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

Unique reference number SC357455 Inspection date 18/12/2012 Inspector Graham Robinson Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 21/08/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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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 registered to provide accommodation for up to four young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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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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Progress

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

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Progress

At the last inspection in August 2012, the home was judged to be outstanding. Since then, good progress has been made, particularly within the area of promoting independence for young people and preparing them for adulthood. Plans for some young people to move into adult services are at an advanced stage, with young people being fully involved in all aspects of the on-going planning processes. The high level of consultation and inclusion ensures young people's views and wishes are taken account of.

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Progress

Other areas of development noted include a full revision of the homes recruitment procedures and practices, along with the introduction of a new fire safety management emergency plan. Both these developments enhance the safety of the young people residing in the home.

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Progress

The home has remained stable since the previous inspection, with no serious behaviour management issues taking place. Young people live in a calm and supportive environment that actively promotes their independence and rights, as well as supporting them in their journey towards independence. A strong feature of the homes success has been its adoption of a small family group model, which remains intact. Young people benefit from having a small, committed staff group looking after them, who understand their needs and have the abilities and dedication to address those needs effectively. This provides vulnerable young people with support and a consistency of care that allows them to form excellent, trusting relationships with adults who act as appropriate role models.

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Progress

Feedback from young people about the staff and home in general was all positive. Young people feel settled, well supported and cared for. They appreciate being in long-term placements which helps them to integrate and became accepted by the local community. They are well informed and consulted about their future plans, which gives them a feeling of worth and the reassurance that their views do matter.

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Progress

The two recommendations were carried over from the previous inspection have been fully addressed. This has resulted in improvements to the way staff recruitment procedures are evidenced and in the formal appraisal of staff.

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Progress

The home is well-organised and managed. An experienced staff group works cohesively with other agencies to ensure the complex and diverse needs of the young people in their care are being addressed. Young people continue to make considerable progress in their journey towards adulthood.

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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.

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