Children's Home run by Cumbria County Council in Westmorland and Furness

Unique reference number SC061810 Inspection date 18/02/2013 Inspector Bill Drumm Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 22/10/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The home is run by the local authority and provides care and accommodation for up to six boys or girls. 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 October 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

Two requirements and two recommendations were made at the last inspection and all of these matters have been addressed. One requirement was to review the home's Statement of Purpose to ensure it fully complies with regulations and national minimum standards. This has been done. The Statement of Purpose now includes up to date information about the registered provider and the experience of all staff members. The document provides clear information about the home and who is responsible for its operation. Young people know who they can speak to if they are unhappy about anything.

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Progress

The second requirement was to review staff personnel records to ensure they contained full details about each individual working at the home, including detailed character references. The home's manager has undertaken a thorough review of all staff personnel files. Character references for all staff are in place and, in addition, referees have been spoke to in order to authenticate their reference. This will ensure young people are kept safe and free from harm.

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Progress

One recommendation was made to ensure that pathway plans for young people are both comprehensive and robust. The home's manager has undertaken an audit of all pathways plans for young people living at the home and reviewed their content. Responsible social workers have been held accountable for their practice and young people, who are eligible, now have up to date pathway plans in place. This will aid their transition into adulthood.

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Progress

The second recommendation was to review the home's restraint records to ensure they fully describe the type of hold or restraint used with young people. The home's manager has reviewed the restraint records and pictures from the relevant training agency showing the type of hold used are now included within the records. This will help to keep young people safe and free from harm.

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Progress

In addition to the above, the home has made improvements in other areas. Plans are in place, and finance has been agreed, to convert an annexe of the building into self- contained accommodation. This will give young people the opportunity to experience semi-independent living and independence with direct support from the home's staff. In addition, the home's manager has comprehensively reviewed the care planning process and documentation. Revised paperwork is easier to understand, written in plain English and includes the involvement of young people. This will help young people to understand what their placement at the home is meant to achieve and how they are making progress. Young people have also enjoyed a recent short break to a local city. This helps young people to appreciate the diverse world around them.

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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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