Children's Home run by Footsteps a Path to Change Limited in Staffordshire

Unique reference number SC446261 Inspection date 30/01/2014 Inspector Amanda Ellis Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 16/10/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The children's home accommodates three young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties. It is privately owned and is one of three children's homes operated by the provider. The home can accommodate young people with physical disabilities if their primary need is emotional 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 inspection in October 2013, the overall rating for the home was judged as good, with three statutory requirements set within the inspection report. The manager has appropriately addressed all the requirements raised at the previous inspection.

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Progress

Since this time, the manager has ensured the submission of internal quality assurance and monitoring reports to HMCI, Ofsted. This means the regulator can review the operation of the home. These reports are effective and identify how quality of care is improved. External monitoring visits now include consultation with young people, parents and professionals. Consequently, care provision is influenced by the views of others.

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Progress

Improvements to physical intervention records now ensure a format for the recording of such incidents is in line with the legislative framework. This means that monitoring of the impact and effectiveness of the intervention can be fully evaluated by the manager. The home continues to work positively and communicates well with parents, families and professionals. Proactive work ensures that young people benefit from having their needs and welfare closely monitored and reviewed. One social worker said the progress of one young person had been ‘tremendous’ and ‘he has a full life with education, activities and a solid routine. He now has a voice and will participate in his own care.’

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Progress

Young people benefit from support to engage in education that meets their individual needs and preferences. Health care needs are promoted and young people benefit from healthy lifestyles. They enjoy activities of their choosing which enables them to extend their horizons and explore their own potential.

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Progress

Young people live in a safe, secure and stable environment. Safeguarding procedures are robust and well understood. Young people are safe and feel safe. Behaviour management is responsive to the individual needs of young people. This means effective strategies for young people are promoted and young people are protected.

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Progress

Robust and consistent leadership ensures the effective operation of the home. A development plan identifies how quality of care will be improved. There is clear commitment from the management and staff team within the home to work consistently to improve outcomes and raise the standard of care for young people.

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Progress

The home has made good progress since the last inspection. The management team and staff continue to promote improvements, which mean young people enjoy positive outcomes and good quality of care.

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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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