Children's Home run by Stoke-on-Trent City Council in Stoke-on-Trent

Unique reference number SC403895 Inspection date 28/03/2014 Inspector Michelle Spruce Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 18/12/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This children's home is registered to provide care and accommodation for two young people of either gender with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. The home is operated by the local authority.

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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 December 2013, this home was judged to be good. Three requirements and two recommendations were made to promote improvement. Progress since the last inspection is good.

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Progress

The manager has revised the Statement of Purpose and provided an amended copy to Ofsted. It now includes how parents and social workers can access the complaints procedure. This makes it easier for concerns or complaints to be raised.

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Progress

Medication arrangements have improved. There is now a clear medication tracking sheet that has improved recording. Young people that self-medicate now have a risk assessment that ensures that they can take medication safely. This promotes independence and keeps young people safe.

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Progress

Young people living at the home are happy and continue to do well in education and other aspects of their lives. They confirm the home provides a range of activities for them. Young people now access the community more independently. This improves their awareness of how to keep themselves safe. Staffing arrangements remain the same. This provides young people with stability and continuity. For example, staff know young people well enough to recognise changes in their behaviour that require support or intervention. A staff member said, ‘We have responded to her problems and also encouraged her to face them and work them out; this has improved her self-esteem and confidence’.

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Progress

The manager continues to monitor the quality of care of the service the home provides. However, a review of the quality of care has not been provided to Ofsted in the required time. As a result, a requirement has been raised. The manager and staff team continue to provide a welcoming and nurturing environment where young people feel safe and cared for. This helps young people to develop sense of belonging.

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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 shall supply to HMCI a report in respect of any review conducted by him and make a copy of the report available on request to placing authorities where the placing authority is not the parent of a child accommodated in the home. (Regulation 34(2)) 30/04/2014

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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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