Children's Home run by CASC (Barrow) Limited in Cumbria

children and young people since the most recent full 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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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people at this home, who were previously finding it difficult to engage in education, are now regularly attending their education provision. Although young people can be reluctant to attend, they are well supported in identifying education that is suited to their needs and therefore make progress in this area. For example one young person has completed their statutory education and is enrolling on a Duke of Edinburgh award scheme and looking at Prince’s Trust courses.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Some young people at this home are at high risk of child sexual exploitation (CSE) when initially placed. Their risks reduce over time and they are well supported to understand how to keep themselves safe. Their risk assessments are updated accordingly and the most recent risk assessments are recorded on their files. Internet use and on line safety is given thorough consideration and young people have only supervised access to the internet and social media at present. Similarly age restrictions on computer games are adhered to, even when young people bring 18 rated games into the home from previous placements. Unsuitable games are sensitively ‘traded’ for age appropriate games.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Self-harm was a significant issue for young people at this home and there have been no incidents since the last full inspection. This is due to the increasingly settled behaviour of the young people and the positive and trusting relationships young people develop with staff members. The home has good links to external support agencies in respect of maintaining positive emotional health and young people receive a holistic package of support in this area. Additionally the home works in partnership with health agencies and young people engage well in maintaining their general health and wellbeing.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The relationships between the young people are becoming more settled, with fewer incidents of negative behaviour. The addition of a third young person into the home has been well planned and managed and has had a positive impact for all young people placed. Complaints from neighbours about the level of noise have ceased and this is due to less verbal aggression between the young people and fewer episodes of challenging behaviour within the home. Young people’s behaviours are very well understood and any unsettled behaviour usually has an identified trigger and is dealt with sensitively in a supportive rather than punitive manner. Young people can identify a trusted adult who they feel comfortable in talking to about issues and concerns, which results in fewer incidents of aggression or self-harm. Key worker support is valued by the young people and they are able to express their views about their choice of key worker;

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

this ensures they have a key worker who they have a close and trusting relationship with and that they know their views are listened to.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There have been no missing from home episodes and no physical management of behaviour which contributes to young people’s feeling of safety. There has been one allegation made against a member of staff which is currently under investigation. The home is working well with the LADO and is following all statutory policies.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home has been without a Registered manager for 18 weeks. The current acting manager has made an application to the regulator for registration, but unfortunately will be going on extended leave necessitating a further temporary manager being recruited by the company.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

One requirement made at the previous inspection in respect of CSE risk assessments has been met. The requirement in relation to recruitment has not been met, with recruitment files not containing all the necessary identifying documents for employees, this requirement is therefore repeated at this inspection.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people are making good progress across all areas in this home, with significant progress noted in some specific areas for some young people. This is balanced with the changes to the registered manager position, the serious allegation under investigation and the unmet requirement, resulting in a judgement of sustained effectiveness.

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Information about this children's home

This privately owned children’s home is registered to accommodate and care for four young people of either gender aged between 11-17 years. Young people accommodated experience emotional and behavioural difficulties. The home accepts emergency placements and can offer care to young people on a short, medium or long term basis.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

25/11/2014 CH - Interim improved effectiveness

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Recent inspection history

06/02/2014 CH - Interim Inadequate Progress

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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

The registered person must ensure that full and satisfactory information is available in relation to the individual in respect of each of the matters in schedule 2 (Regulation 32 (3)(d)) 02/03/2016

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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

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

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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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