Issue - meetings

(CPP: 1 / CPT: 11, 13, 14)

Purpose:  To present Members with a copy of Castle Gate’s annual revision of its statement of purpose as required by the Children’s Homes Regulations 2001.

Resolved that the revised Statement of Purpose be agreed.

This decision is eligible to be ‘called-in’.  However, if the decision has not been ‘called-in’ by 5.00pm on 29 July 2011, then it will be implemented.

The Executive considered a report (Agenda Item 8) concerning the annual revision of Castle Gate’s Statement of Purpose.

Councillor Irene Neill in introducing the report advised that it was a requirement of the Care Standards Act 2000 and the Children’s Home Regulations 2001 for a residential home to have a Statement of Purpose which was reviewed and agreed annually by Elected Members.

Castle Gate provided short term respite care for disabled children and their families, and was much valued by those who used it. The Statement of Purpose set out details covering a number of issues which included:

·                    the services provided;

·                    the staff team;

·                    how children were assessed for the service;

·                    what was on offer for the children and young people at the centre; and

·                    how their care plans were drawn up and managed.

The Statement of Purpose was little changed from that approved by Members for the previous year. The only changes related to the reference to two unannounced inspections by Ofsted during 2010/11, both of which received an overall quality rating of good. Ofsted commented that “the well managed staff team worked hard to ensure that children and young people had a good time whilst staying at the home.”

Improvements included the introduction of communication passports which contained items of key information that travelled with the child to each setting, and regular consultation events were held with families.

Monthly unannounced visits continued to be undertaken to check on different aspects of the care provided and to talk to the children, young people and staff on duty. This was undertaken by a senior Council Officer and a Councillor.

Councillor Neill added that she was always impressed by the care given to the children and by the happy atmosphere in the home. This was an invaluable service to parents and carers and without it there would be a need for expensive care packages.

Councillor Gordon Lundie felt that West Berkshire was fortunate to have this service in place and added that Officers did an outstanding job. He then urged Members to take the opportunity to visit Castle Gate to see the benefit it made to families.

Councillor Alan Macro agreed this was a valuable service and a good investment of the Council’s money. It was also pleasing to see such a positive outcome from the Ofsted inspections.

RESOLVED that the revised Statement of Purpose be agreed.

Reason for the decision: To comply with the Children’s Homes Regulations 2001.

Other options considered: None.