Children's Home run by Care Afloat Ltd in Lancashire

Unique reference number SC006013 Inspection date 19/03/2012 Inspector Monica Farrimond Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 24/01/2012 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 company-run home provides care and accommodation for one young person with emotional and 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

This interim inspection has focused on the progress made by the home since their last full inspection, in which they were judged to be satisfactory. Three requirements and one recommendation were made at the last inspection. The requirements related to the monitoring of the home, secure storage of documentation relating to complaints and notifications of serious incidents to the appropriate authority. These issues have been fully addressed. The recommendation related to following the correct procedures in safeguarding issues; this recommendation had been fully addressed.

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Progress

The children's home has demonstrated continued improvement in the quality of care and outcomes for children and young people. The young people benefit from consistent practice, underpinned by comprehensive placement plans. The views of the young people are consistently sought and this information is used to influence the operation of the home. Consequently, young people feel their views are taken seriously. This helps to promote self-esteem and confidence. The manager and staff have knowledge of their responsibilities relating to equality and diversity legislation and of good practice.

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Progress

Placements are stable and young people take responsibility for their behaviour. Behaviour management concerns are addressed and well documented. Wherever possible, contact between parents and carers, and the young people, is promoted. This helps to ensure consistency in meeting the goals of the placement. Parents, relatives and carers are made to feel comfortable when visiting the home, promoting a good working relationship and focusing on rehabilitation, where appropriate. Communication between staff is good and this promotes consistent practice. The promotion of young people's education, health and well-being is good.

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Progress

Young people thrive in a nurturing, supportive environment, where there are clear structures and boundaries. The staff team, led by an experienced manager, focuses on the needs of the young people and strive to make the home a happy and safe place to live. The staff are fair but firm. Young people are fully aware of staff's expectations of them and benefit from an experienced, cohesive, staff team that sees the importance of celebrating diversity and encouraging young people to feel special. The home's aims and objectives are being fulfilled. There are good quality assurance systems being used to monitor the operation, the management, the young people's welfare and the home's records. Good monitoring systems are used that comply with the requirements of Regulation 33 and 34.

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