Children's Home run by Cambian Childcare Limited in Lancashire

Unique reference number SC456535 Inspector Jackie Line Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Registered person Cambian Childcare Limited Registered person address Pinnacle House 2 Oakwood Square, Cheadle Royal Business Park CHEADLE Cheshire SK8 3SB Responsible individual Michael Ore Registered manager Carol Statham Date of last inspection 29/10/2014 2 of 6 Inspection date 06/03/2015

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Previous inspection adequate Enforcement action since last inspection none

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This inspection

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

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This inspection

The purpose of this visit is to assess the progress made since the last inspection, and consider how any developments have improved the quality of care and outcomes for young people.

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This inspection

At the last inspection on 29 October 2014 the home was judged to be adequate, and one requirement and four recommendations were raised. At the point of this interim inspection, all areas identified for improvement have been effectively addressed. This demonstrates the management and staff team learn from inspection, make improvements, and this has a positive impact on young people’s outcomes and welfare.

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This inspection

External monitoring is carried out by someone more independent of the home. Reports are thorough; they evidence good levels of consultation with young people, and outline any shortfalls needing to be rectified. The visitor is persistent in ensuring matters are followed up, and the Registered Manager does take action to address concerns raised with her. As a result, monitoring arrangements are more robust and this is helping to drive improvements forward.

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This inspection

Records pertaining to young people are accurate; they are regularly reviewed, and are routinely signed and dated. Staff report that administrative systems are more clearly defined since the last inspection, and they are in receipt of better guidance from managers. Improved administration and greater organisation contributes to the smooth running of the home.

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This inspection

The Registered Manager has completed a new development plan; progress against the plan has already been reviewed, and actions completed. This demonstrates a renewed commitment to securing progress in relation to the home’s operation. 3 of 6 Staff report they feel well supported, and say they continue to receive supervision regularly. Staff have undertaken a range of training courses between inspections including: attachment; drug awareness; self-harm, and e-safety. This means they are more equipped with the skills and knowledge to effectively care for young people.

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This inspection

Since the last inspection one young person has moved on to another placement. Although the young person made some progress overall, the levels of support required to engage him and keep him safe were too great. A decision to end the placement came following an increase in levels of challenging and risk taking behaviour, and in recognition that the placement was no longer suited to meet his needs safely.

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This inspection

Young people recently admitted to the home arrived with high levels of emotional vulnerability. Staff employ a calm and effective approach to behaviour management. Young people contribute to their own behaviour management plan and risk management strategies. As a result, they believe they are treated with respect, and are listened to. A young person comments on how the approach in this home is different because there is a focus on ‘what I can do, and what I can earn; they didn’t just assume I couldn’t earn it’. Behaviour management is effective because it has led to a reduction in risky behaviours, for example aggressive outbursts, missing from home episodes, and incidents of self-harm. Furthermore, families have noticed positive changes in young people. One relative says: ‘She seems happy and more relaxed; she used to be so angry all the time but not now’.

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This inspection

Individual risk assessments are comprehensive and regularly reviewed and updated. This ensures staff are clear about the individual vulnerabilities of young people, and about the strategies in place to minimise and manage risk. This practice helps to keep young people safe. The young person in placement reports: ‘I feel very safe’. She attributes this to the good relationships she has with staff, describing them as ‘good to talk to’. She confirms she has contact details for a range of support services, and knows how to complain should she wish to do so. This demonstrates young people live in a safe environment where they are protected from harm. Moreover, staff implement good safeguarding measures to identify risk, and use protective measures to keep vulnerable young people safe.

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This inspection

Concerns relating to education raised at the last inspection are being addressed. Facilities in the home have improved, and additional furniture is on order. This means the environment is more conducive to helping young people learn. Daily routines and structures are in place, expectations about attendance are clear, and as a result young people are readily engaging in education. Since coming to live at the home a young person has achieved 100% attendance; given their starting point this is excellent progress. A grandparent comments: ‘Education is going well which I am really pleased about; the fact that they have said she is going to get GCSE’s is really good, and she is very pleased at the amount of education she is getting’. As a result, there is the potential for significantly improved education outcomes. 4 of 6 Young people’s health needs are well met. They are promptly registered with all relevant health professionals, and are supported to attend routine appointments.

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This inspection

Staff demonstrate they are able to respond to unforeseen and urgent health concerns ensuring that young people access appropriate medical attention. Good partnership working is clearly in place; this means there is a consistent approach to health management and as a result, young people’s physical and emotional well- being is promoted and protected.

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This inspection

The home has been refurbished since the last inspection. The addition of soft furnishings and pictures gives the environment a more homely feel. A range of health and safety checks are completed in the home. Young people can demonstrate what to do in the event of a fire, and how to evacuate the home safely. However, records do not identify that all new staff have participated in a fire drill. In addition, not all recommendations have been acted upon following a review of the fire risk assessment. A recommendation is raised to address this so that young people continue to live in a safe environment where identified risks are minimised. 5 of 6

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Information about this children’s home

The home is privately run and is registered for up to one young person with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

29/10/2014 Full adequate 13/03/2014 Interim good progress 11/10/2013 Full good

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Recommendations

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

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Recommendations

 ensure children’s welfare and safety is promoted in the home; in particular all staff are familiar with and have practiced a fire evacuation drill so they know what to do in an emergency; records stipulate the time the evacuation drill takes place and length of the evacuation, and all recommendations from the fire risk assessment are implemented (NMS 4.1). Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Recommendations

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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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