Children's Home run by Lancashire County Council in Lancashire

Unique reference number SC359836 Inspection date 21/02/2013 Inspector David Martin Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 18/10/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This is a children's home operated by a local authority. The home is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to six young people with emotional and 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

This service had its last full inspection in October 2012 and its overall effectiveness was judged to be good. The quality of care, safeguarding and leadership and management were also judged to be good. Outcomes for young people were considered to be adequate. Three recommendations were made concerning: young people’s consultation with their independent reviewing officers, the stability of the staff team and monitoring of the home under regulation 33. The home has made good progress in complying.

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Progress

Prior to the last inspection the home had experienced a number of enforced changes to the staff team which had an unsettling effect. In the period since, the team has gelled well and has made positive strides in establishing a consistent approach and unity of purpose. There have been no further changes. Young people benefit from a good level of staff continuity.

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Progress

Monthly Regulation 33 reports are compiled and provide a concise account of activity within the home. The reports address significant issues within the home and make recommendations where required. The provider has initiated a review of the way regulation 33 visits are carried out and reported on to ensure they are being used to comment specifically on the standard of care. Regulation 33 reports are improving and are making a contribution to the home’s monitoring processes.

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Progress

The home has ensured that young people’s opportunities to share their views with their reviewing officers have increased. This is clearly recorded in individual case records and enables young people to directly influence decision making about their future.

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Progress

In December 2012 there was a fire in the home. This was dealt with promptly by staff and contained quickly by the fire authority. Since this incident, the home has taken steps to update its risk assessment to ensure that the building remains a safe environment for young people. In addition, the fire authority has taken the opportunity to engage young people in discussion about fire safety. This also contributes to the overall safety and well-being of young people.

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Progress

Overall, the home has continued to make improvements to the quality of service provided. Importantly, it has benefited from continuity in staffing. No requirements or recommendations are made as a result of this inspection.

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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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