Children's Home run by The Together Trust in Stockport

Unique reference number SC025747 Inspection date 10/03/2014 Inspector Mark Kersh Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Date of last inspection 08/01/2014 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 children's home run by a charitable organisation. It provides care and accommodation for up to three young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties, physical disabilities and learning disabilities.

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 recent full inspection on 08 January 2014 the overall effectiveness rating of the home was good. During that inspection one requirement and two recommendations were set. The requirement in relation to behaviour management plans and risk assessments has been complied with. These documents have been updated and staff use them on a daily basis.

p.3

Progress

One recommendation has been complied with in relation to notifications being sent to appropriate authorities including Ofsted within 24 hours. The Registered Manager has ensured all staff are fully aware of the new system in place to support this timescale. As a result this increases opportunities for oversight of actions needed to be taken when a significant event occurs. The second recommendation has been carried forward following this inspection. The medication policy has not been fully updated to ensure medicines are administered in line with an agreed and medically approved protocol.

p.3

Progress

The home now has a Registered Manager who has implemented new improved recording systems and they are supporting staff well through the changes needed. This enhances young people's care as regular monitoring enables young people's outcomes to be measured and helps to ensure information sharing is effective.

p.3

Progress

Since the last inspection, one young person has successfully moved on to supported living accommodation. This was planned well, supported by staff and a smooth transition into adult life.

p.4

Progress

Young people say they feel consulted and listened to. They choose activities and meals and are involved in daily decisions concerning the home. Young people say, "I give this home 10 out of 10, and I would like to stay here forever". Young people attend their meetings or are supported by staff who advocate on their behalf. All decisions are communicated back to young people. Young people enjoy school and apprentice work placements and have excellent attendance. Achievements such as exam results and pupil for the day are celebrated by staff and this lifts young peoples’ confidence.

p.4

Progress

The planned programme of refurbishment and redecoration is almost completed. The home provides a very warm and homely environment. Young people's views were sought in relation to décor and furnishings. At the time of this visit the chill out/games room was being completed.. When finished, young people will have much more space and an additional quieter space for them away from the home's main lounge.

p.4

Progress

This is a settled home with no instances of young people being missing from the home. There are currently no safeguarding issues and positive behaviour plans ensure restraint and consequences are not used; the preferred method for behaviour management is positive reinforcement. The home has made good progress since the last inspection.

p.4

Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

p.4

Recommendations

 ensure that medicines are administered in line with an agreed and medically approved protocol. (Volume 5, Statutory Guidance 2.53)

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