Children's Home run by Fairfield Residential Limited in Cheshire West and Chester

Unique reference number SC397987 Inspection date 21/03/2014 Inspector Sarah Oldham Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Date of last inspection 31/07/2013 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

The home is privately owned and is registered to provide accommodation for up to two children with learning 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

The overall effectiveness of the service was judged to be good at the last full inspection in July 2013. Since that time, the home has made good progress.

p.3

Progress

The home has addressed the requirement and recommendation made at the last inspection. The requirement in relation to ensuring two references are obtained prior to staff commencing employment at the home has been met. The home ensures that all staff appointed are subject to a full and detailed recruitment and selection process. This includes obtaining written references which the manager verifies by telephone with the person who supplied them. This means that the home takes appropriate action to safeguard young people through robust recruitment procedures. The recommendation in relation to staff receiving appraisals has also been addressed and all staff now have an annual appraisal. Formal records of these are maintained on staff files and those who have yet to work at the home for a full year have theirs booked to ensure that they are completed within agreed timescales. Along with regular supervision, this means that staff receive support and guidance to

p.3

Progress

Young people continue to have their health care and educational needs addressed well. Attendance at health care appointments and ongoing links with health care professionals ensures that young people's health is effectively supported. All young people attend educational placements that are suitable to their individual learning needs. Staff ensure that regular communication between the home and school is maintained. This enables the young people to receive holistic care and support to meet their individual needs.

p.3

Progress

Staff at the home have a good understanding and knowledge of the chosen communication styles that young people use. This enables them to communicate clearly and ensures that the views of young people are reflected within their individual care plans. This also and supports them in contributing to how the home runs.

p.4

Progress

The Registered Manager provides strong leadership and direction as to how the home operates. She ensures that staff are kept up to date with training as well as supervision and support. This means that they have the necessary knowledge and skills to provide effective care and support to the young people at the home.

p.4

Progress

The home provides a clean and homely environment for the young people. Regular maintenance is undertaken. However, the laminated flooring in the dining room, hallway and upstairs landing is showing signs of wear and tear and is splitting in some areas. This could present a risk of potential trips or falls to young people. Therefore a recommendation has been made to address this.

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 the home provides a comfortable and homely environment and is well maintained and decorated. Avoidable hazards are removed as is consistent with a domestic setting. (This is with reference to the laminated flooring in the dining room, hallway and upstairs landing which is showing signs of wear and tear and could be a trip hazard). (NMS 10.3)

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