Children's Home run by ROC Northwest Limited in Lancashire

Unique reference number SC066428 Inspection date 27/02/2014 Inspector Mandy Williams Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 24/10/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The home is registered to accommodate up to five young people of either gender who may have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties, physical or learning disabilities, mental disorders and sensory impairment. The home provides accommodation for up to four young people in the main building and one young person in an annex attached to the building. This is designed as a semi-independent living space.

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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

Since their previous inspection the service is judged to be making satisfactory progress.

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Progress

At the last full inspection in October 2013 the overall effectiveness of the home was judged to be outstanding. At this time Ofsted suggested improvement in just one area. The home has successfully completed this; a bound book is now in place to record the administration of controlled medication.

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Progress

There have been some management changes since the last inspection. The former Registered Manager has taken up another post in the organisation and a new manager has been appointed. Time has been allowed for a slow handover between the managers to minimise disruption. The new manager is in the process of applying to Ofsted for registration. There have also been a small number of changes to the staff team since the last inspection.

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Progress

The home's Statement of Purpose had not been revised to reflect the changes in staff or management arrangements. That was quickly addressed during the inspection. However, the manager has also failed to notify Ofsted about a limited number of significant incidents that have occurred since the last inspection. Appropriate records have been maintained but Ofsted has not been made aware of the incidents as they happened.

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Progress

There have been no admissions or discharges of young people since the last inspection. All the young people are established in the home and are making good progress. Young people report that they get on well with each other most of the time and that they see their relationships as similar to sibling relationships. They confirm that the change of managers went smoothly and report good relationships with staff. One young person spoke about their positive relationship with their keyworkers, commenting, 'I have known my keyworkers for a long time and I trust them'. Similarly, social workers are positive about the staff in the home. One social worker commented in feedback taken by the home, 'staff are committed, passionate and understanding'.

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Progress

Young people are clearly involved in the development of the home and are able to express their views freely. The new manager of the home is in the process of formulating her own development plan for the home and is keen to involve young people in this. Young people are able to personalise their bedrooms in accordance with their wishes and interests. The home is generally in a good state of repair. However, during the inspection some bedroom furniture was observed to be damaged and one of the young people's bathrooms required cleaning. Action was taken to address these issues during the inspection.

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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 the Statement of Purpose is kept under review and, where appropriate revised, and that the HMCI is notified of any revision within 28 days. (Regulation 5(a)(b)) 31/03/2014

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):  ensure that the home provides a comfortable and homely environment and is well maintained; this relates specifically to the cleanliness of young people's bathrooms and the repair or replacement of broken bedroom furniture (NMS 10.3)  ensure that the registered person has a system in place to notify within 24 hours the persons and appropriate authorities of the occurrence of significant events in accordance with Regulation 30. (NMS 24.1)

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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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