Children's home run by Searchlight Care Services Ltd in Stoke-on-Trent

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged Good at the full inspection. At this interim inspection Ofsted judge that it has improved effectiveness . This home was last inspected in November 2015 and was judged to be good. One recommendation, relating to planning key working sessions was made at that time. This recommendation has been fully met. Young people now benefit from a more structured and planned approach to their individual discussions with staff. As a result, there is now a clearer link to young people’s placement plans. This ensures that young people are completing agreed actions and their progress is recorded and regularly reviewed. Furthermore, since the last inspection, there has been marked improvements to young people’s outcomes and experiences in all areas of their lives.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Since the last inspection, young people are now travelling to school with higher levels of autonomy. Previously, staff transported young people to school and stayed at school to support them. Young people are now able to travel independently to school. This means that young people are able to meet with friends on the way and further develop their friendships and attachments. Young people continue to make very good progress at school; they achieve 100% attendance and are working to expected academic levels. Comments from teachers include, ‘we are very pleased with the young person’s progress’ and ‘we feel part of the team looking after the young person.’ Excellent partnership working underpins the progress that young people continue to make.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There have been significant improvements to young people’s independence. In addition to continuing regular access to local clubs, for example cadets, young people now enjoy increasing amounts of free time with their peers. This ensures that young people develop a strong sense of belonging to peer groups and develop their emotional resilience. As a result, young people develop their social awareness and confidence. This is also reflected in young people’s friends being regular visitors to the home. Young people are proud to have their friends visit the home and this adds to a warm and family environment.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Since the last inspection, young people have developed further life skills. For example, young people now shop independently for meal ingredients, clothing and personal necessities. Young people are also actively involved in the preparation of meals and they take pride in preparing meals for staff. The staff team ensure that young people are encouraged to explore their career options. As a result, young people are developing a realistic awareness of potential post 16 options and pathways.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There have been no serious incidents or restraints in the home. Staff are aware of their responsibilities should this change and all staff are up to date with their safeguarding training. Similarly, there have been no occasions of young people going missing from the home. The staff are vigilant and responsive to the needs of the young people. Risk assessment is appropriate and regularly reviewed. This ensures that young people are enabled to take appropriate risks in line with their vulnerability, age and understanding. Young people are safe at the home as a result.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people’s health has improved since the last inspection. The staff team have ensured that appropriate medical services have been offered for young people and any health needs that require support. For example, where young people experience health issues, the staff team ensure that appointments are made and attended. This in turn has resulted in appropriate treatment being offered and subsequent improvements to young people’s health. Furthermore, where young people require access to more specialist health provision, this has been sourced, agreed and put into place. Young people are, as a result of the attentive staff team, provided with the services that they require.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The leadership and management of the home remains strong. Since the last inspection, the deputy manager has taken on additional responsibility in managing the home. The registered manager retains a close oversight at all times and ensures that all appropriate actions are taken. One new member of staff has started and extensive work has been completed with young people to ensure a smooth integration that minimises disruption to routines and familiarity. Oversight is good and the management team are skilled in identifying areas to improve. Young people benefit from living in a home where the staff provide effective care in a supporting and nurturing environment.

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Information about this children's home

This home is owned and operated by a private organisation. The home is registered to provide care for two young people with emotional or behavioural difficulties. However, the home only provides care for one young person at any one time, unless the two children are siblings and it is considered appropriate for them to share a bedroom.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

26/03/2015 CH - Interim Improved effectiveness

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Recent inspection history

17/02/2014 CH - Interim Satisfactory progress

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What the inspection judgements mean

At the interim inspection 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

Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children and young people living in the children's home. Inspectors considered the quality of work and the difference adults make to the lives of children and young people. They read case files, watched how professional staff work with children, young people and each other and discussed the effectiveness of help and care given to children and young people. Wherever possible, they talked to children, young people and their families. In addition the inspectors have tried to understand what the children's home knows about how well it is performing, how well it is doing and what difference it is making for the children and young people who it is trying to help, protect and look after. This inspection focused on the effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of children and young people since the most recent full inspection.

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Information about this inspection

This 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 Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the Guide to the children's homes regulations including the quality standards. the guidance raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted, which is available from Ofsted's website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted . If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Information about this inspection

achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, workbased learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It inspects services for looked after children and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team,

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Information about this inspection

The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

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Information about this inspection

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Information about this inspection

Store Street Manchester M1 2WD T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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