Children's home run by Elizabeth Marland Children’s Respite Care Limited in Trafford

Inspector Michelle Bacon

This monitoring visit . The home was good at the full inspection in October 2015, and judged to have sustained effectiveness at the last interim inspection on 22 March 2016.

p.2

Inspector Michelle Bacon

Ofsted carried out an unannounced visit to the home on 1 September 2016 following concerns raised by two anonymous sources. The monitoring inspection found that none of the concerns raised could be substantiated.

p.2

Inspector Michelle Bacon

Young people are able to participate in a range of activities, subject to their health needs. During this monitoring visit, the young people were observed engaging in various arts and crafts activities, as well as playing ball. Staff were observed to be appropriately supervising young people.

p.2

Inspector Michelle Bacon

An independent visitor undertakes monthly visits to the home. A copy of the report is sent to Ofsted.

p.2

Inspector Michelle Bacon

A recent safeguarding concern was investigated by the registered manager. Although suitable internal action was taken, the registered manager did not report the concern to the designated officer. Ofsted shared the incident with the designated officer, who has subsequently confirmed that they have spoken to the registered manager about the issue and propose no further action.

p.2

Inspector Michelle Bacon

Staff spoken to during this monitoring visit demonstrated a good understanding of safeguarding practice. There is a mobile phone policy in place which clearly stipulates that mobile phones are not allowed when staff are on duty. However, staff are allowed to take their mobile phones when they are away from the home with young people, in case of an emergency. The policy was revisited in the team meeting on 31 March 2016.

p.2

Inspector Michelle Bacon

Those staff who completed the Ofsted survey confirmed that they had done this independently.

p.2

Inspector Michelle Bacon

The evaluation sheets for six young people from 1 March 2016 to 31 March 2016 were viewed. The inspector could find no evidence to suggest that the records had been altered after the time of the original recording.

p.2

Inspector Michelle Bacon

Staff confirm that the management team is very supportive and that they feel confident to challenge management if necessary. This indicates that the team can readily communicate with the management team.

p.2

Information about this children’s home

The children’s home is privately owned and provides care for up to eight children with physical and learning disabilities and health needs. Some children live in the home, others have short breaks. The home is also registered with the Care Quality Commission.

p.3

Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions that must be taken so that the registered person(s) meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the ‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’. The registered person(s) must comply within the given timescales.

p.3

Recommendations

 The relevant officer or teams within the local authority should be informed promptly of all allegations that come to the employer’s attention or that are made directly to the police. (Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards, page 44 paragraph 9.18)

p.3

Recommendations

 The registered provider is responsible for ensuring that all staff consistently follow the home’s polices and procedures for the benefit of the children in the home’s care. This is with particular regard to the home’s policy on the use of mobile phones in work. (Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards, page 54, paragraph 10.20).

p.3

Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to monitor the action taken and the progress made by the children’s home since its last Ofsted inspection. This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000. 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 this guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234 or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.4

Information about this inspection

inspects to 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, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It inspects services for children looked after 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

p.5

Information about this inspection

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

p.5

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.5

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.5