Children's Home run by Radical Services Limited in Westmorland and Furness

Unique reference number SC061158 Inspection date 19/12/2011 Inspector Anne Bannister Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 24/06/2011 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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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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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

The service is owned by a private company. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for one young person of either gender between the ages of 12 to 17 years of age who have experienced behavioural and emotional 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 interim inspection has focused on the progress made by the home since their last full inspection, in which they were judged to be good. There were two requirements and four recommendations raised as a result of this inspection. These have been actioned. As a result, staff ensure that a review takes place prior to a young person leaving the home; records of physical intervention are appropriately maintained; young people's views are sought by the person undertaking monthly monitoring reports on behalf of the company; and young people are protected by good recruitment practices which ensures suitable adults are employed. The organisation is also in the process of reviewing its education policy to show how it promotes and supports the educational attainment of all young people they accommodate. In addition, all unqualified staff have been registered to commence a child care qualification in January 2012. The children's home has demonstrated

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Progress

continued improvement in the quality of care and outcomes for children and young people. Therefore, all the young people benefit from consistent practice that allows their lives to improve.

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Progress

Young people indicate they feel the home is a very safe place in which to live. Young people say staff listen and consult with them. Their views are taken into account in the running of the home. Young people have consistent feedback to their suggestions and changes have been made in the home as a result of this. For example, young people are listened to about their preference for a key worker and have this choice. Young people know how to make a complaint but have not felt it necessary to use the complaints process within the home.

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Progress

Young people's positive behaviour is promoted. Staff and young people are clear about the disciplinary measures used in the home. From admission, staff and young people look at positive ways of managing young people's challenging behaviours. Individual behaviour management plans confirm young people's preferred response to times of challenging behaviour. These responses allow young people to take control of their behaviours and avoid the escalation of incidents. There has been a positive reduction in the number of times that young people go missing and this reduces the risk of young people coming to harm. Sanctions are rarely used. However, when they are used, documentation does not reflect on whether they are being effective in promoting positive changes in young people's behaviours. Young people have access to the doctor, dentist and optician and staff have a good overview of young people's health needs and ensure that appointments are

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Progress

Good outcomes are being achieved and young people continue to receive a high standard of care from an experienced, competent staff team. The staff team has been stable; they are caring, committed and highly motivated. All staff either hold or are undertaking appropriate child care qualifications. The manager stimulates the enthusiasm of staff and channels their efforts effectively. It is a very child-focused service that is conducive to young people developing their potential.

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Progress

Young people benefit from a home that is managed efficiently. The Registered Manager is aware of the home's strengths and weaknesses as well as systems by which to efficiently manage. The performance of the home is monitored effectively by the Registered Manager and there are positive arrangements made for reviewing the standard and quality of young people's care. The monitoring reports completed by the provider shows young people's opinions are sought to reach a view about the standard care they receive, but there is no evidence that there is consultation with young people's parents or other significant people, including social workers.

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Statutory Requirements

This section sets out the actions which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Children's Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The registered person(s) must comply with the given timescales.

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure that the person carrying out the monitoring visit to the children's home interview the parents and relatives of children accommodated there to form an opinion of the standard of care provided in the home (Regulation 33(4)(a)) 31/01/2012

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure a written record of any measure of control, restraint or discipline is maintained which shall include the effectiveness and any consequence of the use of the measure. In particular this relates to the effectiveness of sanctions in promoting positive behaviours. ( Regulation 17B (3)(f)) 31/01/2012

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

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