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

Unique reference number SC068206 Inspection date 21/02/2013 Inspector Pamela Nuckley Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 05/12/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This service is one of a network of children's homes maintained by an independent children's home provider. The home provides a placement for one young person, supported by a staff team of four.

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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 full inspection in December 2012, the overall effectiveness of the service was judged as outstanding and there was one recommendation set. The home was asked to ensure that there was a central log for recording incidents of young people being missing from home. The recommendation has been met. The purpose of this visit was to assess the progress made since the time of the last inspection and how any progress has improved the quality of care and outcomes for young people.

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Progress

Young people have not been missing from this home. There is a central log in place which will capture all the necessary details required to protect young people if they were missing from home. Staff demonstrated that they were fully aware of the ‘missing from home’ protocol for the area. Staff say that their priority is to ensure that young people are safe and well. The home works closely with the ‘missing from home coordinator’ of the police section. Young people have a return interview to see if there are any underlying issues of why they went missing. This ensures that young people are able to express their reasons, that risk assessments are fully updated and that any concerns or issues raised can be fully addressed. Staff have been proactive in supporting young people to raise concerns or complaints about other services that they receive. For example, one young person was not happy that his contact had been reduced without his knowledge. Staff have

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Progress

supported him to take this issue up in a formal way and are helping him access the appeal process. They have also ensured that he has access to independent services if he is not satisfied with the outcome. Due to this robust procedure, young people said they are confident and happy with the home's complaint system and are grateful that they are able to address such issues with support from staff.

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Progress

Young people at this home have good attendance at school and are progressing well. Young people are continuing to achieve within education because the manager and staff work closely with educational settings and get the right help and support for them. This is combined with the hard work staff do in ensuring that young people have a routine, are prepared, encouraged, praised and understand the importance of education. They also enjoy a range of weekly activities outside of the home. This provides young people with the opportunity to mix with other young people of a similar age and develop friendships.

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Progress

Young people were very complimentary about the care that they receive at this home. One young person said they were happy, settled and safe here. They commented on the staff being approachable and good company. They said that they were fully included in their placement plan and are able to discuss any thoughts or ideas with staff about their care. This ensures that young people are at the heart of the services that they receive.

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Progress

Excellent outcomes are being achieved and young people continue to receive a high standard of care from an experienced, competent and fully qualified staff team. Staff receive support through regular supervision, appraisals, training opportunities and group opportunities to discuss the needs of young people. Staff are well supported by the manager who has a good commitment and focus on improvement. Staff are motivated and clearly understand their roles.

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Progress

The manager provides good insight and support to ensure staff fulfil the aims and objectives of the service to a good standard. Good monitoring systems review the quality of care and identify areas where outcomes for young people can be improved. Young people are consulted as part of this process. Monitoring of the home is effective and reports of monitoring are completed in a timely manner. Staff contribute their ideas and views about the service in regular staff meetings. The home's development plan is realistic. It targets areas for improvement and builds on areas of strength that this service has consistently demonstrated. This promotes continuous improvement for young people's care.

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Progress

The recommendation issued at the last inspection has been addressed and the home has demonstrated continued improvement in quality of care and outcomes for young people. As a result, the home is making good progress. No requirements or recommendations have been issued as a result of this visit.

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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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