Children's Home run by Rochdale Borough Council in Rochdale

Unique reference number SC034851 Inspection date 27/02/2013 Inspector Monica Hargreaves Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 18/09/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This home provides care and support for four young people who have emotional and behavioural difficulties. The home is managed by the local authority.

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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 September 2012, the overall effectiveness of this home was judged to be good. Since that time, the home has made good progress.

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Progress

Two requirements were made at the last inspection. These are both met. The provider has ensured that reports of monthly registered provider visits to the home are sent to Ofsted. These reports confirm that the care given to young people is monitored to ensure that good standards are maintained. Financial sanctions are no longer imposed for anything other than reparation. This meets The Children’s Homes Regulations 2001. There are very few sanctions overall and those that are used are appropriate.

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Progress

Young people are cared for by a team of competent staff who have a good understanding of their individual needs. Consequently, they make good progress over time from their starting point on admission to the home. Young people develop in confidence and self-esteem, supported by the positive relationships they have with staff. Their general and specific health needs are met and they are supported to develop a healthy lifestyle. Staff work hard to ensure that each young person has an appropriate education placement and that they attend it regularly. All young people's attendance at school has improved from their starting point on admission to the home. Some young people have attained a very good level of attendance at school or college. This helps to maximise their opportunity to achieve in education and therefore improves their opportunities in later life. Young people are helped to prepare for leaving care by

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Progress

developing their life skills in the home and also by making plans for further education, training or work. Young people who contributed to the inspection spoke about the aspirations they have for their future.

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Progress

Young people report that they feel safe in the home. They say that there is no bullying, but that if there are problems between young people that staff 'sort them out'. Robust risk assessments ensure that any area of potential concern for young people is known to staff, who work consistently to protect them. Risk assessments are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up to date and continue to be relevant to young people's needs. Before they came to live in the home, some young people had frequently gone missing from home or care. Staff have worked very effectively, both with other agencies and with these young people, so that over time these episodes have significantly reduced. This means that the potential risks to young people have lessened.

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Progress

The home is well managed. Since the last inspection, the local authority has appointed a new manager to the home, following the secondment of its current Registered Manager. The new manager is experienced and provides good leadership to the staff team. He has started the process of registration with Ofsted. Staff report that they feel well supported by their manager and that they work well together as a team. Consequently, they are able to provide consistent care to young people which supports their progress. The manager has made improvements to some aspects of the records that are kept in the home. He has plans in place to improve the way that consultation with families and stakeholders is achieved.

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Progress

The manager undertakes regular checks on the quality of care in the home and provides reports on these checks to senior managers in the organisation. However, a report summarising these checks has not been completed at six monthly intervals and sent to Ofsted, to facilitate proper oversight of the home. A requirement is therefore made regarding this. As this internal monitoring is undertaken, this shortfall has no direct impact on the welfare of young people.

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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) supply to Ofsted a report of any review conducted by the manager for the purpose of reviewing the quality of care in the home. These reports should be completed and sent to Ofsted at six monthly intervals. (Regulation 34 (2) & statutory guidance Volume 5: Children’s Homes 3.14) 29/03/2013

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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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