Children's Home run by Partners in Care Limited in Lancashire

Unique reference number SC441717 Inspection date 17/01/2014 Inspector Jacqueline Malcolm Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 15/08/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The children's home is privately owned. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for four young people who experience 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 full inspection in August 2013 the overall effectiveness of the home was judged to be good but outcomes were only judged to be adequate. The provider was asked to make improvements to address the good practice recommendations raised in relation to: promoting young people’s cultural heritage and identity needs; supporting young people to cease smoking and misusing substances; improving school attendance; the quality of records, in particular sanction and risk assessments; and an aspect of recruitment practice.

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Progress

Since the full inspection the Registered Manager has left the organisation. The provider has promptly appointed a new suitably qualified and experienced manager. An application has been made to Ofsted for the manager to become registered and this is at the final suitability stage. The new manager is providing good leadership to the staff team and she is running the home efficiently and effectively. She has the full support of the staff team who feel valued, supported and involved in decisions made in the home. The manager has already made a number of improvements which are in the young people’s best interests, having already identified the homes strengths and areas for development. Examples include a review of the paperwork to better evidence outcomes for young people, implementing effective administrative systems and promoting closer communication with professional stakeholders. The manager has also addressed all of the recommendations made at the full inspection.

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Progress

Young people’s outcomes are significantly improved by these positive interventions.

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Progress

Young people’s cultural heritage and identity needs are clearly defined in their child focussed placement plans. The plans confirm that young people have been consulted about issues arising from their personal identity and their views are valued. This respects young people’s wishes and feelings and determines the level of support that they receive. In addition, cultural evenings have been introduced in the home. This enhances young people’s knowledge about different cultures and religions and promotes anti-discriminatory views. Contact continues to be promoted for all young people, which ensures that they remain connected to their cultural origins.

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Progress

Young people who have been involved in smoking and substance misuse no longer live at the home. However, this behaviour is actively discouraged within clear rules and boundaries that are understood by the young people. This minimises the opportunities for young people to indulge in anti-social behaviours and promotes their good health.

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Progress

Overall, young people’s education attendance has improved. Young people are at different stages of their educational journeys at school and college and some are making exceptional progress. Young people who have been absent from education for some time show potential to achieve and they are engaged in a structured educational programme. This ensures that young people can achieve the highest possible educational standards to progress into further education and employment.

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Progress

The quality of records has improved to ensure clarity of information. Sanction records show the effectiveness of the measure used. This helps the manager and staff to satisfy themselves that the behaviour management measures help young people to regulate any presenting negative behaviours. Improved risk assessments provide clearer details about the potential risks and the strategies in place to reduce them. This keeps young people out of harm’s way.

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Progress

Good recruitment practices are followed. The provider understands the importance of following up gaps in employment as appropriate. This promotes a robust approach to the recruitment of staff and keeps young people safe from adults who may pose a risk to them.

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Progress

Young people continue to enjoy a good quality of care from a caring staff team who feel empowered by the new manager to competently carry out their role. New young people to the home receive a warm welcome from the staff team and young people, which helps them to settle in. Staff place the young people’s safety and welfare at the centre of their practice, which has earned them the trust of the young people over time. Young people confirm that they like living at the home. They say that they feel safe and get on well with members of staff, in particular their keyworkers. Young people’s friends and significant others are greeted by staff in a friendly and hospitable manner. This demonstrates positive adult role modelling, which promotes good manners and appropriate relationships.

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Progress

Young people live in a well maintained and homely environment. They have been involved in the recent redecoration of the home, such as choosing the colour scheme to freshen up the rooms. Young people are actively encouraged to personalise their bedrooms, which helps them to take ownership and appreciate their surroundings. This promotes young people’s self-esteem and makes them feel less inclined to cause damage around the home.

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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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