Children's Home run by Partners in Care Limited in Westmorland and Furness

Unique reference number SC035049 Inspection date 22/02/2012 Inspector Stephen Trainor Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 08/11/2011 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

A private organisation operates this children's home. This service is registered for up to three young people aged between eight and 17 years of age. The home cares for children with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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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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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. The children's home has demonstrated continued improvement in the quality of care and outcomes for children and young people. All the young people benefit from consistent practice that allows their lives to improve. Placements are stable and young people take responsibility for their behaviour. There were no changes to the group of young people living at the home between inspections.

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Progress

Records provide a comprehensive overview of the work that is taking place at the home. Programmes run by key workers positively change young people’s behaviours. Progress and achievements continue to be made in all aspects of their lives. The home maintains good consultation evidence that shows high levels of satisfaction with how plans are implemented and services organised. A family member recently commented, 'very pleased with the care and support offered by the home's staff', and felt able to contact the home at any time with any concerns or issues she might have and is delighted with the progress made.

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Progress

There is a growing body of evidence that shows partners supporting placements are highly satisfied with the home's operation, management, young people's welfare and the response taken to health and safety. Other consultation records from family members include, 'very proud of my granddaughter and the progress and achievements gained by her. I cannot believe how far forward she has moved especially around self managing of her behaviours, free time and independent travel'.

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Progress

There is good use of a range of monitoring activities and evaluation of data continually improves the quality of care. Planning is founded on evidence that tackles key areas of weakness and builds on areas of strength. The home's aims and objectives are being fulfilled. The responsible organisation operating this service appointed a new manager between inspections. The manager is to complete registration with Ofsted. No other changes affected staffing. The new manager is supported by the previous Registered Manager who gained promotion to the post of area manager. Practice remains consistent and young people continue to receive the same high standard of care. The new manager is still to review the home’s development plan to include his ideas.

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Progress

Young people work closely with staff and hard work has created an interesting home where young people like to be. A social worker commented that the authority was, 'very happy with the work undertaken at the home, and are happy to support one young person’s request to stay longer'. The young people's views are consistently gathered and these influence the home's operation and future direction. There is an excellent ethos at the home that helps young people to achieve and develop. Relationships are excellent with individual differences being accepted and valued by all living and working at the home. Individuals prosper and they confirm that they are happy, safe and relaxed living in their home.

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Progress

Managers stimulate the enthusiasm of staff and channel their efforts effectively. There are no behaviour management or safeguarding concerns. Young people continue to receive a high standard of care from a qualified, experienced and competent staff team. It is a strong, child-focused service that is conducive to young people developing their potential. Good information, including policy and procedural guidance, is available to support staff's practice. Some additional training, or management evaluation is needed to ensure staff at all levels fully comprehend the new inspection framework.

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Progress

The promotion of young people's health and well-being is good. Young people's educational attainments are tremendous. All the young people actively engage with their education, college or work programmes and attendance is excellent. There is close liaison with schools and colleges. Young people’s achievements improve self- confidence and future prospects. Young people regularly reflect on their progress with staff and this keeps them highly motivated. Pathway planning is in place for older residents and these provide opportunities and experiences that enable young people to gain new skills for the world of work and for the time that they leave the home. Timelines are firmly in place for those young people due to leave. The high quality of their programmes will ensure a smooth transition.

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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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Recommendations

 ensure the home's learning and development programme keeps staff up to date with professional and legal developments; in particular, the home's new manager is clear on his staff teams understanding and awareness of new inspection framework, evaluation schedule and grade descriptors (NMS 18.1)  ensure the new manager completes the registration process with Ofsted (NMS 14.1)  review the home's development plan following the appointment of a new manager and include any ideas or planned changes to the home's operation or resources. (NMS 15.2)

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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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