Children's Home run by Lifetime Opportunities Limited in Oldham

Unique reference number SC356817 Inspection date 13/03/2013 Inspector Monica Hargreaves Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 21/11/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The home is privately operated and registered to provide care and accommodation for up to four young people who have 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 good progress .

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Progress

At the last full inspection of this home in November 2012, the overall effectiveness was judged to be outstanding. At this interim inspection, the home is judged to be making good progress.

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Progress

The recommendation made at the last visit is met. The manager has ensured that the young person's guide has been updated to include details of the Children's Rights Director and young people's Independent Reviewing Officer. This enables young people to make direct contact with these individuals if they wish.

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Progress

Since the last inspection, a young person has been successfully introduced into the home and is settling in very well. The young person's placement was carefully planned to ensure that they were fully supported at a time of transition. Other young people have benefited from long term settled placements in the home and have made good progress, in particular in education, independence skills and behaviour.

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Progress

Young people's attendance at school or college has continued to be excellent and as a result they have been able to make very good progress towards meeting their education targets. Young people’s social and independence skills have developed and they have broadened their experiences. Some young people have also made good progress in managing difficulties and conflict in their lives, resulting in much fewer incidents of challenging behaviour. The manager is working very closely with one placing authority regarding the transition plans for a young person to ensure that the young person's move into adult services is made as smooth as possible.

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Progress

Young people say that they feel safe and happy in the home. They benefit from being cared for by a consistent and committed team of staff who have a good understanding of their complex needs. Staff are well trained to ensure they maintain the knowledge and skills they need for their work. Young people say that they like the home and that they get on well with one another and with staff. All young people report that they understand how to complain and would 'tell an adult' if they had a worry.

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Progress

Staffing levels are very good and ensure that vulnerable young people are appropriately supervised and properly supported inside the home and when they are out on activities. These arrangements protect young people whilst allowing them to develop. There is no bullying and there have been no incidents of young people going missing from the home. The home itself is extremely well maintained and is kept safe through a robust system of risk assessments and checks.

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Progress

The home has continued to be managed effectively, ensuring that young people are cared for safely and achieve positive outcomes. The manager provides good leadership to the team. She ensures that staff have regular formal supervision and informal guidance at other times to support them in their work with young people. Staff report that they have excellent support from their manager. Since the last inspection, the manager has made an application to be registered with Ofsted as required by the regulations. This application is currently being processed. The manager has also registered for the Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care at Level 5, demonstrating her commitment to ensuring that she has the necessary qualifications for her role.

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Progress

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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