Children's Home run by Lancashire County Council in Lancashire

Unique reference number SC039676 Inspection date 30/01/2013 Inspector Caroline Jones Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 06/08/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This is a short-break children's home operated by a local authority. It provides care and accommodation for up to 10 young people with physical and learning disabilities.

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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 satisfactory progress .

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Progress

At the previous full inspection this short break home's overall effectiveness was judged as good. This high quality of care has been maintained and one of the two recommendations from the last inspection has been addressed. The children's guide has been updated and includes information about the Children's Rights Director to ensure young people have access to independent advice. However, improvements to the staff appraisal process have not been implemented and a further gap is identified as appraisals have not been completed at least annually. Therefore, this recommendation is strengthened and repeated.

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Progress

Young people continue to receive well planned and individualised care from a committed and competent staff team. Partnership working with young people's families is a key strength of the home and informs the high standards of care. Young people are effectively supported by staff to participate in a wide range of stimulating activities, including outward bound residential holidays. This ensures they have challenging opportunities to achieve their potential, irrespective of any disability. Young people's communication needs are actively supported and improved consultation processes enable them to make their individual choices and views known. These practices empower young people to have more control in their lives.

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Progress

Young people live in a healthy environment where their physical, emotional and social well-being is promoted. Young people's personal care needs are fully considered to ensure their rights to dignity and privacy are respected. Young people continue to attend school during their break and staff work constructively with educational providers to promote young people's attendance and achievement. They attend meetings and reviews to share information and develop young people's plans for the future.

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Progress

The home is efficiently managed and operating in accordance to the Statement of Purpose. A clear vision of child-focused and anti-discriminatory practice is prevalent within the home's ethos. Quality assurance systems provide thorough oversight of the care to young people; this ensures that young people’s welfare is promoted and protected during their short break.

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

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Recommendations

 ensure that appraisals take place at least annually and take into account any views of young people the service is providing for. (NMS 19.6)

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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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