Children's Home run by Keys Child Care Limited in Lancashire

SC064500 Unique reference number 8 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: SC064500

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Brief description of the service

The home provides medium to long term care for up to three children from nine years of age. The organisation specialise in working with children and young people who are deemed to suffer from an attachment disorder or attachment difficulty. All admissions are planned.

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Brief description of the service

As well as residential provision, the organisation provides individual therapeutic programmes. All such activity takes place away from the home environment. It remains the responsibility of placing authorities who purchase a therapeutic package for a young person, to ensure it is appropriate to meet their individual needs.

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Summary

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

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Summary

The home continues to be well organised and managed. The staffing complement, structure and working practices of the home have remained stable and effective since the previous inspection, and young people are settled in their placements. All are in full time education either at school or college and have plans and strategies in place to meet their individual needs.

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Summary

No major issues or concerns were raised by either young people or staff. No new concerns have been raised as a result of this inspection but one previous recommendation is carried over. 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

The previous report contained no actions, but three recommendations. Two have been fully addressed with specific, written semi-independence plans being created for all young people. For those preparing to leave care, pathway plans are now in place and held on site.

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Improvements since the last inspection

A recommendation to improve the detail in placement plans regarding the cultural and religious needs of young people, has been partially addressed. However, some shortfall in one placement plan has been noted and the recommendation is repeated.

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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. The organisation, working practices and strategies designed to keep young people safe remains good. The records linked to complaints, unauthorised absence, physical intervention and sanctions, known as consequences, are well maintained and reflect the current stability of the home. This is a view supported by both staff and young people. 4 of 5 Inspection Report: SC064500 Young people understand the complaints procedures which has been successfully tested since the previous inspection. No major issues or concerns were raised by young people who confirm they feel the home is a safe place to live.

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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): • improve the detail contained in placement plans regarding young people's cultural, religious and racial needs. (NMS 2.1) 5 of 5 Inspection Report: SC064500

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