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

Unique reference number SC386003 Inspection date 23/01/2013 Inspector Bill Drumm Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 31/07/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This home is run by a private company and provides care and education for up to four young people. The home is registered to care for young people with emotional or 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 July 2012, the overall effectiveness rating of the home was good. The home has made good progress since the last inspection. Developments and improvements ensure that young people remain well-cared for and safe.

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Progress

One requirement and four recommendations were made at the last inspection and all of these matters have been addressed. The requirement was to ensure that full and satisfactory information is available in relation to all staff employed to work at the home, particularly character references. The home's manager has reviewed all staff personnel files. Any missing information has been received and the personnel records now comply with regulations. This means that young people are looked after by suitable people and are fully protected from potential abuse.

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Progress

One recommendation was made in relation to the individual placement plans for young people. The home's manager has reviewed the placement plans used within the home and a new format has been developed. Placement plans are now written in a child friendly manner, in plain English and they outline what the overall aim of the placement is. This means staff, and young people know what a placement at the home is specifically meant to achieve.

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Progress

Another recommendation was for the home's manager to review the restraint records used within the home to ensure they fully comply with regulations and national minimum standards. This has been done and the written records are now fully compliant. This means that a true record of all restraints used is maintained within the home and young people are kept safe.

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Progress

It was also recommended that young people are supported to learn independence skills and activities for daily living. The home's manager has developed a structured programme for teaching practical life skills in an organised, methodical fashion. The progress young people make is monitored and areas for further work are highlighted. This helps young people to learn the skills necessary to live independently when they get older.

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Progress

The final recommendation was to ensure that the home is maintained to an adequate standard. The home's manager has had worn out furniture replaced, areas of the home redecorated and some carpets replaced. This helps to ensure that young people live in a well maintained and homely environment.

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Progress

In addition to the above, the home has made improvements in other areas. Restraint or the holding of young people is used as a last resort within the home. Records show that, as staff continue to help young people develop new coping skills for dealing with their anger and frustrations, the use of restraint has reduced significantly. This means that young people are developing socially acceptable behaviour, taking responsibility for their actions and are continuing to mature. Where appropriate, young people are also encouraged to develop closer links with their families and relatives. Plans are in place to support a young person to enjoy a holiday with one of their parents. This is an important step in promoting their relationship and in ensuring their contact remains positive. Another young person has applied to be part of an extreme challenge, to visit Everest base camp. Applying to undertake such a challenge shows that the young person has developed their self-

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Progress

confidence and feels comfortable about the placing themselves in such a challenging environment.

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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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