Children's Home run by Crossway Services Limited in St Helens

Unique reference number SC386810 Inspection date 19/02/2013 Inspector Michelle Bacon Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 12/10/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The home is privately owned and provides care and accommodation for one young person of either sex.

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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

At the last inspection in October 2012 the overall effectiveness of the children’s home was judged to be good, with one requirement and one recommendation made.

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Progress

Since the last inspection, the home's Statement of Purpose has been revised to include the experience and qualifications of all the staff including the manager. This means parents and placing authorities have up-to-date information about the home and the people working there.

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Progress

The manager ensures young people are able to contribute to their placement plans. This means young people have a clear picture of their current needs, development and progress. Furthermore, young people sign their placement plans to demonstrate they have read and understood these.

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Progress

Young people are encouraged and supported to develop some independence skills, such as doing their own laundry and travelling independently. However, there are no formal plans in place to progress young people's skills and competence in readiness for future independent living. Young people continue to make extremely good progress in their personal development. For example, their school attendance and attitude to learning have significantly improved. As a result, they are on target to achieve 5 or more GCSE’s this summer as well as securing a place at college. Furthermore, young people continue to enjoy their individual hobbies and interests.

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Progress

Since the last inspection, one member of staff has commenced the level 3 Children and Young People’s Workforce Diploma, as well completing training in first aid and Crisis Prevention Intervention. Furthermore, there are plans for staff to undertake training in equality and diversity, missing from care and child sexual exploitation. This means young people benefit from a highly skilled and motivated staff team.

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Progress

The manager and staff provide a stable and secure environment where young people are able to thrive and grow. They are committed to providing a high quality service and improving outcomes for young people.

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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 that the home contributes to the development of pathway plans and works collaboratively with young people's social worker or personal adviser in implementing the plan.(NMS 12.2)

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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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