Children's Home run by Aspris New Education Services Limited in Lancashire

Unique reference number SC412971 Inspection date 31/01/2012 Inspector Paul Scott Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 27/07/2011 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 children's home is operated by a private organisation. The home provides residential and respite care and accommodation for up to four young people with learning disabilities.

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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 on the 27 July 2011 the children's home was judged to be outstanding. The home has demonstrated continued improvement in the quality of care and outcomes for young people.

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Progress

Young people continue to achieve good outcomes because they receive a high standard of care from an experienced, competent and qualified staff team. Staff make every effort to ensure young people's day-to-day needs are met. They provide excellent support to young people to enable them to access both routine and specialist healthcare services. Consequently, young people's current and emerging health needs are routinely addressed. Staff provide young people with high levels of supervision to ensure they are kept safe. Relationships between staff and young people are extremely positive. They know young people well and are very good at managing the complex and challenging behaviour of young people with complex needs. Young people are learning better ways to manage their anxieties and frustrations and their welfare and safety is promoted at all times. Staff creatively use a wide-range of skills and systems to overcome the barriers to communication. For

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Progress

example, they use fun activities such as doing alphabet jigsaws to improve young people's learning, including the development of communication skills. This has proven highly effective in enabling young people to express themselves. Staff continue to provide young people with good opportunities to learn and develop new skills. Young people are more confident in their own abilities and, with support, they are developing the necessary skills to complete daily tasks safely and independently.

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Progress

The home is effectively managed and continues to show a capacity for improvement based on its performance since the last inspection. Positive action has been taken to address the two good practice recommendations from the previous inspection. All staff have now completed safeguarding training to ensure they are able to recognise the symptoms of abuse and respond appropriately to any concerns they may have. Procedures are in place to ensure all new staff complete a comprehensive induction programme that includes the Children's Workforce Development Council's induction standards.

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Progress

Some contingency management arrangements had been agreed with Ofsted to cover the planned absence of the Registered Manager. This provided a good opportunity for the home's deputy manager to gain management experience. The appointed individual has risen to the challenge well. Staff are provided with good support, guidance and training to enable them to meet young people's current and emerging needs. They continue to deliver a strong, child-focused service that enables young people to develop their potential and lead happy and fulfilling lives.

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Progress

During this inspection one shortfall has been noted. The manager's monitoring of the operation of the service, the quality of care and young people's progress and outcomes does not routinely gather the views of young people, their families or social workers. Also, Regulation 34 reports have not been routinely sent to Ofsted as required to confirm regular monitoring takes place.

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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) ensure any review of the quality of care shall provide for consultation with children accommodated in the home, their parents and placing authorities and supply Ofsted with any report in respect of this review. (Regulation 34 (2)(3)) 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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