Children's Home run by The Partnership of Care Today in Wolverhampton

Unique reference number SC390576 Inspection date 19/02/2013 Inspector Amanda Ellis Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Date of last inspection 01/05/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.1

This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated.

p.2

Brief description of the service

The home is registered to provide care and accommodation for four young people, of either gender with emotional or behavioural difficulties. It is operated by a private organisation.

p.3

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.

p.3

Progress

Since their previous inspection the service is judged to be making satisfactory progress .

p.3

Progress

At the last inspection in May 2012 the overall rating for the home was judged as good, with one statutory requirement and four recommendations made. The manager has appropriately addressed the requirement and the majority of the recommendations made at the previous inspection.

p.3

Progress

The home has made satisfactory progress since the last inspection. Young people continue to enjoy positive outcomes and good quality of care.

p.3

Progress

The requirement to ensure young people have access to their own telephone to make private calls has been fulfilled with the installation of a portable telephone. Young people have access to independent advice and support from adults who they can contact directly and in private about problems or concerns.

p.3

Progress

The manager has initiated measures to improve the maintenance and decoration of the home. This includes internal plastering and redecoration of some parts of the building. However, this does not sufficiently address the recommendation set at the last inspection. There are several areas of the home which are not effectively maintained. For example, there is significant damage to plaster around some doorframes and the hallway ceiling. Areas of the home are in need of thorough cleansing, especially two bedrooms which have malodours which permeate the rooms. In addition, some bedroom furniture is damaged or inadequate.

p.3

Progress

The recommendation to ensure young people take part in appropriate peer activities requires additional work. Some young people do not consistently engage with social activities or participate in sufficient structured activities. This means that young people are inadequately occupied, which means that they cannot explore their full potential.

p.4

Progress

While shortfalls have been identified within this inspection, young people continue to receive care appropriate to their individual needs to ensure they achieve good outcomes. Young people benefit from a well-balanced lifestyle promoted by a skilled and knowledgeable staff team.

p.4

Progress

Young people live in a safe, secure and stable environment. Safeguarding procedures are robust and well-understood. Safeguarding issues are notified promptly. The use of physical restraint in the home is in accordance with the home’s policy. Where restraint has occurred, incidents are recorded appropriately and staff involved are suitably trained.

p.4

Progress

Incidents of young people missing from care are infrequent. The home implements effective protocols and procedures when young people are absent from the home. Staff awareness of factors which lead to young people going missing minimise risks. Furthermore, staff work with a range of professionals to manage these issues.

p.4

Progress

Regular staff training and supervision ensure quality of care is maintained. Staff and managers benefit from a comprehensive programme of training. New staff undertake the Children’s Workforce Development Council’s induction standards before progressing to the Children and Young People’s Workforce Diploma. As a result, staff are suitably qualified to undertake their role.

p.4

Progress

Since the last inspection there have minimal changes with the staff team. This means familiar and knowledgeable carers support the young people. Young people develop positive attachments and relationships with carers, which generally results in their behaviour becoming more positive and productive.

p.4

Progress

Leadership and management arrangements are clear. The home has a development plan in place which reflects practical proposals for continued improvement, with plans for improvements to the home, staff development and training.

p.4

Progress

Young people benefit from effective management and monitoring of the home. Independent monitoring visits take place on a monthly basis and the manager addresses any actions raised to secure improvement. In addition the Registered Manager undertakes routine monitoring activities. These combined systems ensure that young people receive a consistently good quality of care. Two requirements are made as a result of this inspection.

p.4

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.

p.5

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)) 20/03/2013

p.5

Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure that all parts of the children’s home used by children, are kept clean and reasonably decorated and maintained. (Regulation 31 (2) (e)) 20/03/2013

p.5

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.

p.6

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.

p.6