Children's Home run by ROC Northwest Limited in Lancashire

Unique reference number SC066428 Inspection date 18/01/2012 Inspector Graham Robinson Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 31/05/2011 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 provides full time residential care for up to five young people of either sex aged from 8 to 17 years. Emergency placements are accepted with certain conditions. Young people with emotional or behavioural, physical or learning disabilities can be accommodated. In addition to providing accommodation for up to four young people in the main building, an annex designed for semi-independent living is also available.

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Progress

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

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Progress

At the last full inspection the home was judged as outstanding. There has been continued improvement regarding the quality of care and the positive outcomes being achieved by young people. Young people benefit from being cared for by an energetic and committed staff team who provide stability and a consistency of practice that allows all areas of their lives to improve.

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Progress

Previous recommendations have been addressed positively leading to improvements in the recording of rewards, with the young person's guide and the written guidance now available regarding local protocols for dealing with young people missing from home. No new requirements or recommendations have been made as a result of this inspection.

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Progress

Excellent levels of communication and mutual respect creates a vibrant home where young people can settle and prosper whatever their need or disability. The views of young people influence certain aspects of the home’s operation and future direction. Relationships are excellent with individual differences accepted and valued by all living and working at the home. Young people say they feel safe living at the home.

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Progress

Positive outcomes are being achieved, with young people receiving a high standard of care from a competent, highly motivated staff team. Managers stimulate the enthusiasm of staff and channel their efforts effectively. Young people live in a home that is child-focused and able to meet their identified needs effectively. Staff remain fully up to date with professional and legal developments.

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Progress

Placements are stable and there are no serious behaviour management issues. The promotion of young people's education, health and well-being are excellent. Their achievements, along with the positive relationships they develop with appropriate adults, helps them to develop greater self-esteem and confidence. Young people reflect on their progress regularly with staff, which helps to keep them well motivated and look to the future with increased positivity. Young people are well prepared for the time when they leave and transition planning is effective to enable sustained engagement both socially and educationally. Although the home has clearly defined boundaries which are understood and generally accepted by young people, they are encouraged to take some responsibility for themselves and their own actions. The ethos of the home is to work positively with young people who are encouraged to learn from mistakes in a non-punitive way.

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Progress

This develops trust and encourages young people to become more resilient.

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Progress

The home's aims and objectives are being fulfilled. There are good quality assurance systems in place to monitor the operation, management, young people’s welfare and the home's records. Monitoring systems meet with regulatory requirements. Realistic targets are outlined within the home’s development plan, with areas for development clearly defined.

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