Children's Home run by The Partnership of Care Today in Stoke-on-Trent

Unique reference number SC356318 Inspection date 07/01/2014 Inspector Pete Hylton Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 22/08/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The home is registered to provide care for two young people, of either sex with emotional, behavioural and learning difficulties. It is owned by a private company.

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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 home was last inspected in August 2013 and was judged to be outstanding. No requirements or recommendations were made at this time. Since the last inspection, the home has demonstrated a capacity to make further improvement. For example, additional training has taken place for senior staff in the home. As a result, the management of the home is now further equipped to provide supervisory support to the staff team.

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Progress

Young people continue to make good progress with their educational studies. Clear and purposeful routines mean that young people know the expectations of the home and are encouraged to succeed. A social worker commented that a ‘young person is responding really well to boundaries and making improvements with their behaviour.’ Promoting independence is a key area of focus for the home. All young people are encouraged and supported to develop their skills and make a successful transition to adulthood. A social worker commented that a young person has ‘made a lot of improvements with their independence.’

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Progress

All staff are up to date with their restraint, child protection, first aid and fire safety training. Restraint has not been used in the home for several years. This can be attributed to good behaviour management and a culture of mutual respect. Young people are encouraged to discuss their emotions with the staff team. As a result, they develop an understanding of how to behave in a socially acceptable manner. Where young people display challenging behaviours, the use of appropriate sanctions ensures that young people understand the consequences of their actions. This results in a home where young people live together in an inclusive and a accepting environment. This is further enhanced through regular young people meetings where a range of issues are discussed. For example, meal and activity choices, plans for the home and ideas for further improvement. As a result, young people are enabled to have their say and their views influence the running of the home. A social worker

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Progress

commented that the home is ‘really young people centred.’

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Progress

Since the last inspection, there have been no complaints. Young people are encouraged to voice any concerns using the home’s readily available complaints procedure. The Registered Manager regularly meets with young people to seek their views about the home and uses this to identify improvements. Regular key working sessions further underpin a culture where young people are encouraged to discuss their ideas, views, feelings and wishes. As a result, young people are respected, valued and listened to. External agencies value the home’s inclusive approach. A social worker commented that the staff team are ‘working really well in partnership to support the young person.’

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Progress

The staff team is stable, experienced and committed to providing excellent care to young people. The Registered Manager ensures that staff are up to date with their professional knowledge. For example, legislative changes are discussed and literature relating to social care is shared with the staff team. This results in a staff team who are knowledgeable about their work and able to reflect on current thinking and trends. Furthermore, the Registered Manager continues to have clear development plans for the home and realistic targets. For example, a current development point is to identify and evidence where the home is exceeding national minimum standards. Young people benefit from a home that is constantly striving to improve.

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Progress

The home continues to be very well maintained and attractively presented. A warm, homely and comfortable environment ensures that young people enjoy relaxing with staff and each other. All required checks are up to date for the home and clear routines ensure that all areas are routinely checked. Where defects are noted, they are swiftly rectified. As a result, young people appreciate their environment as they can see that staff take great pride in maintaining the home. Regular fire drills, including evening times, ensure that all young people know how to safely evacuate in the event of fire.

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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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