

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Progress

Since that last inspection environmental risk assessments have been completed and implemented, this means that the home have taken steps to minimise any identified environmental risk. The Registered Manager has undertaken a six month review of her service and this report has been forwarded to Ofsted. This along with the owner's monthly report, which is also sent to Ofsted, identify the strengths and areas for continual improvement. There is also now a system in place to notify Ofsted of any significant events that may occur.

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Progress

Young people's files contain appropriate information regarding any incidents that may have occurred and they are supported to take risks in accordance with their age and understanding; for example, how to spend some of their free time and staying safe. Staff have completed further training since the last inspection including level 3 Children and Young People’s Workforce Diploma, first aid refresher training and safeguarding. Staff are also supported by a psychologist who attends staff meetings and undertakes training with the staff such as attachment theory, learnt behaviour and coping strategies. This helps staff to understand young people more fully.

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Progress

Since the last inspection the organisation has adopted a whole new set of procedures across the company with particular reference to the staff handbook, which has been updated to include health and safety procedures and risk assessments. Staff contracts have been reviewed which has meant that there is continuity of staff and the organisation has retained good, qualified staff. The home has also reviewed their system for young people going missing from care and unauthorised absence. This is to identify any emerging patterns quickly and to minimise the number of absences by taking additional steps, such as providing extra activities chosen by young people to enjoy with staff. This has been positive in terms of young people’s well-being and safety.

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Progress

As a result of all of the above the home is judged to have made good progress since the last inspection.

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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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