Children's Home run by Stoke-on-Trent City Council in Stoke-on-Trent

Unique reference number SC369840 Inspection date 07/02/2014 Inspector Mark Ryder Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 10/07/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This children's home is registered to provide care and accommodation for two young people of either gender with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. The home is operated by the local authority. The Registered Manager also manages another local authority home nearby.

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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 July 2013 this home was judged as good. There were two requirements and three recommendations made at this time. The provider has now addressed all previous requirements and recommendations.

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Progress

Young people are kept safe and are well cared for. Assessment of any potential risk, both inside or outside the home, is effectively managed. For example, contact arrangements are carefully assessed to ensure young people are safeguarded.

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Progress

Records that are required to be kept at this home are stored securely. Such records are regularly reviewed by the Registered Manager. This ensures that critical information is always available to support young people during their placement.

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Progress

Individual needs are respected and acted upon. Staff are aware of the potential stigma of living in care and make suitable arrangements, with the agreement of young people, to reduce any situations that could negatively impact upon them. Young people know how to make a complaint and have access to the guidance as well as the aims and objectives of the home. A young person said they were informed of what they could do if they were not happy with any aspect of their care.

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Progress

Internal monitoring reports, submitted to Ofsted, are done so at the required frequency. The reports provide clear evidence of how the home is developing and what areas require further work. Comments from young people and other stakeholders also provide feedback as to how the home is being run. An annual development plan reflects the aims, objectives and goals of the service. The staff and senior managers work effectively together in order to promote the home as a place that young people can live to their full potential.

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Progress

The practice and records of this home are regularly reviewed and monitored by the Registered Manager. There is clear management oversight of record keeping and how young people are being cared for at this home. This is an improvement since the last inspection.

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Progress

The Registered Manager is able to assess the strengths of this home as well as the weaknesses. A particular strength is the skilled and competent staff team. All have reached at least level three in caring for children and young people to diploma level. Staff are very experienced and are able to provide a high level of care to young people.

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Progress

The home has continued to improve since the last inspection. Young people confirm that the standard of care is good and that they feel safe. There are no requirements or recommendations made as a result of this visit.

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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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