Children's Home run by The Partnership of Care Today in Stoke-on-Trent

Unique reference number SC356318 Inspection date 07/02/2013 Inspector Amanda Ellis Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 04/12/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The home is registered to provide care for two young people, of either sex with emotional, behavioural and learning difficulties. It is owned 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 satisfactory progress .

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Progress

At the last inspection in December 2012 the overall effectiveness rating for the home was judged to be good. There were no requirements or recommendations set at the last inspection. Since their previous inspection the home is judged to be making satisfactory progress.

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Progress

The quality of care has been maintained since the last inspection. Care plans, placement plans, risk assessments and behaviour management plans are detailed and up to date. Staff and management are proactive in working with other professionals, especially where it is identified that problematic behaviours require more intensive care provision. Regular reviews of plans ensure young people receive consistent care.

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Progress

A particular strength of the management and staff team is their commitment to promoting issues of equality and diversity. This means young people can expect staff to be able to identify and meet their diverse needs.

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Progress

Young people do not consistently engage in either compulsory full-time education or in other educational provision. Staff endeavour to encourage and support their participation in education; however young people can be resistant and refuse to engage. This means young people have limited opportunities to explore their educational potential.

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Progress

Young people do not consistently engage with social activities either within or outside of the home. The lack of sufficient structured activities means young people are not adequately occupied, which can lead to young people feeling bored and unfulfilled.

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Progress

Young people report that they feel well cared for, safe, and have positive relationships with staff. The young people have regular meetings and contribute to the running of the home.

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Progress

A committed and dedicated staff team cares for young people. Staff commented that they have confidence and satisfaction with the support, training and development opportunities provided to them. Staff develop their skills and knowledge because of good quality supervision and participation in regular training. The Registered Manager enables staff to progress and enhance their professional development. Young people progress because of care provided from a professional staff team.

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Progress

The home is well managed and leadership is robust, effective and consistent. The home has a development plan which ensures the continuous improvement in the care of young people. Regular monitoring and quality assurance checks ensure young people are safe and secure.

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Progress

There is clear commitment from the management and staff team within the home to consistently work to improve outcomes. The Registered Manager understands what needs to be done to raise the standards of care for young people.

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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 children accommodated in the home are encouraged to develop and pursue appropriate leisure interests and provided with appropriate leisure facilities and activities (Regulation 18 (2(a) (b)) 08/03/2013

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure that the routine of the home is organised so as to further children’s participation in education, including regular attendance at school and participation in school activities of children of compulsory school age. (Regulation 18(1(b)) 08/03/2013

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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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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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