Children's Home run by ROC Northwest Limited in Lancashire

inspection

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

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inspection

There is a suitably qualified and experienced Registered Manager in charge of the home. He has the respect of staff and other professionals who work here. He has a good understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the home and demonstrates a commitment to provide a good standard of care in order to improve the life chances of the young people who live here.

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Outcomes for young people living in the home have been variable. Some young people have made significant progress since the start of their placement and continue to do so. They are attending education regularly and are learning to manage their free time constructively. There has been a significant reduction in periods of missing from home for some young people, who are now engaging constructively with staff and learning how to keep themselves safe. Some young people have moved on from the home in a planned and positive manner but this has not been the case for everyone. Social workers remain positive about the home and have provided the manager with positive feedback. Comments include, ‘Staff and managers have worked professionally and positively,’ and ‘Thanks to the commitment of staff and a child centred ethos, X has thrived. Thanks to the Registered Manager for his fantastic organisational focus on getting the best for

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the young person.’ Living in the home does make a positive difference to young people's lives.

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One requirement and one recommendation were made at the last full inspection of the home in January 2015. The Registered Manager has taken action to ensure the satisfactory completion of the issues identified. Comprehensive risk assessments inform safe caring practices in the home. These have been reviewed since the last inspection and no longer contain conflicting information. Similarly, staff recruitment processes demonstrate that appropriate follow up has taken place when there has been an inconsistency between an individual’s application and information gained from reference checks. The provider’s decision making process is clear in such circumstances. Thus, ensuring that these issues are given due consideration.

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The stability of the staff team is of concern. There has been a high turnover of staff since the last inspection. Although, the Registered Manager has recently managed to recruit to these posts a number of shifts continue to be covered by staff who work in other homes in the organisation. This has had a negative impact on some young people, as there has been a rise in incidents as they test out new staff employed in the home. One young person who has made exceptional progress in the home also commented, ‘The staff who have worked here have been nice but sometimes it doesn’t seem worth getting to know them as they may not work another shift in the home.’ This instability does not help young people develop constructive relationships with staff or help them invest in the home.

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Staffing levels remain good and ensure that young people are able to spend individual time with staff and engage in activities of their choosing. Three young people have recently enjoyed a holiday abroad. This was a once in a lifetime experience for some. Young people thoroughly enjoyed their holiday and took part in a range of activities including snorkelling and jet-skiing. One young person said, ‘The holiday was great, we did lots of cool things.’ Such positive experiences are significant for young people and help improve their confidence and self-esteem.

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Information about this children's home

This children’s home is one of a number of homes operated by a private organisation. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to five children and young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties and learning disabilities.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

01/07/2014 Interim Sustained effectiveness

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Statutory Requirements

This section sets out the actions which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the Guide to the children's homes regulations including the quality standards. The registered person(s) must comply with the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

In order to meet the leadership and management standard: the registered person should ensure that the home's workforce provides continuity of care to each child. (Regulation 13(2)(e)) 30/09/2015

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What the inspection judgements mean

At the interim inspection 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

Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children and young people living in the children's home. Inspectors considered the quality of work and the difference adults make to the lives of children and young people. They read case files, watched how professional staff work with children, young people and each other and discussed the effectiveness of help and care given to children and young people. Wherever possible, they talked to children, young people and their families. In addition the inspectors have tried to understand what the children's home knows about how well it is performing, how well it is doing and what difference it is making for the children and young people who it is trying to help, protect and look after. This inspection focused on the effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of children and young people since the most recent full inspection.

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Information about this inspection

This 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 Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the Guide to the children's homes regulations including the quality standards. the guidance raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted, which is available from Ofsted's website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted . If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Information about this inspection

achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, workbased learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It inspects services for looked after children and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team,

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Information about this inspection

The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

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Information about this inspection

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Information about this inspection

Store Street Manchester M1 2WD T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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