Children's Home run by Lifetime Opportunities Limited in Lancashire

Unique reference number SC063103 Inspection date 27/03/2014 Inspector Monica Hargreaves Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

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

p.1

This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated.

p.2

Brief description of the service

The home is run by a privately owned company and is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to five children and young people who have a learning disability.

p.3

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.

p.3

Progress

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

p.3

Progress

At the last full inspection of this service in December 2013, the overall effectiveness was judged to be outstanding. At this inspection, the home is judged to have made good progress.

p.3

Progress

One recommendation was made at the previous inspection. This is met. The manager has developed a system for ensuring that relatives and professionals are asked for their views about the quality of care. She sent out surveys to parents and a range of professionals and has received a number of responses. Professionals have made positive comments. For example, one social worker said that the home 'has provided excellent care to young people' and another said '(name) is very well supported by excellent staff and a very good key worker'. Parents have also confirmed that they are happy with the quality of care. The manager reflects on the feedback that she receives and uses it to drive improvements in the home.

p.3

Progress

Young people benefit from being cared for by a consistent team of staff. Staff are qualified and competent. They have a very positive view of the young people they look after and have developed a very good knowledge of their complex needs. Staff are trained in safe care and they have a good understanding of the home's safeguarding procedures. Consequently, they know how to ensure that young people are cared for safely. Staff understand how those young people who do not use speech make their views known. They talk to them about their plans and also about the running of the home. Consequently, young people are involved in all the decisions that are made about their care. Highly individualised care and risk management plans ensure that young people's assessed needs are clearly identified and enable staff to work consistently to support young people's progress.

p.3

Progress

Since the last inspection, one young person has been successfully introduced into the home and is settling in very well. The young person's placement was carefully planned. They were able to visit the home on several occasions in order to see where they would be living and to meet staff and other young people. This ensured that they were fully supported at a time of transition. Other young people have benefited from very long term settled placements in the home and have made good progress across all aspects of their development. They attend school regularly and are achieving their individual targets. They enjoy a healthy lifestyle. They are provided with a balanced diet and they enjoy taking part in activities that promote exercise. Particular favourites are swimming and walking in the local countryside. Young people enjoy going to the local youth club where again they can take part in activities and also meet other young people.

p.4

Progress

Young people develop life skills at a pace that is appropriate to their individual needs. For example, they learn to manage their own personal care, choose their meals and make simple drinks and snacks. They derive a real sense of achievement from this. Young people with very complex needs also improve their communication skills over time and learn to manage social situations more effectively. This benefits them as they are able to enjoy more activities in the community. The manager and staff make clear plans to support young people's preparation for adult life. However, not all young people who are eligible have a transition or pathway plan in place. Consequently, there is no clear written information to confirm the arrangements that will be put in place for them when they leave care. The manager confirmed that she has raised this issue with placing social workers and that she will continue to pursue

p.4

Progress

this matter to ensure that plans are started as soon as possible.

p.4

Progress

The home is well managed. The manager has a very good understanding of the young people who live in the home and maintains an excellent overview of their progress. She has developed effective links with professionals from other agencies and demonstrates a strong commitment to ensuring that young people are provided with the resources they need to support their care and progress. Staff report that they are well supported in their work and confirm that communication in the team is very good.

p.4

Progress

One recommendation has been made as a result of this inspection. This relates to young people's pathway plans.

p.4

Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

p.5

Recommendations

 ensure that all 'eligible' young people have a pathway plan. (NMS 12.2 and Volume 5, statutory guidance paragraph 2.135)

p.5

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.

p.6

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.

p.6