Children's home run by Care Assist Children’s Services Limited in West Lancashire

Unique reference number SC061678 Inspection date 15/03/2012 Inspector Chris Scully Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 17/11/2011 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

The home provides care for three young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties aged from 12 to 17 years. The home is owned and managed by a limited company.

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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 in November 2011 the overall effectiveness of this home was judged to be good. Following that inspection one statutory requirement and three recommendations were raised. These related to: the young person's guide and Statement of Purpose; health care plans; the recording of information; and the maintenance of the home.

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Progress

The Statement of Purpose and young person's guide have been revised and now contain all of the required information, for example the contact details for Ofsted. The revised documents have been shared with parents, carers, young people and placing authorities. This means they are all fully aware of the services provided by the home and who to contact should they have any concerns about the home.

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Progress

Young people's health care needs are effectively promoted. This is because their health care plans detail all of their health care needs and how these are to be addressed. All staff are familiar with the plans and each young person's individual needs. The home has improved the recording of medication. This means all medication brought into the home, including those to be self-administered by the young person, is recorded. This ensures young people receive appropriate care and support.

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Progress

Information about each young person is recorded clearly and in a way that will be helpful to them in the future. The recording of room searches has been revised. The record now includes all of the required information, such as the reason for the search and who was present, and is clearly recorded. The home has also revised the policy on room searches. This ensures searches are now only carried out when there is a specific concern around items in a young person's room. This ensures the safety and well-being of young people while maintaining their privacy.

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Progress

All areas of the home are well maintained. Consequently, this ensures young people enjoy a warm, homely environment. This has been achieved by addressing the issues within the downstairs toilet and in the young person's en-suite bathroom. The Registered Manager and staff have significantly enhanced the environment and young people’s learning opportunities. This is due to the work that has taken place within the rear garden. All young people have taken responsibility for a section of the garden and have planted a range of vegetables, flowers and plants. The Registered Manager and staff say everyone has, 'been bitten by the gardening bug.' Young people have undertaken research as to the best vegetables to grow, including when to place them in the garden. Young people tend these on a daily basis and are looking forward to being able to use these in their cooking. Young people are keen to explain about how they are growing tomatoes from seed in the greenhouse. Young

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Progress

people say they are planning to give any additional produce to others in the community.

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Progress

Young people are pleased that the home has acquired two parakeets and are attempting to get them to talk. The home effectively researched potential issues with having the parakeets, including any health implications. A pet policy has been implemented in light of this information. This ensures young people’s health safety and well-being. Staff say young people are taking responsibility for caring for the parakeets and often speak to them first when they arrive home. Young people say they are continuing to do well at school. They talk enthusiastically about the future and the type of college and university they wish to attend. Other young people are engaging with various educational courses, such as BTEC national diplomas which they hope will enable them to work in their chosen field.

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Progress

The home is appropriately monitored on a monthly basis by an independent person for the company and the Registered Manager. These reports are detailed and enable the home to continue to make good progress. However, the home has not yet sent to Ofsted copies of their Regulation 34 reports. This is an oversight by the home and does not impact upon the care provided to young people.

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Progress

The Registered Manager and staff are continually looking at new ways of engaging with young people and improving their outcomes. This includes enhancing young people's fitness by installing a gym. Young people are enthusiastic about this and are fully included in clearing the area, decorating and installing the gym equipment. Staff say young people's fitness has improved as they are engaging more in outdoor activities, such as supporting staff as they prepare for a half marathon. This includes running alongside or riding bikes and ensuring staff maintain their fitness regime. This has inspired some young people who are keen to undertake this challenge.

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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 that reports reviewing the quality of care under Regulation 34 are supplied to Ofsted at six-monthly intervals within 28 days of completion. (Volume 5, statutory guidance, paragraph 3.14)

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