Children's Home run by PIC Children’s Services in Sefton

Unique reference number SC040785 Inspection date 26/02/2014 Inspector Maria McGranaghan Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 28/06/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The home is run by a private organisation and is registered to care for two young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties or a learning disability.

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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 satisfactory progress .

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Progress

The purpose of this visit is to assess the progress made since the last inspection and how any progress has improved the quality of care and potential outcomes for young people.

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Progress

At the last inspection in June 2013 the home was judged as being outstanding. At the time the Registered Manager was asked to take account of one recommendation made with regard to the front door of the property. The manager has been proactive in addressing this matter. The door has been replaced and this enhances the appearance of the home.

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Progress

The home is judged as making satisfactory progress.

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Progress

Young people are supported to regain their confidence within the educational arena. Excellent relationships are formed between the home and educational providers and this ensures that young people receive a consistent approach to their educational routine. Consequently, young people who have previously experienced educational disruption now have improved attendance and are working toward GCSE examinations.

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Progress

Young people benefit from a staff team who are in-tune with their individual needs, abilities and strengths. Through careful assessment young people work in partnership with staff and external agencies in order to develop essential life skills. Consequently, young people are successful and develop skills at a pace suitable to their individual need.

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Progress

Young people’s individual needs are appropriately assessed within the home. There are very good examples of focused key work sessions including independent skills, personal safety and relationships. It is clear that young people engage well with staff and benefit from sessions distinctly linked to their individual placement plan.

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Progress

Young people engage in activities best suited to their individual interest. For example, young people attend theatre productions and classes. Young people have used these skills to put on their own theatre production and were successful in raising over £500 for charity.

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Progress

Young people’s safety is prioritised in the home. Good safeguarding systems are in place and work hand-in-hand with external safeguarding agencies. As a result, young people are very rarely missing or absent from the home.

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Progress

The organisation has further improved the quality of training provided to staff and have also introduced senior roles within each of the establishments. Staff say, ‘I am over the moon, I feel like there is scope to further develop and move up the ladder. The training has been amazing and this has really helped us in our roles.’

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Progress

Despite these strengths there is an area for development. External quality assurance systems are in place in order to provide the home with an independent view of the overall care provision. However, reports focus on maintenance issues and therefore do not provide a suitable analysis of the care provided in the home. Consequently, external monitoring is deficient and does not serve as a useful tool to enhance service provision. As a result one requirement is made at this inspection.

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Statutory Requirements

This section sets out the actions which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Children's Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The registered person(s) must comply with the given timescales.

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure visits by the independent person include interviews with their consent, young people, parents and person's working in the children's home and the reports reflects how young people are safeguarded and the welfare promoted. (Regulation 33 (8) 26/03/2014 (a) (i) (ii))

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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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