Children's Home run by Woodside House Care Ltd in Blackburn with Darwen

Unique reference number SC357455 Inspection date 19/03/2012 Inspector Elaine Clare Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 04/10/2011 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 home is a private children's home owned and managed by a family partnership. It is situated in a small industrial town close to local amenities. It is registered to provide accommodation for up to four young males, aged from 10 years old up to 17 years old, 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

The last inspection of the home in October 2011 assessed the standard of care as being outstanding. In the interim period, the home is assessed as making good progress. There are no recommendations following this inspection.

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Progress

Staff and young people have experienced a tragedy within the home which has left everyone feeling very sad. Circumstances surrounding the incident have been and continue to be investigated, however the professional capability of the organisation has not been brought into question and the Registered Manager continues to provide an outstanding service to vulnerable young people.

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Progress

The service provides a stable, settled, long-term home for young people with a diverse range of needs. Young people are settled and continue to thrive in their environment.

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Progress

Overall, the accommodation is of a good standard and provides a range of individual and communal facilities for young people to use. Some parts of the home, such as corridors and hall ways in in the process of redecoration. The home's action plan addresses these issues within timely and realistic timescales.

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Progress

Behaviour is very well managed and staff keep young people safe. There are no incidents of young people going missing. Young people say 'we like it here, the staff are fair in the way they treat us.' Young people clearly understand the expectations of behaviour and mostly conform to these. Staff successfully de-escalate all conflict situations and there are no incidents necessitating police involvement.

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Progress

Staff help young people to reflect on their behaviour and develop positive ways of dealing with stressful situations. Physical restraint has very occasionally been necessary to protect young people from harm. The frequency of these incidents is diminishing significantly as the group becomes better established. Sanctions are not routinely used. When applied, they are effective at preventing repetitions of behaviour.

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Progress

Young people make progress in all aspects of their development. They regularly attend education and vocational courses and are optimistic about the future. Staff maintain close communication with schools and colleges. This enables the prompt resolution of problems. Young people gain confidence and social skills through their participation in local activities, such as the football and badminton. Staff promote age-appropriate opportunities for young people to practise and develop life skills, such as cooking their own meals and managing their own budgets. As a result, young people gradually become more confident and independent.

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Progress

Monitoring processes are well-established. There is a desire within the senior management team to continually improve practice and drive standards forward. The views of young people are regularly sought and influence the decisions made.

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