Children's Home run by Family Care Associates Limited in Shropshire

Unique reference number SC020595 Inspector Julian Mason Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Registered person Family Care Associates Limited Registered person address 60 School Lane Bamber Bridge PRESTON PR5 6QE Responsible individual Andrew O'Reilly Registered manager Gail Christabel Hogan Date of last inspection 12/09/2014 2 of 5 Inspection date 20/02/2015

p.1

Previous inspection good Enforcement action since last inspection none

p.2

This inspection

This home was judged good at the last full inspection. At this interim inspection Ofsted judge that it has sustained effectiveness .

p.2

This inspection

At the last inspection, one requirement was made which has been addressed. Vetting checks for agency staff have been improved because the Registered Manager now ensures that information relating to past employment is made available. This has enabled work histories to be checked alongside other vetting information to help determine an individual’s suitability to work with young people.

p.2

This inspection

Some staff changes have occurred at the home, which have inevitably impacted on the relationships young people have with their carers. These changes have created some vacancies within the team but new residential staff have been recruited and are about to be inducted into the provider organisation. Although changes have occurred, the home still employs a good number of experienced and qualified staff who help to mentor and coach newer staff members. Young people continue to benefit from being looked after by a core team of staff who are skilled, capable and know each young person very well.

p.2

This inspection

The Registered Manager and staff team are well aware of the impact staff changes can have on young people and the attachments formed within the home. They work hard to reduce the impact on young people when staff changes take place. For instance, where staff members have had significant, long-term involvement in looking after young people, plans are put in place to prepare them for changing relationships and staff departures. Staff pay attention to what young people say about these circumstances in order for plans and arrangements to reflect individual feelings and needs.

p.2

This inspection

Although no new admissions have occurred since the last inspection, several young people have departed from the home. In these circumstances, they are provided with the right support and help that is consistent with their particular circumstances and arrangements. Young people’s relationships with each other are considered as 3 of 5 part of planning for change within the resident group. Where it has been agreed, young people are supported to keep in touch with each other in order to help them maintain their friendships and attachments.

p.2

This inspection

Transition planning for young people who are moving on in a planned way to other placements is strong. Effective partnerships are established quickly between the home’s staff and young people’s proposed new carers. Arrangements are tailored to each young person’s needs and circumstances to help provide the best possible start to their new placements. Because the home also has effective partnerships with a range of other professionals such as teachers, therapists and social workers, handover information to new carers is also comprehensive.

p.3

This inspection

The Registered Manager and staff team continue to demonstrate a commitment to improve the quality of care and outcomes for young people. The current resident group have been at the home for some time. Each young person continues to benefit from an individualised programme of therapy, education and care. Young people feel safe in the home and can readily identify the good progress they have made since their arrival. Young people continue to experience stable placements where their welfare and safety is consistently promoted. 4 of 5

p.3

Information about this children’s home

This is a privately-owned children's home for up to four young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

p.4

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

12/09/2014 Full good 24/03/2014 Interim satisfactory progress 11/12/2013 Full good 26/02/2013 Interim good progress Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.4

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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.5

What inspection judgements mean

At the interim inspections we make a judgement on whether the home has improved in effectiveness, sustained effectiveness, or declined in effectiveness since the previous full inspection. This is in line with the Inspection of children’s homes: framework for inspection.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5