Children's Home run by Oakfields Children’s Care Limited in Tameside

Unique reference number SC069176 Inspection date 26/03/2014 Inspector Monica Hargreaves Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 05/12/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This is a privately owned children’s home that provides care and accommodation for up to four young people of either gender who may have behavioural and emotional difficulties.

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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

At the last inspection, in December 2013, the home was judged to be good. Since that inspection, the home has made satisfactory progress.

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Progress

The requirement that was made at the last inspection is met. The manager has sent out surveys to relatives and a number of different professionals seeking their views on care in the home. Responses have been positive, with parents and social workers making comments such as 'I am more than happy with the quality of care in the home', 'the staff are always helpful' and 'I am happy with the progress that (name) has made'. The information that is gained from this consultation is used to drive improvements in the home.

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Progress

Young people benefit from being looked after by an experienced and competent team of staff who have a good understanding of their needs and who work well together. Staff have maintained a very good quality of care for young people and continue to have positive relationships with all the young people they look after. This has supported young people's general progress. Overall, young people make steady progress in the home. They learn about healthy lifestyles. They have a balanced diet and are encouraged to exercise. Those young people who smoke are encouraged to stop. Staff ensure that all young people have an appropriate education provision and encourage them to attend regularly. Young people's engagement with education generally improves as a result of living in the home. This maximises their opportunity to achieve. Young people who are about to take examinations have plans in place to continue their education at college. This

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Progress

improves their opportunities in later life. Young people learn practical and social skills that will prepare them for future independence.

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Progress

Young people who contributed to the inspection reported that they like their home. They say that they feel safe and that they 'get on' with all the staff. They report that they know that staff are interested in their welfare and want them to do well. Young people feel that they would able to make a complaint if they needed to and they are confident that they would be listened to. This contributes to their sense of security in the home. Young people confirmed that they are regularly consulted about their care and life in the home and they contribute to their plans and reviews. This ensures that they are involved in all the decisions that are made about their lives.

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Progress

One recommendation was made at the last inspection. This related to the anti-social behaviour exhibited by some young people outside the home. This recommendation is not met. Most young people behave well both inside and outside the home. However, some young people have struggled to manage their behaviour when they are away from the home and they have been involved in anti-social activities with friends outside the home. This has resulted in them being involved with the criminal justice system. Staff continue to address these issues with young people, working closely with the police, youth offending teams and social workers to divert young people into positive activities.

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Progress

The home is managed effectively. The manager has strong links with professionals from other agencies and is very proactive in ensuring that young people have prompt access to resources they need. She leads the staff team very well and has an excellent overview of the progress that young people make. Staff report that they have regular supervision. They also say that they can approach the manager and senior staff for guidance outside formal supervision meetings. This ensures that they are supported in their work with young people.

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Progress

One recommendation has been made as a result of this inspection. This relates to young people's behaviour outside the home.

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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 that young people take responsibility for their behaviour, specifically in relation to anti-social behaviour outside the home. (NMS 3.6)

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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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