Children's Home run by Stoke-on-Trent City Council in Stoke-on-Trent

Inspection report for children’s home: SC403895 1 SC403895 Registered provider: Stoke-on-Trent City Council

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Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home is operated by the local authority. The home provides care for up to two children with social and emotional difficulties. There is a registered manager in post who is experienced and suitably qualified. The manager is also registered for another of the local authority’s children’s homes.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of the inspection, there were two children living in the home. Both children spoke to the inspector.

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Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

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good

How well children and young people are helped and protected good

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good

The effectiveness of leaders and managers good

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good

The children’s home provides effective services that meet the requirements for good.

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good

Date of last inspection: 14 January 2025

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good

Overall judgement at last inspection: good

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: SC403895 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

14/01/2025 Full Good 16/04/2024 Full Inadequate 23/01/2024 Full Requires improvement to be good 12/07/2022 Full Requires improvement to be good Inspection report for children’s home: SC403895 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff provide children with good-quality care that meets their day-to-day needs. Staff speak about the children with warmth and affection. They remain sensitive to the children’s developmental needs and previous experiences. Children say that they are happy living in the home.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children benefit from stable and nurturing relationships with staff. One child is well settled and responds positively to established routines and boundaries. Another child has recently moved into the home from another home operated by the same provider. The manager recognised the importance of continuity and facilitated the transfer of a staff member the child had an existing, trusted relationship with. This proactive approach supported the child’s emotional well-being and helped them adjust during a period of transition.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children’s views are reflected in their personal plans. Children’s wishes and feelings are considered through key-work sessions and on a day-to-day basis through discussion and interaction with the staff. These opportunities enable the children to learn how to communicate and listen effectively.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff are ambitious for the children and support them to attend and achieve in their education. Staff communicate effectively with children’s schools and other education professionals. When children attend school on a part-time basis, staff support educational activity throughout the day and advocate for an increase in education as soon as possible. This ensures that children have continuity in their learning.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are in good health and are supported well by staff to manage identified health needs. They have access to health services when they need them and are continuously encouraged to attend their appointments. Where the children are reluctant to engage with health appointments, staff are patient and accepting, while being consistent in their encouragement.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children’s cultural identities are actively promoted and celebrated. Staff encourage children to share aspects of their heritage, including preparing and enjoying traditional foods. One child is supported to cook their favourite meals and share their experiences with others in the home. Staff also support children to maintain relationships with people who are important to them. This contributes positively to children’s sense of identity and emotional well-being.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Staff have access to external clinical and therapeutic support. Clinicians and staff work together to learn from children’s previous experiences and presenting behaviours to help them understand what approaches will suit children’s individual Inspection report for children’s home: SC403895 4 needs. This provides staff with considerable insight into the children’s responses to situations. Staff use this, along with their understanding of the children’s individual ways of communicating, to reassure and support them. As a result, incidents are reducing, and children are now more able to identify and talk to staff when they feel upset.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Safeguarding concerns are managed effectively. An allegation against an adult working in the home was promptly shared with the relevant safeguarding agencies and managed in line with statutory guidance. The investigation was completed promptly and sensitively. In addition, safer recruitment procedures are in place. This ensures that children are cared for by suitable adults.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Online safety is taken seriously. The registered manager and staff are adaptable, ensuring that restrictions with online devices are age appropriate, and take prompt action when vulnerabilities are identified. Staff help children to understand the risks associated with accessing the internet, promoting safe and informed internet use.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Staff use physical intervention as a last resort. When physical intervention is used, it is necessary and proportionate, and children’s views and feelings about being held are gathered. The manager has good oversight of restrictive practice and supports the staff to reflect on their practice following each incident.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The registered manager demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement. Since the last inspection, she has taken effective steps to strengthen team stability and morale. Staff have benefited from team development days, which have provided opportunities for reflective learning and a deeper understanding of the team’s culture and values. These initiatives have contributed to a more cohesive and motivated staff team and, consequently, stability for children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff feel well supported by the registered manager. Overall, they receive regular supervision, and appropriate training has been completed to ensure that staff are equipped to meet the needs of children. Staff have received their annual appraisals. These practices contribute to a confident and competent workforce.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The registered manager works effectively in partnership with the local authority and other professionals to meet children’s needs. She is a strong advocate for children, particularly in relation to their education, and ensures that care planning progresses in line with the children’s needs. Feedback from professionals highlights positive communication and collaborative working, which contributes to well-coordinated support for children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager has developed effective monitoring systems that support continuity of care for children. However, there is no up-to-date workforce development plan. This limits the manager’s ability to track and ensure that home-specific training is Inspection report for children’s home: SC403895 5 completed in line with organisational policy. This shortfall has the potential to impact on the effectiveness of staff development and oversight. Inspection report for children’s home: SC403895 6

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Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure that there is a workforce plan that can fulfil the workforce-related requirements of regulation 16, schedule 1 (paragraphs 19 and 20). This must reflect the current team of staff and their development plans. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 53, paragraph 10.8)

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Information about this inspection

Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children and young people, using the social care common inspection framework. This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000 to assess the effectiveness of the service, how it meets the core functions of the service as set out in legislation, 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’. Inspection report for children’s home: SC403895 7

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Stoke-on-Trent City Council

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Civic Centre Glebe Street, Floor 2, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 1HH

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Inspector

Julia Tompson, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: SC403895 8 and 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, 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 looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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