Children's Home run by Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council in Walsall

Unique reference number SC036584 Inspection date 24/01/2013 Inspector Michelle Spruce Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 02/08/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The home provides care and accommodation for up to four young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. The home is operated by a borough council.

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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 previous full inspection in August 2012, the overall effectiveness of the service was outstanding. One recommendation was made; this has been met.

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Progress

The recommendation was in relation to young people being offered medical attention after the use of physical intervention; this has improved. Staff offer and record when they have given young people the chance to be seen by a medical professional. This means young people receive the right attention following any incident of physical intervention.

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Progress

The home now benefits from a new manager who is currently applying for registration. There are some staff vacancies and the home is supported by sessional bank staff that undertake shifts to support the home. All staff are supervised and supported equally and fairly regardless of their position or contract. This makes staff feel valued.

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Progress

Young people benefit from positive relationships with staff and enjoy a range of activities provided by the home. There is a large trampoline in the garden for young people to use. However, the risk assessment does not identify how to manage defects and the home health and safety checks have not picked up the defective bent pole. This presents a risk to young people using the play equipment.

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Progress

Some young people are achieving and doing well within education. Others maintain learning through a reduced timetable and home tutoring. Most young people remain in good health. Where there are identified health issues the home works with external professionals to address these. In extreme cases this may involve the home looking for more suitable placements.

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Progress

Young people contribute to the running of the home through circle time during which they express their feelings. They contribute to the home by telling staff what they would like to do. Staff act on their wishes and as a result, their independence, life experiences and self-esteem is enhanced.

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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 any activity in which children participate are so reasonably practicable free from avoidable risks. Specifically, in relation to the trampoline. (Regulation 23(b)) 31/01/2013

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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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