The Care Quality Commission

Archived: Staffordshire Shared Care

The Old Library, Bird Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 6PN (01543) 510143

Provided and run by:
Action for Children

All Inspections

30 January 2013

During a routine inspection

Staffordshire Shared Care provided services to disabled children, young people and their families. Personal care was provided as part of a Sitting Service. Twenty-six families used the service to support their children at home. It enabled families to have a break from child care and gave children and young people access to additional support.

We spoke with two families about the service. One parent told us they had sought help for their disabled child because they recognised that the child would benefit in the long term from having other adults who could meet their care and support needs. The child looked forward to the support worker's visits, which were 'always fun'. The parent told us that they used the time to do activities with other children in the family, 'We've all gained'. Another parent described the service as, 'Brilliant'. Parents described their support workers as, 'Very sensitive' and 'Lovely'.

We saw that a support plan was drawn up with the child and the family, following a thorough assessment of their needs. Parents gave written consent to the support plan. We saw that the service had a very active approach to keeping children safe. They reviewed risks of abuse to children and ensured that families understood support workers' duties to protect children. We spoke with support workers who were experienced and well-trained. They told us they were well-supported at work. We saw that Action For Children had robust quality assurance systems in place.