Children's Home run by Crossway Services Limited in St Helens

Unique reference number SC068206 Inspector Michelle Bacon Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Registered person Crossway Services Limited Registered person address 8 Black Brook Close Heapey Chorley Lancashire PR6 9AJ Responsible individual Pauline Ann Croft Registered manager Kathleen Mitchell Date of last inspection 08/10/2014 2 of 5 Inspection date 17/02/2015

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Previous inspection good Enforcement action since last inspection none

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This inspection

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

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This inspection

The home was last inspected in October 2014, the overall effectiveness was judged to be good. Three recommendations were made to improve practice in relation to Regulation 33 visits, appraisals and the fire risk assessment. All of the recommendations have been addressed; the independent visitor now secures the views of social workers and other professionals working with young people to ensure they continue to receive high quality support. There is increased consultation within the home, young people now contribute to the staff appraisals, which allows them to make a purposeful contribution to staff development and practice.

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This inspection

Excellent outcomes are being achieved by the young person currently in placement. The staff have successfully challenged barriers to the full participation of the young person at school. Consequently, they are now making educational progress and achievement. One teacher reported ‘ (young person) tries hard in English and is making pleasing progress considering their limited time in school. Well done.’ Another said ’ (young person) school work has been approached with a better attitude and she is making progress. Well done.’ The young person is provided with plenty of opportunities for fun and engaging activities, for example, they are learning to play the base guitar, regularly attend drama and girl guides. Consequently, this gives them a real sense of achievement and improves their self- esteem. Staff regularly celebrate the young person's achievements and consistently reinforce the progress they are making.

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This inspection

Young people no longer go missing from the home. If this should occur staff are proactive in working with the police and follow agreed protocols to ensure the young person's safe return. Young people experience a very warm, nurturing environment that encourages them to thrive and grow. They have established extremely positive relationships with all the staff. The young person was in a pantomime at Christmas, which all the staff team went to see. This has helped them to build meaningful 3 of 5 relationships and develop trust in those caring for them.

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This inspection

Robust safeguarding arrangements are a particular strength of the home. Strong links with other agencies ensures that the young person does not engage in risk- taking behaviours and they are not at risk of harm. The young person spoken to said ‘ I feel safe and when people I don't know come to the home, staff stay with me which makes me feel safe.′

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This inspection

The emotional and psychological health needs of the young person have also improved from the starting point of placement. This is because their medication has been reviewed and they now receive the correct dosage. As a result, their concentration, attention and impulsivity have improved.

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This inspection

The manager has a good understanding of the homes strengths and weaknesses, and uses inspection and monitoring activities to strive for continued improvement. She consistently communicates high expectations to her staff team. This is reflected in the excellent progress made by the young person. They commented ‘it's really good here… this is one of the better homes, I give it 10 out 10.’ There are no requirements or recommendations made as a result of this inspection. 4 of 5

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Information about this children’s home

The home, run by a private company, provides care and accommodation for one young person with emotional or behavioural difficulties.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

08/10/2014 Full good 07/03/2014 Interim good progress 05/12/2013 Full good 21/02/2013 Interim good progress Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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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.

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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.

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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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