Children's Home run by Lancashire County Council in Lancashire

Unique reference number SC359836 Inspection date 24/03/2014 Inspector Louise Redfern Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 14/11/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This is a children's home operated by a local authority. The home is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to six young people 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

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

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Progress

At the previous full inspection in November 2013, the overall effectiveness of the service was judged as good. Three requirements and three recommendations for improvement were set. This inspection looked at the progress made and at any other concerns raised since the last inspection. Good progress has been made since the last inspection.

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Progress

Since the last inspection positive behaviour has been promoted. The Registered Manager robustly monitors any imposed measures of control. This ensures that the effectiveness and any consequence of the measure are reviewed and young people’s behaviour improves. Between inspections two physical interventions have been required, each of these episodes were evaluated to ensure that they were appropriate and did not restrict the liberty of young people.

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Progress

Regular monitoring of the home acts as a mechanism to identify action to improve the service in the interests of young people. This also ensures all required documentation is available relating to each young person. This means that each young person now has a record of their statutory health examinations.

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Progress

Parents and placing authorities now have regular opportunities to comment on the quality of care in the home. This means that the Registered Manager has regular feedback, which drives forward the quality of care in the home. Supervision records clearly record details of the time and length of the supervision. Staff practice is annually appraised; young people contribute to this process and are enabled to share their views on the staff who look after them.

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Progress

Young people report that they are well looked after and feel safe in the home. One young person commented ‘the staff are good here. They are fair with us and listen to us. They make sure we are safe. They respect that I am a vegetarian they make sure I have the right food to eat.’

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Progress

The Registered Manager has also been very supportive of the team during a restructure of the local authority and has ensured a smooth transition. Consequently, good morale, commitment and motivation have been successfully maintained. Staff comment ‘I am well supported and as a team we have worked hard to stay consistent with young people.’

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Progress

One young person who left between inspections continues to be in contact with staff. Staff are encouraged that young people continue to lead stable lifestyles and make good lifestyle choices when they move on from the home.

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Progress

In meeting the requirements and recommendations raised at the last inspection, the Registered Manager has demonstrated good progress and an on-going commitment to improving the quality of care provided for the young people. No further requirements or recommendations were raised at this inspection.

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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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