Children's Home run by Eastfield Group in Sefton

Unique reference number SC064663 Inspection date 25/03/2014 Inspector Michelle Bacon Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 20/11/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The home provides care and accommodation for up to five children or young people with emotional or behavioural difficulties. The home is owned by a private organisation.

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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 full inspection in November 2013, the overall effectiveness of the service was judged as good, with two requirement and five recommendations made. 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 outcomes for young people.

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Progress

The home continues to show a good capacity for improvement in quality of care and positive outcomes for young people. The two requirements and four of the recommendations have been addressed. Young people continue to make good progress across all aspects of their lives. A placing social worker commented ‘X has been loads better…the impact of living here is great…the staff have a good approach.’ A parent commented ‘ they couldn't be in a better place…my boys are 100% different…I can't fault the staff they give me 150% support.′

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Progress

A requirement to ensure clear procedures are in place when any young person goes missing has been addressed. The manager has made significant improvements to the missing from home records so that it is clear what action has been taken to ensure the safe return of young people when they go missing. The records demonstrate that staff take appropriate action to promote the welfare of young people. For example, they follow young people to encourage them to return and keep in touch by mobile phone and texting. Young people's risk-taking behaviour has reduced since coming to live at the home. Furthermore, staff spend time with young people on their return to establish the reasons why they were missing.

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Progress

Since the last inspection, the manager has revised the behaviour management procedures. There are improvements in the revised sanctions book so that it now meets with the regulatory requirements. There is a stronger emphasis on rewarding positive behaviour, and as a result there has been a reduction in the number of sanctions. Furthermore, young people are given the opportunity to have their views recorded in the sanctions book. This enables young people to reflect on their behaviour and possible consequences.

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Progress

A recommendation to ensure the home has a copy of each young person's personal education plan has not been met. The home has been proactive in chasing this up with placing authorities but they have had limited success with this to date. The manager continues to be proactive in pursuing the plans. The home encourages and supports young people to engage in their education. Staff attend events such as parents’ evening to ensure young people are on target with their learning.

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Progress

Young people live in a home that is maintained to a high standard and nicely decorated. The carpets to the upstairs landing have been replaced, which enhances the overall appearance of the home.

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Progress

Young people benefit from a consistency of care provided by a stable staff team. Staff work together with parents and social workers to secure positive outcomes for young people. As a result, plans for rehabilitation to family are underway for some young people.

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Progress

Staff have access to good support and supervision from the manager and her deputy. In addition they also have access to regular training that supports their professional development and work with the young people. For example, training to support young people at risk of exploitation and missing from home has been secured, and will be completed over the coming months.

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Progress

There is both internal and external monitoring of the home to ensure the quality of care continues to improve. However, although Regulation 33 reports are forwarded to Ofsted, no Regulation 34 reports have been received. This does not impact on the quality of care and support that young people continue to receive.

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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 the registered person supplies to HMCI a report in respect of any review conducted for the purposes of paragraph (1). (Regulation 34(2)) 29/04/2014

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Recommendations

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

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Recommendations

 ensure staff have up-to-date information about each child's educational progress, including a copy of their personal education plans. (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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