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

Unique reference number SC403895 Inspection date 13/03/2013 Inspector Michelle Spruce Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 11/09/2012 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

The judgement at the last full inspection in September 2012 was outstanding overall. No requirements or recommendations were made. Progress since the last inspection is good.

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Progress

There have been some significant changes within the home since the last inspection. A new manager was recruited in September 2012. They have applied to Ofsted to become the Registered Manager of the home and their application is currently being processed. A staff member said: ‘The manager understands the needs of the children and we feel listened to which strengthens our working relationships.’ As a result, young people have thrived and their outcomes have improved.

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Progress

Young people have made excellent improvement in their steps towards independence. Effective transition planning has enabled young people to leave the home confidently prepared for adulthood. Young people’s self-esteem has improved because they have taken small steps towards independence. One young person said, ‘I go out more now on my own, this makes me feel great.’ Young people continue to achieve excellent education attendance and enhance their learning ability through additional support provided by staff. For example, young people attend additional classes after school and staff provide support with homework. As a result, young people’s grades have improved which widens their career prospects.

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Progress

Young people give their views and opinions through regular discussion and participation in one-to-one discussions with staff and attendance at the local authority’s Children in Care Council. This has improved young people’s self-esteem, health and independence because they are directly involved in decision making and planning their own future.

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Progress

The home provides a nurturing environment where young people feel safe. The manager and the staff team excel in providing consistency of care that enhances the quality of care young people receive. As a result, young people continue to achieve better outcomes in a home where their welfare is paramount.

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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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