Children's Home run by Frances House Ltd in Lancashire

SC403462 Unique reference number 19 August 2010 Inspection date Monica Farrimond 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 6 Inspection Report: SC403462

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Brief description of the service

The home is operated by a private organisation and is registered to care for up to five young people, of both genders, between the ages of 11 and 17 years. The home cares for children with emotional and behavioural difficulties. The house is situated in a small town, close to all amenities and is easily accessible by motorway. The house is a large end of terrace property, comprising of large communal areas, two kitchens and single bedrooms for the young people accommodated. The home is furnished and decorated to a high standard.

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Summary

This interim inspection looked at safeguarding procedures and any issues in relation to safeguarding that have arisen since the last inspection. The home continues to manage safeguarding issues well and the welfare of the young people is promoted. Being healthy, enjoying and achieving, positive contribution and organisation were not looked at on this inspection. Safeguarding the welfare of the young people is a high priority and staff work positively as a team. Young people enjoy living at the home and they are confident that staff will keep them safe. A notable feature is that serious incidents and physical interventions are not a regular occurrence, and this is a reflection on the positive caring environment evident at the home. 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 manager was asked to ensure that risk assessments were developed in relation to bullying and to assess the risks for young people taking part in activities; both these issues have been satisfactorily addressed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. There are sound procedures and good care practices that keep young people safe in the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff demonstrate a strong commitment to preserving the dignity and privacy of young people and they have a very good understanding of safeguarding issues, which ensures that young people are protected from abuse. Training for staff is kept up-to-date and detailed policies and procedures are readily available for staff to refer to for additional guidance. Senior managers from the organisation are always available for advice and guidance, by way of an on-call system, which works effectively; ensuring staff have access to support 24-hours a day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The service has a well developed complaints procedure and all complaints are responded to promptly. Young people know the complaints procedure and they are confident that any complaint will be taken seriously. There are complaints raised by the young people in their meetings and these are followed-up appropriately by the manager and staff. This ensures that young people feel that their concerns and opinions are valued. 4 of 6 Inspection Report: SC403462 Staff are quick to intervene, should a bullying situation arise and any issues relating to bullying are handled well, ensuring young people feel safe. Good staffing levels ensure that young people are well supervised. Comprehensive individual risk assessments and placement plans allow staff to manage any concerns that might arise between young people. There is a clear protocol for staff to follow, in the event of an unauthorised absence, which ensures that young

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Relationships between young people and staff are good. Staff have a positive view of the young people they work with. They promote and reward positive behaviour and support young people well so that they are protected from incidents developing into episodes of challenging behaviour. All staff are properly trained to diffuse difficult situations. Individual risk management and behaviour support plans clearly show how staff will work to promote behaviour that is positive and to lessen the risk of behaviour becoming challenging. Challenging behaviour is managed appropriately and restraints are only ever used as a last resort and in very clearly defined situations. The infrequency of such incidents indicates that the strategies that staff use work well and that young people benefit from the way in which they are cared for.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Health and safety matters are managed well, so that young people benefit from being cared for in an environment that is safe. Risk assessments on the environment and activities, as well as on individual young people are in place and regularly reviewed so that information is kept up-to-date and accurate.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home's procedures for the recruitment and selection of staff are robust. All staff are thoroughly vetted before they are appointed, to ensure that they are safe to work with vulnerable children and young people. These arrangements promote and safeguard the welfare of the young people accommodated.

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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

There are no recommendations. 6 of 6 Inspection Report: SC403462

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