Children's Home run by North Lakes Children’s Service Limited in Cumberland

Unique reference number SC398253 Inspection date 07/11/2011 Inspector Anne Bannister Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 12/07/2011 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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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 to assess the effectiveness of the service and to consider how well it complies with the relevant regulations and meets the national minimum standards.

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About this inspection

The report details the progress made by the provider since the last full inspection, identifies any further strengths, any areas for improvement and makes judgements as outlined in the Inspection of children’s homes – framework for inspection (March 2011).

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The inspection judgements and what they mean

Good progress The children’s home has demonstrated continued improvement in quality of care and outcomes for children and young people and where appropriate has addressed all requirements and the large majority of recommendations that were raised at the previous inspection. Satisfactory progress The children’s home has maintained quality of care and outcomes for children and young people and where appropriate has addressed all requirements and the majority of recommendations that were raised at the previous inspection. Inadequate progress The children’s home has failed to address one or more requirements and/or has not met the majority of recommendations and/or the quality of care and outcomes for children and young people have declined since the last full inspection.

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Brief description of the service

This five bedded children's home is one of three run by this private company. It is registered for five males, aged from 12 years old up to 17 years old with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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Progress

Since their previous inspection the service is judged to be making good progress.

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Progress

This home was judged as good at its full inspection. It is judged to have made good progress at this interim inspection. Outcomes for young people have improved because of the continued improvement in the quality of care at the home.

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Progress

Five recommendations were made at the last inspection on the 12/07/2011. These have been satisfactorily addressed. Consequently, new staff now complete the Children's Workforce Development Council induction programme. Having successfully completed this, all new unqualified staff are either undertaking, or are enrolled to undertake, a level 3 Children's and Young People's Workforce Diploma. The young people's handbook has been revised so that young people know how to contact their independent reviewing officer and the Children's Rights Director. The manager has liaised with police to ensure that the home's procedures for reporting young people as missing from home are compatible with local guidelines. As a result a close working relationship has developed with the local police officer, who contributes to the individual risk assessments developed in response to such instances. This promotes good inter-agency response to safeguarding young people who put

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Progress

themselves at risk by such behaviour. Socially acceptable behaviour is now routinely promoted by the use of praise and reward. Young people are very positive about the individualised reward scheme which has been introduced. One young person indicating that the home 'is teaching me to manage my anger in a more positive way.' Young people are supported to re-establish positive relationships with both peers and staff following incidents of inappropriate behaviours. This is being achieved through the introduction of restorative discussions with all parties involved. This practice is assisting young people to respect other people and is helping them build positive relationships.

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Progress

Good outcomes continue to be achieved. All the young people continue to receive a high standard of care from a competent and enthusiastic staff team. Managers stimulate the enthusiasm of staff and channel their efforts effectively. It is a strong, child-focused service that is conducive to young people developing their potential. Placements are stable and young people have begun to take some responsibility for their behaviours. There are a few behaviour management concerns but these have reduced since the last inspection. The promotion of young people's education, health and well-being are good. Young people's educational attainments continue to be well supported through close liaison between care and education staff. All young people continue to make significant progress when taking into account their starting point at the time the placement commenced. Young people reflect on their progress with their key worker and this keeps them motivated.

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Progress

Continued improvement was noted in other key areas. There is very effective monitoring of the quality of care for the young people in the home. Quality assurance systems are effectively being used to monitor the operation, management, young people's welfare and the home's records. They evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the quality of care provided to young people and are linked into the home’s development plan. Any areas of weakness identified are promptly acted upon. These effective evaluations ensure the standards of care within the home remain high and continue to improve. Senior managers always ensure Regulation 33 and Regulation 34 reports and any significant events are forwarded to Ofsted in a timely manner.

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Progress

The home's Statement of Purpose is regularly updated to ensure it always accurately reflects the current aims, policies and practices. There is also a user-friendly children's guide available for the admission process. This clearly explains the services provided and what the home would expect of children or young people in terms of their behaviour and contribution.

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Progress

There were no shortfalls identified at this inspection.

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