Children's Home run by Frances House Ltd in Lancashire

Unique reference number SC403462 Inspector Graham Robinson Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Registered manager Charlotte Louise Cooke Date of last inspection 28/10/2014 2 of 5 Inspection date 10/03/2015

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Previous inspection outstanding Enforcement action since last inspection None

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This inspection

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

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This inspection

Since the previous inspection, the home has continued to move forward and progress. For example, the manager has introduced specific sections in the reports produced following the internal monitoring of the home and into young people's internal care plans, which improve significantly the depth and quality of evaluation. Young people's involvement in certain decision making processes within the home have been enhanced with the introduction of a secret ballot, where they can now vote for who they think should win the young person of the month award.

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This inspection

All young people in the home are well supported during times of difficulty, enabling them to come to terms with issues in an environment where they feel cared for and well supported. Placements are planned and usually are long-term, allowing many who have experienced pro-longed periods of instability in their lives, the chance to settle, form positive relationships and buy into a more socially acceptable lifestyle. As a result, young people are prospering socially, educationally and emotionally.

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This inspection

Relationships between young people and staff are strong, which reduces the number of behaviour management incidents that take place. The home has maintained its excellent record of keeping young people safe. This is aided by the positive working relationships the home has with external agencies charged with keeping young people safe. Should incidents arise, young people are well supported through a multi-agency response.

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This inspection

The home has an excellent track-record of involving young people into community based activities. Many develop social conscience's that promotes the desire to help others less well off than themselves. For example, one young person has been active in voluntary work, another has chosen a career of nursing, driven by a desire to help others less fortunate than herself. This gives young people a sense of direction and purpose, along with the experience and satisfaction of helping others. 3 of 5 Young people are well informed and have direct input into the plans in place for their future. They recognise the positive journey they have taken during their time in the home. For example, with those nearing greater independence being able to acknowledge the positive impact that living in the home has had on them. This helps to foster ambition and develop realistic plans for their future.

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This inspection

Young people and staff create a lively, energetic and welcoming atmosphere that greets visitors on entry to the home. The home remains well organised and managed. A stable team of staff provide young people with good adult role models, who deliver a high quality and consistent level of care in which young people thrive. They understand they can bring issues and concerns to the attention of staff, with the confidence of knowing they will be taken seriously and addressed positively.

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This inspection

At the previous inspection, no requirements were made. One recommendation to ensure suitable arrangements exist for the professional supervision of the Registered Manager, was made. This recommendation has been partially addressed, with sources to provide the service having being identified and currently being explored. Full compliance with the recommendation is imminent.

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This inspection

Although the recommendation is repeated, it has been judged not to have had any detrimental affect on the progressive ambitions the home has for itself. There has been no negative impact on the functioning of the home, or with the outcomes being achieved by young people. No new recommendations have been made. 4 of 5

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Information about this children’s home

The home is operated by a private organisation and is registered to care for up to five young people, of both genders, between the ages of 11 and 17 years. The home cares for children with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

28/10/2014 Full outstanding 20/02/2014 Interim good progress 20/08/2013 Full outstanding 07/03/2013 Interim good progress

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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 suitable arrangements exist for the professional supervision of the Registered Manager. (NMS 19.3) 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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