Children's Home run by Warrington Borough Council in Warrington

Unique reference number SC442779 Inspection date 06/02/2013 Inspector Pamela Nuckley Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 21/08/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This local authority provision provides care and accommodation for two young people 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 judged as good overall at the full inspection in August 2012. Since that time, the manager has addressed all the recommendations raised. Young people have made good progress as a result of the quality of care provided by the staff team.

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Progress

A recommendation was set to ensure that children's physical and emotional and social development needs are promoted. There are robust health plans in place. These plans highlight any specific health need, the professionals involved and the actions staff need to take in an emergency. Staff holistically promote all aspects of a young person’s health in relation to; their cultural, sexual health, puberty and anti- social factors such as smoking, drugs and alcohol. This ensures that young people receive the health services that they need and maintain good health.

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Progress

A recommendation was set to ensure that the record of any safeguarding concern identifies who has been informed and the action taken. There is a clear record of all incidents that show that staff are vigilant and proactive in sharing all concerns with the relevant professionals. There is a clear audit trail of all action taken and the outcome of any referral. Young people’s records show that any concern is fully discussed with them. They are given advice by staff and other professionals to make them aware of any potential risk and how to protect themselves. As a result, young people are protected from harm through good procedures. Young people say that they are safe and happy at this home.

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Progress

A recommendation was set to ensure that risk assessments were in place for staff who support and supervise contact. Risk assessments show that any potential risk or emergency have been identified and clear information on what action staff should take is included within the record. This ensures that young people benefit from appropriate contact with family, friends and other people who are important to them and are able to develop and strengthen relationships safely.

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Progress

Two recommendations were set in relation to the complaints procedure. Firstly, to ensure that all external complaints are recorded within the complaints book. Secondly, that a copy of the outcome of a complaint made by young people was kept on their file. A robust system is in place to show transparency in all complaints. The record shows the action taken, the outcome and an opportunity for all parties to voice their satisfaction. All parties receive an outcome letter. A copy is kept within the complaints file for external complaints or on a young person’s file. Therefore, young people commented that they were extremely happy that all concerns or complaints were dealt with quickly and to a satisfactory conclusion.

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Progress

A recommendation was set to ensure that there was a clear audit trail to show how relevant information impacts or informs practice. The home uses a tracking system that shows how information is triangulated. For example, a missing from home record directs the reader to a direct work session, the up dated risk assessment and any professional involvement. As a result, young people’s records are clear, up to date and contribute to an understanding of the child’s life. Furthermore, young people’s contributions to records confirm that they are fully included in their care, are involved in developing the home and are able to make choices. As a consequence, young people confirmed that they were fully included in and understand their placement plan.

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Progress

The home has been instrumental in ensuring that young people who have been excluded from education and have only been out of education for a very short period of time. In the interim a tutor was provided and within a month a mainstream school was identified. Staff liaised with education professionals to ensure that suitable arrangements were made. One young person was looking forward to attending a new school the next day. This ensures that young people continue to have access to education and therefore have similar opportunities as their peers.

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Progress

Staff demonstrate an excellent understanding of the missing from home protocol. The home has been successful in greatly reducing the incidents of missing from home. Staff take appropriate actions to contact young people in order to protect them as far as possible when they are missing. Staff recognise behaviour and trigger factors that may be behind young people going missing and work closely with them, explaining the danger they put themselves in. Young people benefit from the staff's ability to balance their need for independence with safeguarding issues. Staff ensure that young people’s interests are explored. For example, one young person was interested about a staff’s home town. The member of staff took the young person on a tour of Liverpool developing a wider knowledge of history and culture. They visited the Albert Dock were they learnt about slavery and trade. The staff member talked about a past relative being a captain on the Tall ships. This led

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Progress

to the young person’s interest in genealogy. They visited Liverpool football club and had discussions on the Hillsborough tragedy. The young person said, ‘I had a fantastic day. I learnt so much. Thank you’. The manager demonstrates excellent awareness of the development needs of the service and there is a strong drive to improve care practices throughout. Quality monitoring by the manager and monitoring visits on behalf of the provider organisation, are extremely robust. Monitoring incorporates regular consultation with young people and reports reflect their views well.

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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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