Children's Home run by Lifetime Opportunities Limited in Oldham

Unique reference number SC356817 Inspection date 10/01/2012 Inspector Valerie Shephard Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 14/09/2011 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

The home is privately operated and registered to provide care and accommodation for up to three young people with learning disabilities, of either gender, from eight to 17 years of age.

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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 the last full inspection when the overall judgement was outstanding. The home has made good progress in all areas, which improves the quality of care and outcomes for young people.

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Progress

The manager has addressed the requirements made at the last inspection. A record of the duration of the measure of restraint is now included in the physical intervention log book. The manager regularly reviews the quality of care in the home and is submitting the Regulation 34 reports to Ofsted as required. Both of these measures help to ensure that the management of the home benefits the welfare of the young people.

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Progress

Opportunities to gather young people’s views have improved following the introduction of more regular house meetings. Young people attend these meetings and say they enjoy them. There is evidence of them contributing positively and as a result having an influence on the running of the home. An example of this is evident in how staff encouraged young people to plan Christmas Day. As a group they made decisions about the menu, television viewing, activities and games. As a result of these improvements young people feel they are valued and respected.

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Progress

Placements are stable and staff meet young people’s needs very well. Young people talk positively about the home and how they ‘like living here’. The young people relate well to each other and to the staff group. Young people make progress in many aspects of their lives such as improved contact with their families, attending school and college, leading healthy lifestyles and enjoying leisure activities. As an example, staff encourage young people to engage in a range of leisure activities and persevere when they show resistance to trying new things.

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Progress

Transition plans are in place for eligible young people and staff encourage the development of independent living skills whilst carefully managing elements or risk. Staff are proactive in obtaining specific support for young people, for example issues relating to emerging sexuality.

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Progress

Management are committed to supporting training and a number of staff have just commenced the National Vocational Qualification at level 3 in Caring for Children and Young People. In addition, a programme of refresher mandatory training is being organised for the staff team. Young people receive good care and benefit from an experienced and competent staff team who know them and their needs well. A social worker commented that ‘staff go over and above what is expected of them for the benefit of the young people.’

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