Children's Home run by The Partnership of Care Today in Staffordshire

Unique reference number SC005040 Inspection date 13/03/2014 Inspector Michelle Spruce Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 19/11/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The home provides care for up to four young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties. It provides medium to long-term residential care and is owned by a private company.

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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

Since their previous inspection the service is judged to be making satisfactory progress. At the previous full inspection in November 2013, the overall effectiveness of the service was good. Two recommendations were made; both have been met.

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Progress

Improvement has been made to ensure sanctions are understood by young people and staff. Young people tell staff if they think sanctions are fair or unreasonable. Staff evaluate the sanctions to see what has worked well and what needs to improve. This helps staff and young people to understand their effectiveness and improves behaviour.

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Progress

The staff team have improved how they help young people to develop and understand their life history. All young people have a life story book or memory box that treasures important memorabilia significant to them. This helps young people understand their life journey and helps them to recognise their identity.

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Progress

Some young people continue to do well and attend their education provision. Others struggle to attend due to personal barriers. Staff work hard to help young people find alternative options of learning, such as college and home tutoring. However, despite this effort by staff some young people still find it hard to fully engage. There have been misunderstandings and breakdown in communication between the home and school that has delayed young people returning to education sooner than expected. A school staff member said, ‘They don't communicate much.’ The deputy manager confirmed that communication could be better and a more pro-active approach would help in assisting young people to maintain their education placement. As a result, learning opportunities are lost.

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Progress

Young people feel safe in the home and know staff have their best interests at heart. Young People say, 'I love it here; all the staff are nice'. Due to recent placement changes in the home, missing episodes and anti-social behaviour have reduced. A young person said, ‘I don’t go missing anymore. This means young people are safe.

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Progress

Young people regularly share their views, wishes and feelings in weekly house meetings. Young people feel they are listened to and their requests and suggestions are met by staff. This means young people feel valued. As a result, their confidence improves and the care they receive is shaped by them.

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Progress

The health and safety requirements in the home are regularly monitored. However, the kitchen and bathroom require attention. For example, there is a considerable build-up of dirt on the work top seal behind the kitchen sink. The upstairs shower is broken and the flooring is torn. The repair to the bathroom has not been attended to as requested in March 2013. This means the home is not kept reasonably clean or maintained. Young people confirm they have chosen wall paper to decorate and personalise their bedrooms. This promotes their identity through the personal choices they make.

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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 that all parts of the home used by children are kept clean and reasonably decorated and maintained. (Regulation 31(2)(e)) 30/04/2014

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):  ensure staff engage and work with schools, colleges, other organisations, and the placing authority to support children’s education including advocating to help overcome any problems the child may be experiencing in their educational setting (NMS 8.7)

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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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