Children's Home run by Frances House Ltd in Lancashire

Unique reference number SC403462 Inspection date 25/01/2012 Inspector Monica Farrimond Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 06/05/2011 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 is operated by a private organisation and is registered to care for up to five young people, of both genders, between the ages of 11 and 17 years. The home cares for children with emotional and behavioural difficulties. The house is situated in a small town, close to all amenities and is easily accessible by motorway. The house is an end-of-terrace property, comprising of communal areas, two kitchens and single bedrooms for the young people accommodated.

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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. Good outcomes are being achieved and all the young people continue to receive a high standard of care from an experienced, competent and qualified staff team. Staff are encouraged to attend appropriate training to assist them in promoting the welfare of young people accommodated at the home. The manager and staff have knowledge of their responsibilities relating to equality and diversity legislation and of good practice.

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Progress

The home demonstrates continued improvement in the quality of care and outcomes for children and young people. Placing authorities, and other professionals involved in the lives of the young people, are overwhelmingly complementary about the professionalism of the staff team and the care offered to the young people. The manager continually reviews policies, practices and procedures in light of the changing needs and development of the young people. The views of the young people, their families and other professionals involved in the young people's lives, are consistently sought and this information is used to influence the operation of the home. Thus, young people feel their views and the views of their families are taken seriously. This helps to promote self-esteem and confidence. Relationships between staff and young people are excellent with individual differences accepted and celebrated.

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Progress

Placements are stable and young people take responsibility for their behaviour. Behaviour management concerns are addressed and well documented. Wherever possible, contact between parents and carers, and the young people, is promoted. This helps to ensure consistency in meeting the goals of the placement. Parents, relatives and carers are made to feel comfortable when visiting the home, promoting a good working relationship and focusing on rehabilitation, where appropriate. Communication between staff is good and this promotes consistent practice. The promotion of young people's education, health and well-being is excellent.

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Progress

Young people thrive in a nurturing, supportive environment, where there are clear structures and boundaries. The staff team, lead by an experienced, enthusiastic manager, focuses on the needs of the young people and strives to make the home a happy and safe place to live. The staff are fair but firm. Young people are fully aware of staff's expectations of them and benefit from an experienced, cohesive, staff team that sees the importance of celebrating diversity and encouraging young people to feel special.

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Progress

The home's aims and objectives are being fulfilled. There are good quality assurance systems being used to monitor the operation, the management, the young people's welfare and the home's records. Realistic and challenging targets are outlined within the home’s development plan. Good monitoring systems are used that comply with the requirements of Regulation 33 and 34. Planning for the future is founded on robust evidence which identifies areas of weakness and builds on the areas of strength that this service demonstrates.

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