Children's Home run by The Together Trust in Stockport

Unique reference number SC025739 Inspection date 26/03/2014 Inspector Mandy Williams Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 26/11/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The home is owned and operated by a private organisation. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to four children and young people. The young people may have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties or learning disabilities.

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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 full inspection of the home in November 2013, the overall effectiveness of the home was judged to be outstanding. At this time Ofsted suggested improvement in just one area. However, the issue raised has yet to be adequately addressed. Young people's revised behaviour management plans had a number of staff signatures missing. Hence, it is difficult to be assured that all staff working with the young people are familiar with the changes made or that the staff team are responding to behaviours in a consistent manner. This omission had not been identified prior to this inspection.

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Progress

Reports on the external monitoring of the home continue to be undertaken regularly and forwarded to Ofsted as required. However, these did not identify the issue above and on occasion have contained incorrect information as details have been carried forward incorrectly from the previous month's report. The content of one report was contradictory as a result of the above but this had not been picked up by the managers concerned. There have been some alterations to the home since the last inspection which has allowed for improvements to the living space for young people. Work has also been completed in the garden so that young people can use this area in the summer months. Young people have been fully involved in the changes and have chosen the new décor for these areas. This helps young people feel that they belong here. The home is warm and welcoming.

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Progress

The staff team and young people living in the home have remained consistent since the last inspection. Staff demonstrate a thorough understanding of the background of young people and the issues pertinent to each of them. Young people continue to attend education provision specific to their needs and they achieve their potential. Staff champion the needs of the young people and advocate with young people's families and involved professionals to ensure the best outcomes for them. Young people who live in the home continue to make good progress as a result.

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Progress

Staff remain consistent at monitoring any incidents of concern that involve young people. The Registered Manager reviews this regularly and alternative strategies are employed to address any recurring issues. Staff also complete individual work with young people who are learning to manage their responses. As a result young people are learning more socially acceptable behaviours.

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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

12A (2001) ensure that there is co-operation with the child's placing authority in agreeing and signing the plan for the child's placement; specifically that any review of the child's behaviour management plan is agreed and staff have signed the document to indicate that they are aware of the changes made. (Regulation 12A(1)) 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):

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Recommendations

 ensure that there are clear and effective procedures for monitoring and controlling the activities of the home; in particular that reports completed under Regulation 33 accurately reflect the circumstances in the home. (NMS 21.1)

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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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