Children's Home run by Keys Stepping Stones Limited in Tameside

Unique reference number SC005567 Inspection date 03/02/2014 Inspector Valerie Shephard Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 30/05/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This is a private children's home that is part of a large national organisation. It provides care and accommodation for up to four young people with emotional and/or behaviour 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

This interim inspection has focused on the progress made by the home since the last full inspection when the overall judgement was good. The home has made good progress in all areas which improves the quality of care and outcomes for children.

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Progress

The manager has addressed the two recommendations made at the last inspection. One related to the actions taken by staff when a child goes missing from home. There is evidence of proactive and fruitful engagement with the police when children go missing. The police recently expressed their ‘satisfaction with the actions taken at the home in relation to one child, and the positive effect the change of plans have had on his levels of going missing from home.’ The provision of an independent advocate following a missing event is a positive step. It ensures children are able to speak to someone not connected with the home on their return. This independence may assist them to discuss any worries they may have.

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Progress

The second recommendation related to the continuation of the programme of decoration and refurbishment in the home. Re-decoration and new carpeting in the hall and stairway has improved the appearance of the environment. This creates surroundings which are comfortable and homely benefitting children and staff alike.

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Progress

Children enjoy stable placements and are achieving good outcomes in terms of their education and health. School attendance is good, and in some cases excellent. Overall, children are doing well in their learning and some have made significant improvements in, for example, their reading abilities. Children enjoy good food and some are eating more fruit than they had previously, which benefits their health and well-being. Generally children engage with their therapy which assists in the development of their emotional and mental health. They begin to understand issues from their early life which have had an impact on their development. As a result, they learn to manage their anger better and there is a marked reduction in angry outbursts and incidents of restraint. Where children choose not to engage in therapy, the staff will consult with the therapists to inform effective management of their behaviour.

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Progress

Children engage in a range of physical activities which include riding horses, cycles and scooters and attending trampoline club. These activities support good health and offer opportunities for socialisation. Children benefit from contact with their families and people of significance to them; this helps them to develop their identity. Children establish good relationships with staff and there is evidence of some attachments developing as they learn to trust adults. The staff fully support children with their health and educational needs and their personal interests. There is good consultation with children to ascertain their views in relation to the running of the home. A social worker commented, ‘communication is very good from the home; this is a very good placement for this young person.’

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Progress

The home continues to offer a safe environment to children. Few restraints are necessary, but when these occur there is active management and follow up with children. There is a positive approach to behaviour management and effective challenge where negative consequences are not appropriate. As a result, missing from home events have drastically reduced. The home undertakes relevant checks and references to ensure the safe and effective recruitment of new staff. This helps to ensure the home does not employ unsuitable people to work with children.

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Progress

The newly Registered Manager is effectively managing the home and has good monitoring tools to maintain oversight of the home’s operations. The timely submission of notifications ensures the regulatory body and relevant professionals are fully informed of significant events relating to children. While the home has few complaints, these are dealt with appropriately and promptly to achieve resolution for all parties.

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Progress

The home continues to provide clean and tidy surroundings and is subject to regular maintenance ensuring to create a family environment.

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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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