Children's Home run by After Care (NW) Limited in Sefton

Unique reference number SC042652 Inspection date 29/01/2014 Inspector Graham Robinson Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Date of last inspection 17/09/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.1

This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated.

p.2

Brief description of the service

The home is owned by a private company and is registered to provide residential accommodation for up to three looked after young people with emotional and behavioural needs.

p.3

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.

p.3

Progress

Since their previous inspection the service is judged to be making good progress .

p.3

Progress

Following the previous inspection, the overall rating for this home was judged as good, although there were some outstanding features. Since then, the home has continued to make good progress. For example, there have been no significant behaviour management issues within the home. The external monitoring of the home has improved with the revision of the report format which now gives a more detailed and thorough oversight of the homes operation. In addition, an independent element regarding the person conducting external monitoring visits has been introduced. This has improved the level of consultation and evaluation taking place.

p.3

Progress

Young people confirm they feel safe and secure in the home and are well settled into their placements. They recognise and respect the structure and boundaries put into place which allows them to re-invest into a more ordered lifestyle than previously experienced. Their needs are recognised, understood and are being addressed positively, giving young people the opportunity to experience improved outcomes in all areas of their lives.

p.3

Progress

The home has established and maintains good links with external services allowing for a co-ordinated, multi-agency response should a safeguarding issue arise. These arrangements contribute effectively to minimising the number of incidents that do occur and in ensuring that young people's needs and safety remain a priority. Staff understand the vulnerabilities of the young people in their care, which are reflected in planning documents and individual assessments of risk. This is one of the contributing factors in place to ensure young people are protected.

p.3

Progress

Young people are well informed and consulted about their future plans, giving them a feeling of worth, a sense of direction and personal goals to aim for. They confirm their views and opinions are regularly sought and taken account of regarding life in the home and when planning for their own future. For example, young people have recently taken on some responsibility for creating an agenda, chairing young people's meetings and in producing minutes from these meetings. This gives young people a sense of responsibility and ensures that issues important to them are being aired and debated.

p.4

Progress

The home is well organised and managed, with young people being looked after by a stable staff group who work collectively to meet young people's needs. Staff and young people enjoy each others company, which creates a warm, relaxed and happy environment, which is evident when you enter the building. Young people confirm they can bring issues and concerns to the attention of staff in the knowledge and expectation they will be addressed positively.

p.4

Progress

Staff and young people will soon benefit from having the kitchen completely refurbished, with work to complete this on-going when the inspection took place. The overall standard of repair décor, fixtures and fittings is good. Young people say they like the home and are comfortable living in it.

p.4

Progress

The home has made identifiable progress since the previous inspection and the high standard of care noted then has been maintained. Placements are settled, with young people experiencing positive outcomes in all areas of their lives. No new requirements or recommendations have been made.

p.4

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.

p.5

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.

p.5