Children's Home run by Stoke-on-Trent City Council in Stoke-on-Trent

Unique reference number SC381085 Inspection date 27/03/2013 Inspector Susan Mullin Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 23/05/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This children's home is registered to provide care and accommodation for two young people of either gender with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. The home is operated 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 May 2012, the overall effectiveness rating for the home was good, with outstanding features in the quality of care the young people receive and how well they are safeguarded. No requirements or recommendations were made. Since the last inspection there have been further improvements to the service. No incidents of young people engaging in criminal or high risk activities have occurred. Young people benefit from firm but fair boundaries, provided consistently by all staff in a warm and nurturing environment.

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Progress

Young people are engaging in education and making progress from their starting points on entering the home. Young people say that they are fully consulted about their care plans and they are encouraged to be involved in the general running of the home. As a result, this helps to give them a real sense of belonging. Young people grow in self-confidence because they are viewed positively by staff. Behaviour is managed as young people are supported to explore their backgrounds, emotions and resulting actions. Young people make positive choices, look forward to becoming more independent and they grow in maturity. Young people assist with weekly menu planning and enjoy cooking along with the staff. Menus are varied and healthy and reflect their likes and dislikes. All young people’s health needs are met; they are actively encouraged to take personal responsibility for meeting their own health needs. As a result, this improves young

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Progress

people’s confidence and they develops awareness of how to maintain a healthy lifestyle throughout adulthood.

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Progress

Young people benefit from genuine meaningful relationships with staff. They know how to make a complaint and who they can contact if they have any concerns. Young people can also access an advocate if they wish to discuss anything with someone who is independent of the home.

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Progress

An on-going programme of redecoration ensures this home is maintained at a good standard throughout. Young people live in a safe, homely environment.

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Progress

The Registered Manager and staff continue to maintain and improve the standard of care provided and outcomes for young people. Staff development and monitoring processes are effective. Young people are looked after by trained staff that understand procedures and implement a well-managed framework of care to the young people. The home is operating in accordance with its conditions of registration and the registered person remains fit for registration.

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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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