Children's Home run by Partners in Care Limited in Lancashire

Unique reference number SC010090 Inspection date 16/01/2013 Inspector Elaine Clare Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 21/09/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The home accommodates up to four young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties. It provides crisis intervention placements for up to 28 days and also medium-and longer-term stays. There is an additional two bedroom bungalow on site, which accommodates one young person, who is supported in living more independently.

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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

This unannounced interim inspection focused on the progress made since the last key inspection in September. At the previous inspection the home was rated good and no requirements or recommendations were made.

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Progress

At the heart of this inspection are young people’s experiences and outcomes. All of the young people are thriving and benefit from a well-trained and competent group of staff. Staff benefit from regular training in key areas such as safeguarding, with additional relevant training also provided. Staff changes are rare, with the majority of the staff having worked at the home for a number of years. Such low staff turnover means that young people are able to receive continuity of support from people who they have developed strong relationships and emotional bonds with. Young people refer to committed and caring staff that provide positive role models.

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Progress

Young people are continuing to make strong progress in relation to their education and work, health, personal care, anger management and social skills. Staff monitor young people’s progress and keep parents and placing authorities up to date on key events as appropriate. There are no incidents of bullying and staff keep the group dynamics under constant review. Staff work with young people in addressing issues of equality and diversity enabling them to become more aware of the appropriateness and impact of their negative behaviour, both on others and themselves. Behaviour management is robust with few significant incidents occurring. Young people refer to staff helping them ‘mature’ and manage their feelings. This, young people highlight, has helped them deal with conflict in a more appropriate way. Staff talk through issues with young people and take the time to listen to them. Young people refer to becoming more confident and developing a

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Progress

sense of self-belief which has increased their self-esteem and enabled them to be happy.

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Progress

Staff ensure that young people are consulted on all aspects of their lives. The care and support provided is individualised and child focused. Young people's meetings are an opportunity for young people to discuss and plan things. However, in reality young people raise any questions or issues as they arise, either individually or collectively and are able to receive a timely response from staff and management.

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Progress

Young people are able to maintain close relationships with family and friends. All of the young people were able to spend some time with their families over the festive period. Staff ensured that the young people had an enjoyable Christmas decorating the house, preparing meals and providing all the young people with Christmas stockings as well as a main present of their choice.

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Progress

The buildings meet young people's needs, providing a balance of personal and communal space. The two buildings are homely and maintained in good order. Young people enjoy the use of community facilities for example army cadets and the gym. Young people consistently rate the home as good to brilliant.

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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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