Children's Home run by New Horizons (Stockport) Limited in Stockport

Unique reference number SC008600 Inspection date 08/01/2014 Inspector Monica Hargreaves Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 10/05/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The home is privately owned and is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to six young people who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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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 full inspection of this service in May 2013, the overall effectiveness of the home was judged to be adequate. Since that time the home has made good progress.

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Progress

One requirement and two recommendations were made at the last inspection. These related to restraint records, staff training and young people's education. These have all been met, which demonstrates the manager's commitment to continuous improvement of the service for the benefit of young people.

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Progress

The manager has taken action to ensure that restraint records provide clear information about the events leading up to a physical intervention as well as of the incident itself. These records meet the requirements of the regulations. The manager regularly checks them to monitor how staff are working to keep young people safe. Staff work hard to help young people to learn to manage conflict and difficulties in a positive way. When their behaviour becomes challenging, staff work effectively with young people to defuse situations. This minimises the likelihood of restraint, which contributes to young people's sense of safety in the home. There has been only one incident of restraint since the full inspection. Since the last inspection, care staff have undertaken training in safeguarding and behaviour management. Some staff have also completed further qualifications that are relevant to their role. Staff reported that training opportunities are good and that

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Progress

the manager sources additional training for the team to meet the specific needs of young people. This means that staff develop and maintain the knowledge and skills they need for their work with young people.

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Progress

All young people are attending their education provision regularly. This is a real achievement for some young people who had not been in school for some time before living at the home. As a result of regular attendance, young people have been able to make progress in education. Since the last inspection, some young people have achieved nationally recognised qualifications and others are working towards them.

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Progress

Young people continue to be well cared for by a consistent team of staff who have a good understanding of their individual needs. Young people enjoy good relationships with staff. This helps them to feel settled in their home and to make steady progress overall. Young people enjoy a healthy lifestyle. They eat healthily and they do not use drugs or alcohol. Those young people who smoke are supported with smoking cessation. All young people take part in activities that promote exercise, favourites being football and gym sessions. They also enjoy activities with staff such as trips to theme parks, visits to the cinema, paint-balling and go-karting. This helps to develop their interests and supports their general development.

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Progress

Young people are cared for safely in the home and helped to understand how to keep themselves safe in the community. Robust assessments clearly identify young people's vulnerabilities and how staff work to lessen risks. Good staffing levels ensure that young people are appropriately supervised and supported in line with their individual plans. Young people report that they like their home. They say that there is no bullying and that the home is a safe place to live. They report that they are able to talk to all the staff and feel confident that they are listened to and that their views matter.

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Progress

Staff report that they are well supported by their manager. They communicate effectively and work well together. This provides consistency of care to young people which has supported their progress and helped them to achieve positive outcomes. Staff morale is good. This has a beneficial impact on the care of young people.

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Progress

The home continues to be managed effectively. The manager closely monitors the progress that young people make. She consults regularly with young people, their families, care staff and professionals. The information that is gathered through these processes is used to drive improvements in the home.

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Progress

No requirements or recommendations have been made as a result of this inspection.

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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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