Children's Home run by Choices 4 Children Limited in Lancashire

Unique reference number SC400880 Inspection date 21/01/2014 Inspector Louise Redfern Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 11/09/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This is a private children's home that provides care and accommodation for up to four young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties 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 in September 2013, the overall effectiveness of the service was judged as adequate. Six requirements and three recommendations for improvement were set. This inspection looked at the progress made and at any other concerns raised since the last inspection. Satisfactory progress has been made since the last inspection, with the quality of care and outcomes for young people being maintained. Following the last inspection the Registered Manager has addressed all of the requirements and recommendations.

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Progress

The Statement of Purpose is clear, accessible and comprehensive. The Registered Manager ensures that any changes are notified to the HMCI. A policy regarding the use of door alarms and electric surveillance equipment used in the home has now been implemented. This ensures that staff and young people have a clear understanding of how and when the equipment is used in the home.

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Progress

Since the last inspection, the Registered Manager has implemented incentive led behaviour management plans, which has significantly reduced the number of sanctions. As a result, positive behaviour is promoted and encouraged. Financial sanctions are no longer imposed in the home, unless by way of reparation. Physical interventions implemented by staff are now only used when all other action has been exhausted. Recording clearly demonstrates restraint has been used to safeguard young people and staff from serious harm and not for compliance. The Registered Manager is reviewing all records to ensure measures of control imposed remain effective.

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Progress

The home is physically safe and appropriately secure. Staff pay good attention to health and safety management. Following a new gas meter being installed to the property, a current gas safety certificate was issued.

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Progress

Monitoring of the home continues to be undertaken on a regular basis. Formal systems have now been implemented to ensure young people, parents and placing authorities’ views are obtained as part of Regulation 33 monitoring. This means that any suggestions for improvement to the quality of care are holistically captured. Since the last inspection, HMCI has received a record of the Regulation 34 monitoring. Supervision records have been improved; as a result they now meet the National Minimum Standards.

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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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