Children's Home run by North Lakes Children’s Service Limited in Cumbria

Unique reference number SC356907 Inspection date 08/03/2012 Inspector Gillian Walters Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Residential special school (>295 days/year)

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Date of last inspection 21/12/2011 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 privately owned residential special school, which is also registered as a children’s home. It provides a service to eight young people, between the ages of 10 years and 17 years, who experience emotional or behavioural difficulties.

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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 good. There was one requirement made that has been addressed. The home notified Ofsted of the internal appointment of a new manager who has made application to become the home’s Registered Manager. The manager has settled well into her new role and is fully supported by the staff team and the home’s Director of Care. The management team is enthusiastic and committed to having well trained, professional staff teams. They strive to achieve best practice that will ensure good outcomes for the young people placed in the home.

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Progress

Since the last inspection, there has been a minor shortfall in staffing. However, this has been adequately addressed within existing resources. Two new members of staff have been appointed and are successfully progressing through the home’s induction programme. These changes have been well managed and have not had a significant impact on the running of the home or the young people placed there. All new staff have received relevant training, such as behaviour management, safeguarding and first aid, and there is a comprehensive training programme in place for all staff ensuring their continuous professional development. The support provided by management ensures that staff feel valued and encouraged to develop and improve their practice. Staff commented of management that ‘they try to encourage you to do the best you can’.

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Progress

Young people have excellent attendance in education and are reported to be making good progress from their starting points. Young people are encouraged to fully participate in their planning and review process. Staff are introducing new child- friendly documentation to support this. This will enable young people to have a clearer understanding of their plans and engage them in identifying their own achievements and successes.

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Progress

Young people feel safe and protected in this home. They share trusting relationships with staff and enjoy spending time with them. Young people are confident that their ideas and views are listened to and influence developments within the home. An example of such is a planned development within the home to include a new music and recording room that young people have requested. The home is well maintained and is in good repair throughout. Management are proactive in developing new recording systems that improve information for staff and young people. This includes a system for comprehensive evaluation of the service that is designed to inform future development and improvement. Management have made considerable efforts to consult with young people, their staff and other relevant stakeholders, including parents and social workers. Management use this feedback to inform future planning and development.

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Progress

This activity is in addition to routine monitoring practices that are well established within the home.

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