Children's Home run by ROC Northwest Limited in Lancashire

SC066428 Unique reference number 12 October 2009 Inspection date Graham Robinson Inspector Random Type of Inspection

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This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated.

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You can obtain copies of The Children Act 2004, Every Child Matters and The National Minimum Standards for Children's Services from: The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Cripins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop

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About this inspection

The purpose of this inspection is to assure children and young people, parents, the public, local authorities and government of the quality and standard of the service provided. The inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcome for children set out in the Children Act 2004 and relevant National Minimum Standards for the establishment.

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The inspection judgements and what they mean

this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is strong Good: this aspect of the provision is sound Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is not good enough Inadequate: 3 of 5 Inspection Report: SC066428

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Brief description of the service

The home provides full time residential care for five young people with challenging behaviour and physical and learning disabilities.

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Brief description of the service

It is set in its own grounds and is domestic in appearance. A high standard of accommodation is provided, which includes suitable adaptation to cater for young people with physical disabilities and allows for wheelchair access.

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Summary

This short, unannounced interim inspection was used to follow up the two recommendations made at the previous inspection. The key standards linked to staying safe were also reviewed. The overall quality rating remains as it was due to the limitations of this inspection.

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Summary

Since the previous inspection, a new extension has been built which is designed to provide a more independent lifestyle for a young person. A variation to the registration has been completed which increases to five, the number of young people that can be accommodated at any one time.

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Summary

The home continues to be well managed and organised, with no major changes to the structure, working practices or staff compliment. Plans and strategies to deal with young people's individual needs are in place.

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Summary

No serious issues or concerns have been raised as a result of this inspection. The report contains one new recommendation linked to updating the fire risk assessment to take account of recent developments. The overall quality rating is good. This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Two recommendations were made following the previous inspection and both have been addressed positively. This has led to improved consistency in implementing the formal staff supervision programme and with the completion of the manager's registration with Ofsted.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The safety and rights of both young people and staff are protected. Young people have access to the complaints system which has been successfully tested since the previous inspection. Records of any complaint made, along with the outcome are recorded appropriately. This also applies to records of sanctions and physical interventions.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The group of young people living at the home are dependent on staff and the high staffing levels, based on their needs, reflect this. Appropriate plans and strategies designed to meet 4 of 5 Inspection Report: SC066428 young people's needs and where necessary, manage challenging behaviour are in place. The home was calm and well ordered throughout the inspection.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Following advice from the fire service, the home is currently phasing in significant improvements to its fire detection and management systems. A new fire alarm was recently installed, with other improvements scheduled to take place by early January. The fire service also advised that the fire risk assessment should be revised and updated. This task has been completed, although the revised risk assessment fails to take account of the recently built extension and improvements to the fire detection system.

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions, which must be taken so that the registered person meets the Care Standards Act 2000, The Childrens Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider must comply with the given timescales.

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • revise and update the fire risk assessment to take account of recent developments (NMS 26.2). 5 of 5 Inspection Report: SC066428

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