Children's Home run by Appletree Treatment Centre Limited in Westmorland and Furness

Unique reference number SC386003 Inspection date 16/01/2012 Inspector Bill Drumm Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 22/08/2011 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 run by a private company and provides care and education for up to four young people aged between 12 and 16-years-old. The home is registered to care for young people with emotional or behavioural difficulties.

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Progress

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

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Progress

At the last inspection in August 2011, the overall effectiveness of the home was judged to be good.

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Progress

The home has made inadequate progress since the last inspection. Young people remain well cared for and safe. They say they are happy and enjoy living at the home. However, the one requirement and three recommendations made at the last inspection have not been fully met.

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Progress

The requirement made at the last inspection was to ensure that the independent visitor to the home interviewed in private, the family members or relatives of the young people living there. This has not taken place for several consecutive months. These visits help to ensure the home is run properly. The opinions of family members about the care young people receive are not borne in mind.

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Progress

One recommendation was to review the home's Statement of Purpose to ensure the skills, qualifications and experience members of staff have in looking after young people is fully described. The Statement of Purpose has not been fully reviewed. Placing authorities will not, therefore, appreciate the full range of expertise contained within the staff group.

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Progress

Another recommendation was to review each young person's health care plan to ensure they fully reflect all the health services being provided to young people. Some amendments and improvements to the health care plans have been made. However, the details of all health care professionals involved in a young person's care are not routinely recorded. This means all members of staff are not fully aware of each young person's health care needs and young people may not receive appropriate health care when they need it.

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Progress

The home's acting manager has reviewed each young person's behaviour plan. Behaviour plans are personal to each young person, written in an age appropriate manner and their involvement in them is clearly recorded. Young people understand their behaviour plans and what it is the home is trying to achieve for them. In addition to the above, the home has made other improvements. Staffing at the home has been increased. This allows greater flexibility for undertaking individual activities with young people. One young person has suggested some modifications to the home in order to provide a cosy area where young people can relax. The home's acting manager and staff are awaiting the estimates for the necessary work before a final decision is made. Young people have also been bought several small pets, which they care for themselves. This helps them to develop a responsible attitude and an awareness of the needs of others.

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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) interview, with their consent and in private, such of the children accommodated there, their parents, relatives and persons working at the home as appears necessary in order to form an opinion of the standard of care provided in the home. (Regulation 33 (4)(a)) 29/02/2012

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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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