Children's Home run by PIC Children’s Services in St Helens

Unique reference number SC022438 Inspection date 14/02/2013 Inspector Maria McGranaghan Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 22/06/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This home is one of 11 children's homes that are owned and operated by this private company. The home provides care and accommodation for one young person with emotional and behavioural difficulties, aged eight to 17 years.

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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

The purpose of this visit is to assess the progress made since the last inspection and how any progress has improved the quality of care and potential outcomes for young people.

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Progress

The home was last inspected on 22 June 2012 and was judged to be making good progress. At the time the Registered manager was asked to take account of three recommendations made to further improve the quality of care in the home.

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Progress

The home closed on 12 January 2013 for refurbishment. As there are presently no children on role, recommendations made pertaining to young people’s records could not be suitably assessed and therefore will be restated at this inspection.

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Progress

Progress is made in the area of staff recruitment. The home now has a full staff team with suitable experience and qualifications. Information about the staff is now clearly recorded in the homes Statement of Purpose. As a result, young people, parents and placing authorities are provided with essential information required to make a suitable placement.

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Progress

Safeguarding procedures are further developed. The home has worked in partnership with the local authority, in order to enhance practice, particularly in the way they reduce, monitor and respond to safeguarding concerns. Similarly, the format for risk assessing potential concerns is improved. As a result, stringent systems are in place in order to maintain the safety and well-being of young people living in the home.

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Progress

Regulation 33 monitoring is improved. Detailed information now provides a clear picture of the areas for development and where progress has been made in the home. Similarly, Regulation 34 monitoring is consistently undertaken and provides a clear account of the actions taken to secure improved practice in the home. Furthermore, an up-to-date development plan is now available in the home and this set out the goals and targets for the service and how they are to be achieved. Consequently, there is a greater focus on developing the quality of care and service provision in order to enhance positive outcomes for young people.

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Progress

Staff training and development is improved. A full training program provided by an external organisation is now available for all staff. The manager said, ‘The new training program is excellent. It has given staff a new purpose and drive.' Accordingly, a training program at this level will assist to further develop the staff skills necessary to work positively and productively with young people.

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Progress

The home is mid-way through a complete refurbishment and will include a new kitchen, furniture, decorating and carpets. Young people being placed in the home will have the opportunity to choose their own bedroom décor and will be encouraged to make the house their home.

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Progress

A progress judgement has not been made on this occasion as there are no children or young people accommodated at this time. However, two recommendations are restated to address the shortfalls within the service.

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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 children receive personalised care that promotes all aspects of their individual identity (NMS 2.1)  ensure information about the child is recorded clearly and in a way which will be helpful to the child when they access their files now or in the future. Specifically in relation to the records of keywork sessions. (NMS 22.5)

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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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