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

Unique reference number SC061158 Inspection date 31/01/2014 Inspector Anne Bannister Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 28/08/2013 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

Overall, this home was judged as 'good' at the last full inspection in August 2013. Good progress has continued to be made. The three requirements raised have all been addressed. As a result the Statement of Purpose informs of the home's preferred method of behaviour management. There are now more effective management monitoring systems in place to ensure that any shortfalls identified are efficiently addressed. Consequently, all records are well-maintained and reflect young people's progress. Systems effectively demonstrating the difference the placement at the home is making and positive outcomes for young people being cared for. Staff are receiving regular supervision to ensure they have, and maintain, the skills they require to meet the needs of the young people they care for.

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Progress

Staff continue to support young people in maximising their potential and behaviour management plans are regularly reviewed and updated. The staff team works positively, rather than punitively with young people when difficulties arise. This develops and promotes strong, trusting relationships that allow young people to form appropriate attachments to adults who act as role models. Young people’s social and educational needs are recognised, planned for and met. The appointment of a deputy manager has strengthened the management within the home. The management team are now ensuring that there are clear and effective procedures for demonstrating the activities of the home. Supervision arrangements are ensuring all new employees have more frequent supervision and support to enable them to learn and broaden their experience. Staff report morale is good and staff feel well supported and guided in their roles. Young people's records are well

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Progress

organised and maintained. Care plans are appropriately signed and dated, ensuring that young people's records are comprehensive and complete.

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Progress

The manager and visiting representatives from the company regularly monitor the quality of the service; staff are well trained and supported. However, monthly monitoring by the company's representative has not occurred since November 2013 due to the absence of the designated representative.

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Progress

The manager has undertaken his own quality monitoring review of the service since the last inspection. Placing authorities, other professionals and young people have expressed their views and thoughts about the care the home provides. Responses are positive and confirm that young people receive good quality care that enhances their opportunities for their future. This practice demonstrates that the on-going consultation processes within the home ensure staff are delivering a service that meets the needs of the young people being cared for.

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Statutory Requirements

This section sets out the actions which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Children's Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The registered person(s) must comply with the given timescales.

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure that these visits shall take place at least once per month (Regulation 33.(3)) 28/02/2014

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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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