Children's home run by The Together Trust in Stockport

Inspection report for children’s home: SC025744 1 SC025744 Registered provider: The Together Trust Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home is operated by a charity. It offers care for up to six children who may experience social and emotional difficulties and/or learning disabilities.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in November 2015.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of this inspection, two children were living in the home. Both children spoke with 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: 12 November 2024

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good

Overall judgement at last inspection: outstanding

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: SC025744 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

12/11/2024 Full Outstanding 13/02/2024 Full Good 28/02/2023 Full Good 02/03/2022 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home: SC025744 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Since the last inspection, two children have moved on from the home. Managers and staff worked hard to support the children to return to the care of their family, building positive relationships with parents throughout the process. Professionals report that this collaborative approach helped enable the children’s successful return home.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Two children have lived in the home for over a year. Children enjoy trusting relationships with staff and say that they can talk to staff about any worries they may have. Staff understand children’s previous experiences and records demonstrate nurturing, sensitive interactions. Children have positive experiences that create lasting childhood memories. This includes holidays in the UK and abroad.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children’s education is a priority for managers and staff. Since the last inspection, one child has completed their GCSE exams and progressed to a college course. Another child experienced a period of good attendance, although their education placements could not be sustained. Staff continue to support children to maintain positive routines and engage in educational activities within the home, including helping them explore employment opportunities. Managers and staff work proactively with external professionals and advocate strongly for children to return to education at the earliest opportunity

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are supported to develop their independence skills. Staff prepare individual independence plans that focus on specific areas of development. For one child this includes completing their own laundry and household cleanliness tasks. Children are rewarded when they complete identified tasks.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children spend time with people who are important to them. Staff support these arrangements and facilitate time with family members and friends in the community and in the home. Children enjoy activities with brothers and sisters. When children spend time with friends in the community, staff check in with them to make sure that they are safe.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The home is clean, nicely decorated and well maintained. Photos of children and certificates of their achievements are displayed. Children’s bedrooms are decorated to their individual tastes and are well furnished.

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

Children are effectively safeguarded. Staff understand children’s individual risks and vulnerabilities. Assessments and plans are updated regularly and set out clear actions for staff to take if risks increase. Staff follow these plans and respond promptly to any safeguarding concerns. Inspection report for children’s home: SC025744 4 Risks in relation to one child going missing from home are understood by staff. When the child is missing managers and staff are responsive. Staff visit areas the child is known to socialise and maintain communication with them. Staff have developed relationships with the child’s peers and their family members. Managers ensure that the child is offered an independent return home interview.

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

Staff understand the risks in relation to self-harm for one child. Managers and staff recognise when the child is experiencing low mood. They respond proactively and with care. When incidents of self-harm occur, staff respond sensitively. Medical attention is sought when this is necessary. Specialist help is made available to the child.

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

Children benefit from strength based, child centred key work sessions that focus on issues affecting them. This includes discussion about friendships, substance misuse and online safety. These conversations have led to risks for each child reducing.

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

Staff search children’s bedrooms when there are concerns for their safety. The reason for the search is clearly recorded. However, records do not consistently evidence that children’s permission is sought, or that they are informed about the room search taking place.

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

Managers and staff effectively represent children’s views and act as advocates in their best interests. Staff encourage children to access the support of an independent advocate. One professional said, ‘staff listen to the child and what they want. They represent their views and advocate well for them.’

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The registered manager is experienced and knowledgeable. He is supported by a strong deputy and together they provide effective, child-focussed leadership to staff. Managers have a visible presence in the home and know the children well. Staff say that they value the support that managers provide.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Children are cared for by an experienced, consistent staff team. Managers have high expectations about the quality-of-care children receive and this is provided by staff. Case records reflect the nurturing work that is undertaken with children. Children are encouraged to read and contribute to their plans. Records reflect a consistently caring and supportive approach.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Managers have effective systems in place to monitor the quality-of-care children receive. Regular audits and monthly progress reports support managers to track the work staff are completing and the progress children make. Feedback from children, parents and professionals is valued and responded to.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

New staff receive a thorough induction and are helped to develop their skills. Staff receive regular reflective supervision that focuses on children’s needs. Detailed records are kept and actions are clearly identified. Staff also benefit from development Inspection report for children’s home: SC025744 5 opportunities and annual appraisals. Feedback from children and colleagues is included within the appraisal process.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Children benefit from effective communication between staff and there is a strong teamwork ethos. This is enhanced by regular team meetings that focus on children’s progress, risks and vulnerabilities. There is a strong sense of shared ownership about how the home operates. One member of staff said, ‘we have good relationships with each other. Everyone has their own skills and strengths. This is the best home I’ve worked at.’ Inspection report for children’s home: SC025744 6

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Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure that room search records clearly demonstrate whether the child has been asked for their permission, or informed that a room search has taken place. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 16, paragraph 3.20)

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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: SC025744 7

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Children’s home details

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

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Inspector

Anna Belshaw, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: SC025744 8 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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