Children's Home run by St Helens Metropolitan Borough Council in St Helens

Unique reference number SC035971 Inspection date 27/02/2013 Inspector Sonya Robinson Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Date of last inspection 04/12/2012 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 provides short-term breaks and some respite care for children and young people, from the ages of seven years to 17 years, with physical and learning disabilities.

p.3

Brief description of the service

The home is owned and run by local authority.

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 good progress .

p.3

Progress

At the last full inspection in December 2012, the home was judged as adequate overall. Since that last inspection each child has an up-to-date placement plan which means that staff, parents and social workers are in agreement with how the home are to provide care and support. Medication systems are much improved and staff have also undertaken refresher training in this area to ensure that they are fully familiar and confident with the system in place. Records in relation to physical intervention have been updated and there are appropriate prompts to guide staff. However, since the last inspection no child or young person has been physically restrained. The activity lounge and dining room have been re-decorated. Further works to be completed include; additional areas for redecoration, new floor coverings and work to support the outside patio area. Children and young people are excited at the prospect of new fixtures and fittings which will aid their enjoyment throughout

p.3

Progress

their stay. Children and young people are also regularly consulted with, during every stay at the home and their feedback has been very positive. They have particularly commented on some of the activities that they enjoy, for example, swimming, going for walks, trips out on the mini-bus, meals out and birthdays. Where they have raised issues such as, 'I didn't like the sun in my eyes when in the car', have been clearly noted for staff to address and action during the next visit to ensure that the child or young person has a more positive stay.

p.3

Progress

Children and young people benefit from care and attention from a well-supported and committed staff team. Most of the care staff have now attained the relevant child care qualification. However, there are a small number of staff still due to commence the training, although a start date has been established. Staff members report that they receive strong peer and management support and benefit from a good, formal supervision process and appraisal system, which is now up-to-date. There are designated experienced staff as shift leaders on each shift to ensure that the individual needs of children and young people are promoted at all times, including their well-being and safety.

p.4

Progress

Monitoring visits by a representative on behalf of the local authority are regularly undertaken and while these are thorough they do not consistently include the views of staff, children and in particular evidence of consultation with parents or others, such as social workers.

p.4

Progress

The motivation of the newly Registered Manager is driving forward continuous improvement and the staff team are embracing positive changes. Since the last inspection the management team and staff have taken part in a 'development day' to look at their practice and the individual needs of the children and young people in their care. This helps to ensure that young people are provided with a safe, caring and stimulating environment where they can develop and achieve.

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.4

Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure that the registered provider visits the home at least once a month and interview with their consent and in private, children accommodated there, their parent, relatives and person’s working at the home, in order to form an opinion of the standard of care provided in the home. (Regulation 33 (4)(a)) 30/04/2013

p.4

Recommendations

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

p.5

Recommendations

 ensure that all existing care staff have attained a minimum level 3 qualification. This was previously the National Vocational Qualification in Caring for Children and Young People and from September 2010 is the Children and Young People's Workforce Diploma. (NMS 18.5)

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