Children's Home run by Radical Services Limited in Westmorland and Furness

Unique reference number SC061158 Inspection date 14/02/2013 Inspector Anne Bannister Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 24/07/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The service is owned by a private company. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for one young person of either gender who has experienced behavioural and emotional 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 full inspection in July 2012, the overall effectiveness of the home was judged to be good. Following the inspection Ofsted asked the provider to address two requirements and one recommendation. No requirements or recommendations are made as a result of this inspection Following this inspection the home is judged to be continuing to make good progress.

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Progress

The home has responded to the previous requirements and recommendation by ensuring that the views of young people, their parents and placing authority are routinely sought during the organisations monthly monitoring visits. The home's Statement of Purpose has been revised so that it confirms the number of children the home accommodates and the training staff undertake to support them in the safe management of challenging behaviours. Risk assessments of the whole children's home environment, including the keeping of hens, are now undertaken to identify any potential sources of harm. These actions ensure that the home continues to support the identified needs of the young people it is caring for in the most appropriate manner. Young people's safety continues to be given the highest priority. Staff are aware of young people's risks and vulnerabilities. They talk to young people about socially acceptable behaviour and how to keep themselves safe. Good links with the placing

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Progress

authorities and other professionals ensure a collaborative approach to risk management is taken. This has contributed to young people taking an increased responsibility for their behaviour and a reduction in risk taking behaviour, including going missing from home.

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Progress

The ethos of the home promotes open consultation with young people. Young people's rights are effectively promoted by the staff team. Their views, feelings, wishes and expectations are taken into account and recorded in their day-to-day plans. They are included and involved in important decisions in their lives to fully explore how their needs will be met effectively. Praise, encouragement and rewards result in young people feeling valued and respected.

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Progress

Young people actively engage in education programmes and attendance is excellent. There is close liaison with school. Staff work hard to ensure all young people have the opportunity to reach their full potential. Young people’s achievements improve self-confidence and self-esteem as well as enhancing future prospects

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Progress

The home has experienced an unsettled period since the previous inspection. The staff team have reflected on the reasons which contributed to this very challenging period. As a consequence the home's admission criteria has been reviewed and unless placing authorities provide all requested information no placement will be offered. This ensures that the manager is confident that staff have the knowledge and training to effectively meet young people's identified needs.

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Progress

The qualified and experienced staff team has remained stable which provides young people with a consistency of care. They provide a warm, caring and nurturing environment. Staff are receiving the appropriate levels of support, training and supervision to support their professional development and monitor their performance. They have a strong commitment to improving outcomes for young people in their care.

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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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