Children's home run by Maple Leaf Care Limited in Trafford

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

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

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Since the last inspection the progress made by young people has been variable. One young person has made exceptional progress in all areas of his life, including attendance at school, contact and taking part in activities within the community. Clear plans for the future are known and positive. However progress for another young person is static. The number of times they have been reported missing is increasing as are the risks this activity poses, this includes sexual exploitation. The manager and staff are working pro-actively with a range of agencies to reduce this activity, however at present this is having limited effect. The manager is carefully controlling admissions to the home so as not to increase the known risks.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Three young people were admitted to the home since the last inspection, for very short periods of time, including one young person who stayed at the home for less than 24 hours. The staff worked effectively with the placing authority and all young people were returned home very quickly, thus avoiding the need for a prolonged period of time in care. This is good practice.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Two bedrooms have been refurbished and decorated to a very high standard and look welcoming and inviting for any young people who come to live at the home. Various other repairs and general maintenance are evident and the young people have access to a new computer. The Statement of Purpose and Children’s Guide has been updated, but not submitted to Ofsted for scrutiny.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager undertakes an internal monitoring every month, but this is based on a ‘check list’ activity which is repeated each month. This does not allow the manager to concentrate on specific areas of practice or identify areas where practice can be improved. The reports do not contain any analysis of practice.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Some parts of the external visitor’s reports are a repeat of the internal monitoring form. The visitor does speak to the young people if he visits at time when they are in the home, but he does not contact any parents or relatives. Although the reports include an evaluation of the wellbeing of young people and whether they are adequately safeguarded the information is similar to that in the internal monitoring form. The purpose of the external visitor’s visit and report is to provide an independent view.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people reported that they enjoy living at the home and have a good relationship with the staff, who they regard as people who can help them and keep them safe. One young person could identify a range of positive experiences which had helped him to make progress and ‘turn his life around’.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Since the last inspection, there has been no significant incidents, complaints or use of restraint. Ofsted has been notified promptly of all notifiable incidents and these have been handled appropriately.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home is fully staffed and, with the exception of a newer member of staff, all are suitably qualified with an appropriate qualification. Two members of staff are undertaking Diploma Level 5 for Residential Child Care.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

No requirements or recommendations were made at the last inspection.

p.3

Information about this children's home

This section should outline:  The home is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to 4 young people, who may have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.  The home is privately owned and managed.

p.4

Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

p.4

Recent inspection history

10/01/2015 CH - Interim sustained effectiveness

p.4

What does the children's home need to do to improve?

Requirement Due date The Registered Person must notify HMCI of any revisions and send HMCI a copy of the revised statement (Regulation 16 (3) (b) 31 Mar 2016

p.5

What does the children's home need to do to improve?

The Registered Person must ensure that the independent person interviews if they consent the parents and relatives of the children placed (Regulation 44 (2) (a) 30 Apr 2016

p.5

What does the children's home need to do to improve?

The Registered Person must ensure that the independent visitor produces a report about the visit which sets out in particular the independent person's opinion as to whether, children are effectively safeguarded and the conduct of the home promotes children's wellbeing (Regulation 44 (4) (a) (b). 30 Apr 2016

p.5

Recommendations

 The Registered Person should decide what each review should focus on, based on the specific circumstances of the home at that particular time and any areas of high risk to the children. (Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations including the quality standards, page 65, paragraph 15.4)

p.5

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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 .

p.6

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,

p.7

Information about this inspection

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

p.7

Information about this inspection

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.7

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

p.7