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

Unique reference number SC064500 Inspection date 12/01/2012 Inspector Maria McGranaghan Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 08/06/2011 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 home is privately run and provides care for up to three children. The organisation specialises in working with children with emotional and behavioural difficulties specifically attachment disorder or attachment difficulty.

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Progress

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

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Progress

The children’s home has demonstrated continued improvement in the quality of care and outcomes for children and young people. All the young people benefit from consistent practice that allows all aspects of their lives to improve.

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Progress

Young people work closely with staff addressing all aspects of their care and education. Their views are consistently gathered and these influence the home’s operation and future direction. There is good feedback and consultation with partners who confirm that the ethos at the home supports young people to achieve and develop. Relationships within the home are very good with individual differences being accepted and valued by all living and working at the home. Young people are assisted to develop as individuals with the emphasis clearly focusing on self-esteem and confidence. As a result young people are happy, safe and thrive in their home.

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Progress

Excellent outcomes are being achieved and all young people continue to receive a high standard of care from an experienced, competent and qualified staff team. It is a strong child focused service that strives to ensure all young people reach their full potential.

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Progress

Placements are stable with young people taking responsibility for their behaviour. There are no behaviour management concerns. Young people’s education is consistently promoted. School attendance and attainment is excellent. All young people actively engage with their education programmes and are making exceptional progress. Young people’s achievements improve self-confidence and future prospects. They are able to reflect on their progress with their key worker and this keeps them highly motivated.

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Progress

Plans for young people leaving the home have been significantly developed and work hand in hand with individual pathway plans. Young people are supported to develop independent living skills in accordance with their individual abilities. The home uses good thematic approaches to support learning including holidays, activities and outings. Young people are integrated well into the community and this assists them in making and sustaining external relationships.

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Progress

The home’s aims and objectives are being met. There are good quality assurance systems being used to monitor the operation, management, young people’s welfare and the home’s records. Realistic and challenging targets are outlined within the home’s development plan. Very good monitoring systems are used that comply with the requirements of Regulation 33 and 34.

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Progress

Planning for the future is founded on robust evidence which identifies areas of weakness and builds on the many areas of strength that the service consistently demonstrates.

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Progress

Since the last inspection there have been changes in the management of the home. An acting manager well known to the young people is in place and receives support from the organisation’s operations manager. However, although competent in her role, the acting manager has not received a full induction to the role and responsibilities of managing the home. Consequently the acting manager has not been provided with formal guidance essential within a management role.

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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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Recommendations

 ensure that managers and staff are clear about their roles and responsibilities. Specifically with regard to the implementation of a full induction for new or temporary managers. (NMS 21.4)

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