Children's Home run by Carlisle Mencap Ltd in Cumberland

Unique reference number SC446003 Inspection date 25/03/2014 Inspector Mandy Williams Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 25/06/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This four bedded children’s home is run by a registered charity and provides short breaks care for children and young people with physical and/or 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 good progress .

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Progress

At the last full inspection of the home in June 2013, the overall effectiveness of the home was judged to be good. At this time Ofsted asked the provider to address one requirement and one recommendation. The provider has successfully addressed both of these.

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Progress

In relation to the requirement: the organisation has strengthened the safe recruitment of staff since the last inspection. Senior staff have completed safer recruitment training and the organisation has also devised a number of new forms to aid their recruitment processes. Additional referee checks are now completed and clear records maintained about the outcome of these. This practice ensures that only the most suitable individuals are employed to work in the home.

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Progress

In relation to the recommendation: the installation of a new alarm system on the exit doors and gate leading from the garden of the property ensures that the liberty of young people is not unnecessarily restricted. In the event of a young person attempting to leave the property or its grounds, without a staff member, an alarm will alert staff to the need to investigate as a matter of urgency. Young people's short break plans have been amended to reflect this change which also demonstrates that young people's families are aware of this. Staff confirm that the new system is working well.

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Progress

Children and young people continue to enjoy their short break stays in the home. Staff complete a careful matching process in order to ensure that the needs and interests of the young people attending at any one time are compatible. This process includes consultation with the young people and their parents. The process is effective and had enabled young people to form friendships with others that they meet up with regularly during their stays. Staff ask young people routinely to provide feedback on their stay in the home. Comments include, 'I was able to play with my friend', and 'staff look after me well and organise activities'. Parents similarly provide positive feedback, with one reporting, 'it is invaluable and we can rest knowing our child is well looked after'.

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Progress

Young people's short break care plans include clear and agreed objectives for young people. Young people receive encouragement and support to meet small targets that will contribute to their goal. These are reviewed after each stay in the home to monitor the progress that young people are making. Alternative strategies are employed if the current one is not proving effective. This ensures that the young person's stay in the home is effective at helping them achieve their goals.

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Progress

The service remains in the process of development. There is a development plan in place that is subject to regular review. However, the organisation remains dependant on funding to aid their further expansion. The service is currently open a defined number of weekends and weekday night's to meet their contractual agreements. Although currently the same local authority places the majority of the young people using the service, and on the same legal basis, these details are not included in the admission and discharge register maintained by the home.

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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 register showing the date of the admission and discharge in respect of each child accommodated in the home includes all the details required; specifically the child's placing authority and the statutory provision(if any) under which he is accommodated. (Regulation 29(1), Schedule 4) 30/04/2014

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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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