Children's home run by The Together Trust in Stockport

Assurance visit report: SC413985 1 SC413985

p.1

Information about this children’s home

The home is owned and managed by a charitable organisation. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to five children who may have a learning disability.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

There is an experienced manager in post who registered with Ofsted in December

p.1

Information about this children’s home

Previous inspection date: 21 October 2019

p.1

Information about this visit

Due to COVID-19 (coronavirus), Ofsted suspended all routine inspections in March 2020. As part of a phased return to routine inspection, we are undertaking assurance visits to children’s social care services that are inspected under the social care common inspection framework (SCCIF).

p.1

Information about this visit

At these visits, inspectors evaluate the extent to which:

p.1

Information about this visit

 children are well cared for  children are safe  leaders and managers are exercising strong leadership. This visit was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000, following the published guidance for assurance visits.

p.1

Information about this visit

Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills is leading Ofsted’s work into how England’s social care system has delivered child-centred practice and care within the context of the restrictions placed on society during the COVID-19 pandemic. Assurance visit report: SC413985 2

p.1

Findings from the visit

We did not identify any serious or widespread concerns in relation to the care or protection of children at this assurance visit.

p.2

The care of children

Children flourish as a direct result of the excellent care they receive at this home. A child’s social worker told the inspector, ‘He [name of child] is really loved and nurtured. Everything revolves around him. His progress is amazing.’

p.2

The care of children

Children are cared for by skilled and dedicated staff. This is demonstrated by the recent efforts of staff to replace one child’s lost toy. Staff bought a similar toy found on sale in France. The toy’s ‘holiday’ and subsequent arrival back at the home was explained to the child through a pictorial social story which met his cognitive needs. This commitment to the emotional needs of children and this detailed understanding of what is important to each child results in children growing up in a warm and caring family environment.

p.2

The care of children

During COVID-19 restrictions in 2020, each child’s education was supported through good communication between schools and the home. Each child had their own room to do their schoolwork in. Education was arranged to meet the individual needs of each child. As a result, one child returned to school exceeding his targets in some areas of his learning. A teacher said, ‘Their [the home’s staff] communication and their advice has been invaluable. It’s great to have a team that are so enthusiastic and supportive.’

p.2

The care of children

Children’s time with their families has been adversely impacted during the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions. It is recognised by staff that, for these children with additional and complex needs, seeing family using remote technology can be confusing and does not meet their needs. Where possible, arrangements have been in place for children to see family members face-to-face. This means that children’s important relationships are sustained in a meaningful way.

p.2

The safety of children

Children are kept safe as a result of the staff team’s detailed understanding of their needs. Staff are informed by clear, individualised written risk assessments which are child-centred.

p.2

The safety of children

Children with complex needs, who can experience barriers to participation, are encouraged to try new experiences and take some risks. This challenges them and encourages them to make progress. Staff have high aspirations for children. This helps them to learn and to achieve.

p.2

The safety of children

Staff use physical restrictions of movement proportionately to keep children safe. Recording and evaluation of these incidents are clear. All staff are trained and Assurance visit report: SC413985 3 experienced in the use of these interventions. This contributes to children’s sense of security and stability.

p.2

The safety of children

The manager has used one child’s clinical psychologist to provide training for the staff team in relation to the child’s attachment needs. This increased the staff’s understanding of the child’s early life experiences and enabled staff to respond to his behaviours in a more informed way. As a result, staff are able to provide this child with care that keeps him safe.

p.3

Leaders and managers

Leadership and management are a key strength of the home. The registered manager and the assistant manager are highly skilled, knowledgeable and reflective practitioners. They lead by example and are excellent role models for their staff team.

p.3

Leaders and managers

There is a strong learning culture across the team. Staff want to do their best for each of the children in their care. They use formal training alongside informal team activities to continually develop their practice. As a result, children are cared for by adults who are well informed, skilled and committed.

p.3

Leaders and managers

The registered manager and her team have strong partnerships with placing local authorities. There are established relationships between specialist services in each child’s placing authority, as well as within the home’s authority. This means that children receive the help they need in a well-planned and timely manner.

p.3

Leaders and managers

A number of recommendations were made at the last inspection. All of these recommendations are met. No requirements or recommendations are made as a result of this visit.

p.3

Children’s home details

Registered provider address: The Together Trust Centre, Schools Hill, Cheadle, Cheshire SK8 1JE

p.3

Inspector

Dawn Parton, Social Care Inspector Assurance visit report: SC413985 4 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, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

p.3

Inspector

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.4

Inspector

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

p.4

Inspector

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

p.4

Inspector

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.4