Children's Home run by Lytham Care Limited in Knowsley

Unique reference number SC454035 Visit date 04/02/2015 Inspector Michelle Bacon Monitoring report for a Children's Home Monitoring Report: SC454035, 04/02/2015 2 of 4

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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. Monitoring Report: SC454035, 04/02/2015 3 of 4

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Brief description of the service

This is a privately-owned children home that provides care and accommodation for up to five young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties and learning disabilities.

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Outcome of monitoring visit

This home was judged declined in effectiveness at the interim inspection on 05 January 2015. The home was in breach of seven regulations. Three compliance notices were issued on 13 January 2015, under Regulations 11, 16 and 21. In order to evaluate progress made by the home in addressing these concerns, an unannounced visit was made to the home on 4 February 2015. The evidence provided during the monitoring visit confirms that the home is now compliant.

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Outcome of monitoring visit

The provider has taken positive steps to review and update young people's risk assessments to reflect their current risks. These are reviewed regularly and there is a sheet for staff to sign to show that they have read the updated risk assessment. Staff have also undertaken training in risk management. This ensures that staff are aware of the risks to individuals and how to manage these effectively.

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Outcome of monitoring visit

Staff are participating in training to improve their knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and the manager is undertaking level 2 in safeguarding. The manager is also scheduling further safeguarding training for all staff. This will improve the staff skills and knowledge, and improve care practice within the home.

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Outcome of monitoring visit

Ofsted made a referral to the local area designated officer(LADO) after the provider failed to notify them that they had disciplined three staff. Ofsted has received a response from the LADO to say that they do not need to progress to a multi-agency allegation management meeting, as no allegation of abuse was made by a child. However, they do acknowledge the home should have referred to seek independent advice on the matter.

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Outcome of monitoring visit

The concerns in respect of Regulation 21 relate to medication practice within the home. This included a young person not receiving their medication as prescribed by their doctor, medication having to be discarded because staff had dropped it and a member of staff taking a young person's medication for their own personal use. The provider has revised the medication policy. The medication policy and procedures were reviewed in the team meeting on 30 January 2015 to ensure all staff are fully aware of the administration, disposal and recording of any medication. Staff have also been made aware that they must not take any young person's medication for their own personal use. These improvements ensure that the health and welfare of young people is fully promoted.

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Outcome of monitoring visit

No further enforcement action is planned. Monitoring Report: SC454035, 04/02/2015 4 of 4

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About this monitoring visit

The purpose of this visit was to monitor the action taken and progress made by the Children's Home following an Ofsted inspection.

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