Children's Home run by Keys Stepping Stones Limited in Tameside

Unique reference number SC005567 Inspection date 28/02/2013 Inspector Valerie Shephard Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Date of last inspection 18/09/2012 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

This is a private children's home that is part of a large national organisation. It provides care and accommodation for up to four young people with emotional and/or behaviour difficulties.

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

This interim inspection has focused on the progress made by the home since the previous inspection when the overall judgement was good. The home has made satisfactory progress in all areas which maintains the quality of care and outcomes for young people.

p.3

Progress

The Registered Manager is temporarily absent and in the interim period, the assistant manager is running the home. The Registered Manager is due to return to the home imminently. The home has positively addressed the one recommendation made at the last inspection. This pertained to records of staff supervision sessions. These records now include the time and duration of each session which supports good management practice.

p.3

Progress

Young people enjoy stable placements and overall are achieving positive outcomes. All young people attend school and there has been an improvement in attendance during the last few months. Staff support young people to maintain good health with the provision of nutritious food and opportunities for regular exercise. Young people are encouraged to participate in outdoor pursuits and are involved in activities such as cubs, sea cadets and athletics. They are also actively involved with advocacy and children’s rights. These opportunities assist young people to develop social skills which have a positive effect on their self-esteem and confidence.

p.3

Progress

Young people are engaging well with their therapy. This helps them to address issues from early life which have had an impact on their emotional and behavioural development. Stable relationships exist between staff and young people. Young people’s behaviour is more appropriate as a result of staff member’s use of positive consequences to encourage desirable behaviour. This method has also had some success in assisting young people to refrain from going missing from home. Where this problem remains, staff appropriately discuss risks and strategies with the placing authority. This is to ensure that the young person remains appropriately placed and the home can continue to keep them safe.

p.4

Progress

The home has experienced some staffing difficulties since the last inspection due to staff leaving or taking extended leave. Generally, existing staff members or the manager cover shifts to provide continuity of care to young people. However, a core group of staff from other homes in the organisation cover shifts where there is a shortfall. In most cases the young people know these individuals, so this provides continuity and does not impact negatively on their care. On occasions where the individual is unknown, the manager ensures they are put on shift with an established member of staff.

p.4

Progress

The acting manager has generally managed the home well during this period, supported by an experienced and well qualified staff team. He has maintained the running of the home and the standards of care for young people. He has made good use of quality assurance systems to monitor the operation of the home and young people's welfare and progress. However, there is a weakness in relation to the management of the food shopping for the home. Sometimes the purchasing of ingredients takes place on an ad hoc basis despite the presence of clear menu plans. This does not support good housekeeping or provide positive role models to young people about effective food planning and preparation.

p.4

Progress

The home presents as very clean and tidy and is subject to regular maintenance. New carpeting in the playroom enhances the environment for young people. The discovery of damp in one of the living rooms is under investigation and arrangements are in place to rectify the problem. However this problem does not provide a health and safety risk to, or restrict the use of the room by young people.

p.4

Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

p.4

Recommendations

 ensure there are clear and effective procedures for monitoring and controlling the activities of the home with particular reference to the planning and purchasing of food. (NMS 21.1).

p.4

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