Children's Home run by Lifetime Opportunities Limited in Oldham

Unique reference number SC356817 Inspector Ruth Loughridge Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Registered person Lifetime Opportunities Ltd Registered person address 4 Shanter Close Shawforth ROCHDALE Lancashire OL12 8HB Responsible individual Shona Patricia Wands Alderson Registered manager Emma Louise Thomas Date of last inspection 24/09/2014 2 of 5 Inspection date 10/03/2015

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Previous inspection good Enforcement action since last inspection none

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This inspection

This home was judged good at the last full inspection. At this interim inspection Ofsted judge that it has sustained effectiveness .

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This inspection

The home continues to make a positive contribution to the lives of the young people with complex needs and learning disabilities. Young people are cared for by a small staff team with whom they are familiar. This promotes continuity for young people and allows them to develop positive relationships with the staff.

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This inspection

Staff work closely with young people and other professionals to plan for, and support young people through their transition to adult life and leaving the home. Young people are given increasing responsibilities in preparation for adulthood which include developing life skills, making decisions and managing their money. Young people are fully involved and their contribution is evident in the planning documentation. In line with young people’s particular needs, each step toward transition is timetabled to ensure that they know what to expect and to help them prepare practically, and emotionally, for the move.

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This inspection

Positive behaviour management continues to be effective. Young people develop more positive ways of expressing themselves. They discuss concerns, and take advice, for example around developing positive peer relationships. With one young person, focusing on potential consequences of not attending school has been effective in improving attendance. Physical intervention is used infrequently and only as a last resort. Interventions are brief, they promote safety and they are well recorded.

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This inspection

Young people have access to the internet and staff provide them with good advice about personal safety and appropriate online behaviour.

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This inspection

The home continues to work well with other agencies. In cooperation with one young person’s social worker and school, they were prepared and supported to attend a residential trip. This represents exceptional progress for the young person, 3 of 5 who overcame anxieties, stepped out of his comfort zone and enjoyed this new experience.

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This inspection

The Registered Manager oversees the quality of care and professional practice. Expressions of dissatisfaction from young people are explored, and resolutions developed which keep young people’s needs at the centre of practice. Monitoring reports are evaluative and set out targets for development.

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This inspection

Action has been taken to ensure that the requirement, and four recommendations made at the last inspection have been met. The Registered Manager has now established links with the local police, and has up to date police and local authority policies in relation to young people going missing. The home’s missing from care policy has been updated in line with these. Staff receive more regular supervision and have now undertaken first aid and fire safety awareness training.

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This inspection

No recommendations or requirements have been made as a result of this inspection. 4 of 5

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Information about this children’s home

The home is privately operated and registered to provide care and accommodation for up to four young people who have learning disabilities.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

24/09/2014 Full good 18/03/2014 Interim good progress 13/11/2013 Full good 13/03/2013 Interim good progress Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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.

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What inspection judgements mean

At the interim inspections we make a judgement on whether the home has improved in effectiveness, sustained effectiveness, or declined in effectiveness since the previous full inspection. This is in line with the Inspection of children’s homes: framework for inspection.

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Information 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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Information about this inspection

The report details the main strengths, any areas for improvement, including any breaches of regulation, and any failure to meet national minimum standards. The judgements included in the report are made against the framework of inspection for children's homes.

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