Children's Home run by Thunderbolt Mobile Limited in Lancashire

Unique reference number SC055153 Inspection date 15/02/2012 Inspector Graham Robinson Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Date of last inspection 29/11/2011 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.1

This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated.

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

Brief description of the service

This service provides activity-based intervention for young people who are experiencing a period of difficulty or crisis. Up to three individual placements for young people are provided. Placements are usually short term and are activity based.

p.4

Brief description of the service

A planned yet flexible programme designed to meet a young person's individual needs and circumstances is agreed with placing authorities. Young people are cared for at various locations around the United Kingdom in accommodation that includes bunkhouses, youth hostels, campsites, canal boats and an ocean-going yacht.

p.4

Progress

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

p.4

Progress

At the previous full inspection this service was judged as good. There has been continued improvement since then regarding the positive outcomes being achieved by young people. However, the service has failed to address a requirement carried over from two previous inspections, for the external monitoring of the service to be undertaken consistently, within the required timescales. This has led to the judgement of inadequate being given, regarding the overall progress achieved by the service since the full inspection.

p.4

Progress

The recommendation carried over from the previous inspection has been fully addressed leading to improvements with the young person's guide.

p.4

Progress

Strong links with placing authorities and young people's families have been maintained. Communication remains good allowing all parties to work cohesively with each other, with a view to returning young people home as soon as it is practicable. Young people who have been removed from their home area for safety reasons are being kept safe. This improves general welfare and safeguarding, as well as giving greater protection to young people who are vulnerable and susceptible to exploitation.

p.4

Progress

Placements are stable and there are no major behaviour management concerns. The promotion of young people's education, health and well-being is ongoing; with achievements being made that helps them to develop greater self-esteem and confidence. This allows young people to look towards their own futures with increased positivity. Young people reflect on their progress regularly with staff, which helps to keep them focused and well motivated.

p.4

Progress

Young people's individual needs are identified and the service works flexibly, and at times creatively, to meet those needs. Purposeful plans and strategies underpin this approach. The views of young people influence certain aspects of the service's operation. Good relationships ensures that individual differences are accepted and valued by both staff and young people.

p.4

Progress

Young people are well prepared for the time when they leave and transition planning is designed to enable sustained engagement both socially and educationally. Although young people have clearly defined boundaries, they are encouraged to take responsibility for themselves and their own actions. The ethos of the service is to work positively with young people in a safe environment, where they can learn from mistakes in a non-punitive or non-judgemental way. This develops trust and encourages young people to become more resilient.

p.5

Progress

The aims and objectives of the service are being fulfilled. The service is well organised and internal monitoring is taking place regularly, within the required timescale.

p.5

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.

p.5

Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure the external monitoring of the service takes place consistently, within the required timescale. (Regulation 33) 29/02/2012

p.5

Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

p.5