Children's Home, Residential special school run by Cambian Whinfell School Limited in Westmorland and Furness

Unique reference number SC066821 Inspector Graham Robinson Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Residential special school (>295 days/year)

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Registered person Cambian Whinfell School Ltd Registered person address 4th Floor, Waterfront Building Chancellor's Road Hammersmith Embankment London EC1Y 8YZ Responsible individual Stephen Wallace Bradshaw Registered manager Tracy Ann Booth Date of last inspection 16/01/2015 2 of 5 Inspection date 30/03/2015

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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

Despite the relatively short time between inspections, the home has been able to develop and introduce new initiatives to improves practice and ultimately, outcomes for young people. For example, the implementation and introduction of a new system of positive handling techniques has allowed the home to revise some of its previous practices and make significant improvements. This has resulted in safer practice being adopted which is beneficial for young people.

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This inspection

Three recommendations were made following the previous inspection. Two have been fully addressed resulting in all staff now having experience of fire drills affecting both residential sites and improved internet access for young people. Positive steps have been taken to address a third recommendation linked to ensuring that parents are consulted and their views are reflected in the external monitoring reports which are produced monthly. Work has taken place to inform parents of the steps being taken, but at the time the inspection took place, their views had yet to be included in an external monitoring report. This partial completion of the recommendation is explained by the relatively short timeline between inspections. However, the recommendation has been repeated.

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This inspection

Although at different stages of their journey through the home, young people remain settled into long-term placements. A stable management and staff team provide a continuity of care to young people which is of a high standard. The environment created in the two living areas is warm and homely, meeting the specific needs of the young people accommodated.

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This inspection

Young people enjoy a full and active life-style, which is community based. Disability is not used as a barrier or excuse, allowing young people to discover new experiences, which gives them a greater understanding of the community surrounding them. For example, one young person spoke excitedly about his recent 3 of 5 experience of watching lambing at a local farm.

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This inspection

Young people's individual needs are recognised and addressed effectively by a staff group who posses the skills and dedication to address those needs and keep young people safe. The home has retained its strong links with partner agencies which ensures young people receive a multi-agency response should they go missing or have safeguarding issues.

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This inspection

Any challenges or unsettled behaviour is managed supportively, rather than punitively. Strong, trusting relationships form between staff and young people, who actively enjoy each others company. Consultation and communication levels are high, which allows young people to contribute positively and make choices about daily life in the home.

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This inspection

The home continues to be well organised and managed. There is a genuine commitment to look for continued improvement, along with a willingness to reflect on practice and make suitable adjustments as young people's needs change as they journey through the home.

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This inspection

The home has continued to make identifiable progress since the previous inspection. No new requirements or recommendations have been made. The one recommendation which has been partially addressed has been repeated. 4 of 5

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Information about this children’s home

This privately owned children's home provides accommodation, care and education for a maximum of 14 young people with learning disabilities, including complex needs and autistic spectrum disorders.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

16/01/2015 Full outstanding 18/03/2014 Interim good progress 09/01/2014 Full outstanding 27/02/2013 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 that visits carried out under regulation 33 include relevant checks, in particular that they seek the views of parents and social workers. (NMS 21.7) 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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