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

Unique reference number SC061924 Inspection date 05/02/2013 Inspector Chris Scully 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 provides care and accommodation for up to three young people between the ages of 12 years to 16 years, with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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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

The home was last inspected in September 2012; the overall effectiveness was judged to be good. Following the inspection one statutory requirement relating to monitoring of the home was raised. Four recommendations were also raised pertaining to the recording of information, sanctions, young people's health promotion and the Statement of Purpose.

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Progress

Monitoring of the home has improved. This is because the person carrying out the monitoring visit consults with young people, their families, staff and social workers. This enables the home to take into consideration their comments and improve upon the homes ability to drive forward improvements. Monitoring by the Registered Manager continues to be secure and clearly outlines what the home does well. This includes the homes communication with social workers and young people's families, as well as identifying any areas for further improvement.

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Progress

Information about young people is recorded in a way that is helpful to them now and should they wish to access their files in the future. The home has adopted a more child friendly approach to recording information about young people. Consequently, records are more clearly expressed and are non-stigmatising such as incident records and key worker sessions.

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Progress

Records and documentation are generally well maintained. Sanctions are infrequently applied and only one has been imposed since the last inspection. However, young people have not signed the record and it is not clear if their views about the sanction were recorded in their own words. Therefore this recommendation has not been met. This is a recording issue and does not impact upon the care provided. Complaints about the service are rare. While the home reports these to the appropriate person for them to investigate, the recording systems are not sufficiently robust. This is because the written record of the complaint does not clearly demonstrate the action taken in response to the complaint or the outcome. This does not promote transparency.

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Progress

Social worker's and other professionals are complimentary about the home. In particular the support offered to young people especially when they are missing which enables them to return home quickly. Records show staff are praised by professionals for their proactive approach in handling these situations. Especially their commitment to working with others to ensure young people return safely. Young people say they are happy here and everything is 'fine.' They feel valued as staff listen to their opinions and act on them where possible. Young people are pleased with the new décor in their bedrooms and lounge.

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Progress

The home has improved upon its communication with others. Social workers, placing authorities and families are aware of the homes aims and objectives, because they are provided with a copy of the Statement of Purpose. Consequently, they are informed of any changes to the service or how the home manages specific issues, such as emergency placements.

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Progress

Young people enjoy healthier lifestyles and are able to take responsibility for their own health care needs. Effective procedures are in place to ensure that young people have access to their medication when away from home. This includes staff taking the medication to the young person and offering advice as to where to seek emergency medical attention. Young people's overall health is much improved. They are eating more healthily and are engaging in regular exercise. This has enabled young people to improve upon their health and fitness.

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Progress

Young people say they enjoy going to the gym and feel this has had a positive effect upon their health and well-being. Young people help staff to plan their meals and are enjoying a wider variety of foods including vegetables. Staff are skilled at turning these conversations into key worker sessions by introducing new topics, such as health support agencies and sexual health. This means young people are able to discuss these issues in a non-threatening, safe environment.

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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 that a written record is made of any complaint, the action taken in response, and the outcome of the investigation. (Regulation 24 (5)) 20/03/2013

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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 when sanction are applied young people are encouraged to have their views recorded in the records kept by the home in particular that these are recorded in their own words and they sign the record. (NMS 3.18)

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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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