Children's Home run by Unity Residential Care Services Limited in Stoke-on-Trent

Unique reference number SC426318 Inspector Michelle Spruce Type of inspection Full Provision subtype Children's home

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Registered person Unity Residential Care Services Ltd Registered person address Cartwright House Broad Street STOKE-ON- TRENT ST1 4EU Responsible individual Israel Kofi Amponsah Registered manager Susan Peggy Weston Date of last inspection 03/03/2014 2 of 9 Inspection date 07/01/2015

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Previous inspection satisfactory progress Enforcement action since last inspection There has been no enforcement action since the last inspection.

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Overall effectiveness outstanding

Outcomes for children and young people outstanding Quality of care outstanding Keeping children and young people safe outstanding Leadership and management outstanding

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Overall effectiveness

This service is outstanding in all areas. The home is managed by a committed manager and dedicated staff team. The key strengths lie within the highly effective joint working between the manager, staff team and external partners. Development plans secure the homes future.

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Overall effectiveness

Effective placement planning improves outcomes for young people. The care, time and attention given to ensure the quality of care delivered are exceptional. Young people, parents, social workers and other professionals speak highly of the manager and the staff. It is clear from the feedback received that this service strives to meet the individual needs of very vulnerable young people.

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Overall effectiveness

Young people’s safety is paramount. Staff go the extra mile to ensure they are safe and protected. Young people know they are safe and feel cared for and protected. The home provides, nurture, love and emotional warmth that young people thrive on to mature into confident young people.

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Overall effectiveness

Communication is a strength that enables staff to meet the needs and requests of young people. Young people communicate freely about their views and feelings regardless of the language barriers they face. Excellent support is provided for 3 of 9 young people to enable them to have freedom of speech. They contribute to shaping their care and the home they live in.

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Overall effectiveness

There were no requirements or recommendations made at this inspection. 4 of 9

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Information about this children’s home

This privately owned children's home is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to two young people, who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

03/03/2014 Interim satisfactory progress 22/11/2013 Full good 06/02/2013 Full good 01/05/2012 Interim good progress 5 of 9

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Outcomes for children and young people outstanding

Young people make significant progress from their starting point. Their confidence and views about themselves improves because they know who they are and the reasons they are in care. They take good care and pride in their personal appearance. As a result, they mature and gain a sense of identity. A school staff member said, ‘He is doing well now; he did have low self-esteem and confidence; he can make decisions for himself now’.

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Outcomes for children and young people outstanding

Young people try hard to increase education attendance and attainment and challenge the barriers to learning that has hindered their progress. For example, one young person struggled with group situations making it difficult to attend education. By taking small steps to build relationships he has engaged more and attendance has improved. A young person said, ‘My English is good it was not very good before; I am making good progress at college; I like education and sport’. Reports from school confirm progress, one report read, ‘He is an excellent student who works very hard. He is committed to learning and is always keen to acquire new knowledge. I am confident he will succeed in whatever he aspires to do.’

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Outcomes for children and young people outstanding

Young people know how to keep themselves fit and healthy. Some try to quit smoking because they know the effects this has on their health. A young person said, ‘My health is ok; I attend my appointments and try to give up smoking; I eat healthily’. Physical exercise promotes fitness and young people say they take part in regular sporting activities. A young person said, ‘I go to Tae Kwan Do; football and go to the gym; I would like to go boxing’. This keeps young people fit. Young people also benefit from a good healthy diet that meets their religious and cultural needs. They attend regular health appointments that ensure any treatment required is provided. Additional support is provided from external health professionals. This means their emotional and psychological needs are met.

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Outcomes for children and young people outstanding

Young people’s relationships with their family improve due to regular contact. Strong bonds are formed because staff work in partnership with families to promote and encourage contact. As a result, young people sustain important friendships and relationships.

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Outcomes for children and young people outstanding

Young people make excellent transition into adult care. Their pathway from leaving the home is supported well because staff work in close partnership with the leaving care team and young people. This makes the transition a smooth one. As a result, leaving care is an exciting and happy time.

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Quality of care outstanding

6 of 9 Staff work exceptionally well with young people. They know and understand their individual needs because care planning is constantly reviewed and updated. Staff go the extra mile to ensure that the most vulnerable young people are cared for and treated equally regardless of their, race, religion, culture or gender. A social worker said, ‘The progress has been staggering due to the amazing patience and commitment of the team; they have nurtured him’.

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Quality of care outstanding

Staff work tirelessly to promote education and learning. Where young people face barriers to accessing education, staff work in partnership with schools and colleges to ensure opportunities are not lost and alternatives are found. A parent said, ‘He goes to college and enjoyed going to work with me; staff really try to get him to education’.

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Quality of care outstanding

Staff willingly take on new challenges. For example, a young person new to the home required extensive support with communication due to English not being his first language. Staff worked hard to establish trust and confidence through an interpreter. This enabled him to communicate his wishes that later led him to access education. As a result, his English improved significantly. A social worker said, ‘This is a very effective team; this child’s journey is incredible; they have taken on the challenge with great care and enthusiasm; this is the way to do it’.

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Quality of care outstanding

Staff listen to young people and take action to act on their wishes. One young person wanted to access the local church and made preferred choices about what activities he wanted to go on. Young people know they are valued and respected because staff help them to achieve their dreams and aspirations. As a result, young people shape the care they receive. A young person said, ‘I am able to speak up for myself; I attend my reviews’.

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Quality of care outstanding

Young people know how to raise concerns and complaints. The manager has acted on complaints raised by young people. The outcome is provided to the young people in writing. Young people confirm they are happy with the outcome of their complaint and the way they are handled and responded to. This gives them confidence that their concerns are taken seriously and investigated fairly.

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Quality of care outstanding

Staff have excellent relationships with young people. This also extends to all persons they work alongside. A parent said, ‘Staff are fantastic’. Young people thrive from the nurture they receive from staff. One young person who has suffered extreme trauma said, ‘I sometimes have bad dreams; I tell the staff; I have counselling’. As a result, young people continue to receive excellent quality care.

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Quality of care outstanding

Young people access a wide range of activities that meet their physical, social and emotional needs. Activities are chosen by young people and staff encourages them to engage socially. Young people contribute back to their community and have taken part in raising money for charity. As a result, young people contribute to the community they live in and feel a sense of belonging. 7 of 9 The home is excellently presented, warm and welcoming. All rooms are spacious, well-furnished and maintained. The home reflects the personalities of young people. There is lots of evidence that show the achievements of young people. For example, certificates and photographs given for raising money for charity decorate the home.

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Keeping children and young people safe outstanding

Young people are safe and protected from harm. They say they feel safe in the home. A young person said, ‘This is the most happiest I have been; I haven’t felt safe before; I do feel safe here’. Staff provide a nurturing environment that is warm and welcoming. Young people are aware of their own vulnerabilities and take responsibility for their own safety. For example, returning home on time and keeping in touch with staff. There is a stable staff team who know the young people well. Young people are familiar with the well-established team and know who is on duty and who is sleeping in each night. This give them confidence they are safe from harm.

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Keeping children and young people safe outstanding

Staff are highly effective at managing risk. They are trained in managing behaviour and physical intervention. Physical intervention is only used as a last resort. A young person said, ‘Staff have used restraint; I have a de-brief and sign records’. Staff use restorative justice to encourage reflection and positive behaviour. For example, after a young person broke a picture frame of another peer he wrote a letter of apology and cleaned up the mess. This helps young people recognise the consequences for their actions. Young people are consulted about measures of control and say they feel they are fair. Clear behaviour management plans identify the triggers to behaviour. This helps to reduce incidents and allows young people to take responsibility for their own actions. A young person said, ‘I feel I can control my anger because strategies are in place’.

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Keeping children and young people safe outstanding

Safeguarding is a priority. Staff work in partnership with the Local Safeguarding Children’s Board in bringing any concerns to their attention. Allegations are handled well. Young people raise complaints with confidence because they know they will be listened to and taken seriously. Staff are trained and knowledgeable in safeguarding and child protection. This keeps young people safe from abuse.

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Keeping children and young people safe outstanding

Young people’s missing from home episodes have reduced considerably. Missing from home is a rare occurrence now. Staff work in close liaison with the local police to report, find and return young people home safely when they are missing. A young person said, ‘I did go missing; I kept in touch; I don’t go missing anymore’.

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Keeping children and young people safe outstanding

Staff are safely recruited and vetted before they start work in the home. Visitors sign in and are verified before they are given entry to the home. This keeps young people safe.

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Keeping children and young people safe outstanding

The home is excellently managed in regards to health and safety. All equipment is 8 of 9 routinely inspected to ensure it is in good working order and fit for purpose. Fire drills and tests are undertaken with staff and young people. This ensures everyone knows what to do in the event of a fire.

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Leadership and management outstanding

The service is effective and efficient because the manager is well-established and supported by a stable and dedicated staff team. The manager knows the strengths of the service and has robust development plans in place to continue to operate. The manager holds a NVQ 4 Leadership and Management Award and has been in post since 2011.

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Leadership and management outstanding

Survey responses received to Ofsted confirm the quality of care provided improve the life chances of young people. They thrive and remain in stable placements as a result of the high quality of care they receive.

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Leadership and management outstanding

Staff are valued and appreciated. They receive regular supervision and appraisal that enables them to broaden their skill and knowledge through training identified in personal development plans. As a result, staff continue to provide care that is a high quality.

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Leadership and management outstanding

Monitoring of the home is undertaken monthly by an independent person. Reports are sent to the manager and Ofsted in a timely manner. Additionally the manager completes her own monitoring of the home and provides a review of care to Ofsted. Improvement is tracked through effective monitoring and includes feedback from young people, staff and others.

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Leadership and management outstanding

Records of young people are of a high quality and reflect the progress they have made. Regular review and update of records by the manager and the independent visitor ensures they maintained to a high standard and continue to contribute to young people’s lives. They are kept safe and secure to protect confidential data.

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Leadership and management outstanding

Complaints are addressed in a sensitive and timely manner and managed well. All complaints are taken seriously and investigated fairly.

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Leadership and management outstanding

Notifications of significant events are sent to Ofsted in line with regulation. This means any action required to be taken by Ofsted is not delayed. This keeps the channels of communication open and transparent and ensures information is shared in a timely manner.

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Leadership and management outstanding

There were no requirements or recommendations made at the last inspection Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Leadership and management outstanding

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Judgement Description

Outstanding A service of exceptional quality that significantly exceeds minimum requirements.

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Judgement Description

Good A service of high quality that exceeds minimum requirements.

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Judgement Description

Adequate A service that only meets minimum requirements.

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Judgement Description

Inadequate A service that does not meet minimum requirements.

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Information 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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Information about this inspection

The report details the main strengths, any areas for improvement, including any breaches of regulation, and any failure to meet national minimum standards. The judgements included in the report are made against the framework of inspection for children's homes.

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