Children's Home run by Care Haven (UK) Limited in Stockport

Unique reference number SC065374 Inspection date 13/02/2014 Inspector Louise Redfern Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Date of last inspection 07/08/2013 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

This is a private children's home that provides care and accommodation for up to five young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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

At the previous full inspection in August 2013, the overall effectiveness of the service was judged as good. Two requirements and two recommendations for improvement were set. This inspection looked at the progress made and at any other concerns raised since the last inspection. Good progress has been made since the last inspection. Monitoring of the home continues to be undertaken on a regular basis. Formal systems have now been implemented to ensure young people, parents and placing authorities’ views are obtained as part of Regulation 34 monitoring. This means that improvement in the quality of care is being holistically driven. The Registered Manager takes an active role in recruitment, ensuring the safe recruitment of staff members that are able to meet the young people’s needs. She has ensured that every member of the team has provided a full employment history and explored any identified gaps in employment. The Registered Manager now holds

p.3

Progress

staff files on site which enables effective and robust monitoring of records. A thorough and detailed risk assessment is now in place to underpin the lone working policy. This means risks to young people, staff or visitors have been adequately assessed. Lone working is also discussed in team meetings to ensure staff members have a clear understanding of the risks and control measures in place to safeguard young people and staff. Young people continue to thrive in this home; this is reflected in the settled placements. As a result there have been no notifiable events. However, the Registered Manager has introduced a system to ensure prompt notification to the appropriate agencies. Since the last inspection, the Registered Manager is now providing a written response to young people's requests raised at their meetings. If a young person's request cannot be granted a full explanation is given. This ensures that young people

p.3

Progress

are fully involved and understand why their request cannot be achieved. A complete fire risk assessment of the property has been carried out by an external agency. This has resulted in changes to the fire procedure and made a safer environment for young people to live in. Introduction of thumb locks on external doors has reduced the risk to young people, should they need to evacuate the building in an emergency. Regular fire evacuations now take place, at different times of the day and night. Young people continue to make significant progress in developing their life skills in preparation for moving on from the home. This means they are more prepared for their transition into adulthood. They are now travelling independently and spending time away from the home with friends in the local community. Young people continue to thrive and make good progress in education, they are preparing to undertake GCSE examinations and all have plans to continue their

p.4

Progress

education post 16 in local colleges. One teacher commented ‘X is making outstanding progress across all subject areas.’ The Registered Manager is driving forward improvements in the décor of the home, in consultation with the staff team and young people. A newly installed shower room and re-decoration of communal areas has significantly improved the environment making it a nicer place for young people to live.

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