Children's Home run by Appletree Treatment Centre Limited in Westmorland and Furness

Unique reference number SC033268 Inspection date 26/03/2012 Inspector Graham Robinson Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Residential special school (>295 days/year)

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Date of last inspection 16/11/2011 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 accommodates up to 12 young people of either gender with emotional and behavioural difficulties. Placements are planned.

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Brief description of the service

A purpose-built school adjacent to the home provides young people with their education. The school is registered with the Department for Education.

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Progress

Since their previous inspection the service is judged to be making good progress.

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Progress

The home was judged as good following the previous inspection. Since then there has been continued improvement regarding the quality of care and the positive outcomes being achieved by young people. For example, the future plans for one young person, which included a return home and re-integration into mainstream education were looked into in some detail when the previous inspection took place. Those plans have now been fully implemented with positive reports received regarding the young person's transition home and into mainstream education.

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Progress

Other areas of progress have been noted to support this judgement. For example, discussions with staff, backed up by statistics produced by them, show that the number of physical restraints have reduced consistently, month on month since the previous inspection took place. This has led to more stability and shows that those young people new to the home are settling well.

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Progress

The one recommendation carried over from the previous inspection has been fully addressed. This has resulted in the young person's guide being fully revised and updated. It now contains all the required information. The revised format has included the views put forward by young people following a consultation exercise. Their thoughts and ideas have contributed to a fully revised format that is both child- friendly and informative.

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Progress

Young people benefit from being cared for by an experienced and committed staff team who provide stability and a consistency of practice that allows all areas of their lives to improve. Good levels of communication and mutual respect creates a home where young people can settle and prosper whatever their need or disability. Relationships are very good with individual differences accepted and valued by all living and working at the home. Young people say they feel safe living at the home.

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Progress

The promotion of young people's education, health and well-being are good. Their achievements, along with the positive relationships they develop with appropriate adults, helps them to develop greater confidence in themselves and others. Young people reflect on their progress regularly with staff, which helps to keep them well motivated and looking to the future with increased positivity.

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Progress

Placements are stable with behaviour management incidents being handled sensitively by staff. A caring ethos has been created, underpinned by appropriate boundaries designed to keep everyone in the home safe. This improves trust and creates a caring environment where young people can prosper by developing greater self-esteem and resilience.

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Progress

The aims and objectives of the home are being fulfilled. It is well organised and managed. Both the internal and external monitoring of the home takes place regularly and contains elements of evaluation and assessment aimed at continued progress. Targets are outlined within the home’s development plan, with areas for development clearly defined. No new requirements or recommendations have been made as a result of this inspection.

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