Children's Home run by Care Afloat Ltd in Lancashire

Unique reference number SC006013 Inspection date 18/03/2014 Inspector Graham Robinson Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 17/12/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This private company-run home provides care and accommodation for one young person 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

The overall rating given following the previous inspection in December 2013 was good. Since then the home has continued to make good progress. For example, staff have benefitted from a series of training events covering a number of areas. This enhances their understanding and knowledge, refines their skills and allows them to continue to improve the standard of care provided. As a result, young people's specific needs are being met more effectively.

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Progress

The home retains its good links with external agencies which ensures appropriate strategies are in place to deal with any safeguarding or missing from home episodes. Should this occur, it triggers a co-ordinated, multi-agency response, which in turn contributes significantly to keeping young people safe.

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Progress

Young people's placements in the home are settled and long-term. Individual plans and assessments of risk are updated regularly keeping them current. Behaviour management is handled well with few serious events taking place. Behaviour is based on developing and maintaining excellent relationships between staff and young people, with a non-punitive approach taken. This has resulted in young people being less likely to place themselves at risk through their own actions and based on their starting point, experiencing improved social, emotional and educational outcomes.

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Progress

Young people confirm they are well informed and state clearly they are settled in their placement. They contribute effectively to daily life in the home. For example, one young person described how he had prepared a roast dinner recently, something they obviously took great pride in. Staff have high aspirations for young people and actively advocate on their behalf. For example, the manager is in close discussion with a placing authority in an effort to get appropriate treatment agreed for a young person. If agreed, this should lead to improved outcomes.

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Progress

The home is well organised and managed. Despite some minimal changes to the staff group since the previous inspection, the core of the staff group has been retained, giving young people a continuity of care. Young people and staff are relaxed in each-others company, which creates a good atmosphere in the home.

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Progress

At the previous inspection only one recommendation was made. This has been fully addressed resulting in the home being able to evidence more effectively, that potential staff members right to work in the United Kingdom has been addressed as part of the recruitment process.

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Progress

Despite the short time between inspections, the home has made good progress and the good standard of care noted then, has continued to improve. Young people are experiencing positive outcomes in all areas of their lives when compared to their starting point when first admitted. No new recommendations have been made.

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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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