Children's Home run by Lancashire County Council in Lancashire

Unique reference number SC035428 Inspection date 07/03/2012 Inspector Paul Scott Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 16/09/2011 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 is a children's home operated by a local authority. The service offers short-term respite care breaks for up to 10 young people with physical disabilities, young people with learning disabilities and young people with sensory impairment.

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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 16 September 2011 the children's home was judged to be outstanding. The service continues to provide excellent short-term respite care for young people with disabilities.

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Progress

The manager has positively addressed the two good practice recommendations made at the last inspection. The home now has a detailed development plan that enables the manager to plan effectively for the future, including how the restructuring and reorganisation of the local authority will impact the home. Suitable arrangements are in place to ensure all staff receive regular formal supervision that enables them to develop their care practice.

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Progress

Young people continue to visit a safe, caring and supportive home environment that provides them with excellent individual care. They benefit from the support provided by highly skilled, energetic and capable staff who ensure their day-to-day needs are met effectively. Staff work closely with young people's parents who are regarded as experts on the needs of their respective child. This ensures staff have an up-to-date knowledge of young people's current and emerging needs at the time of their visit.

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Progress

Young people's parents talk extremely positively about the home. They said: 'Staff have helped their children to make good progress in all aspects of their lives including, education, health, behaviour and developing independence skills.' Staff constantly praise and reward young people for their achievements. For example, young people are given treats and certificates for good counting, helping around the home and improved self-care skills. Staff are constantly looking at better ways to communicate with young people to develop their social skills and improve their communication. They creatively use activities to enable young people to develop their individual skills and talents. Staff actively promote young people's participation and inclusion to enable them to achieve their potential. As a result, young people feel valued and respected as individuals and are growing in self-belief and confidence.

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Progress

The home is effectively managed. The manager provides strong emphasis on providing a high standard of care for young people. Staff are clear about their roles and responsibilities and show dedication and commitment to ensuring young people have the best opportunities to lead happy and fulfilling lives. There are good opportunities for staff to improve their knowledge and skills via supervision and training. Staff meetings are effectively used to enable the staff team to reflect on young people's care, develop practice and promote positive outcomes for young people.

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Progress

The manager regularly monitors the operation of the home, young people's welfare and progress and the homes records. Regular consultation with young people, their parents and stakeholders ensure their views are integral to this progress. However a number of shortfalls in external quality assurance systems were identified. The provider's monitoring visits are taking place every month but the person undertaking these visits does not routinely capture the views of young people or their families. Also, a number of the reports prepared following these visits do not accurately reflect the current operation of the home because content has not been changed from one month to the next. These shortfalls have minimal impact on the welfare of young people who all enjoy positive experiences when visiting the home.

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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 the person carrying out regulation 33 monitoring visits prepares a written report that accurately reflects the conduct of the home. (Regulation 33 (4) (c)) 30/03/2012

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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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Recommendations

 ensure Regulation 33 monitoring visits wherever possible include private interviews with children and young people living at the home, and if appropriate their parents, relatives and carers. (Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations Volume 5, statutory guidance, paragraph 3.13)

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