Children's home run by Keys Child Care Limited in Rossendale

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 .

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home has experienced some difficulties since the last inspection. A young person admitted late October, failed to settle and thrive in their new environment. This led to a period of disruption for both staff and young people. Steps taken to find a more suitable placement were successful and the home worked closely and supportively with all young people up to the move taking place.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

At times the resilience of staff was tested, but flexible staffing arrangements put in to meet the needs of all young people allowed for this difficult period to be negotiated. This ensured there has been no long-lasting damaging effect on the current group of young people.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

As a result of this experience, the manager has tightened procedures in dealing with referrals in an effort to ensure minimum impact on the current group of young people living in the home.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The stability of the home has returned with young people continuing to progress. For example, all have full-time educational placements in community based schools, with a 100% attendance rate. One young person is benefitting significantly following his recent move to a special school where both his educational and emotional needs are being met.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

All young people currently placed benefit from being cared for by a staff team that has had little change since the last inspection. Staff recognise and understand the needs of the young people they care for. Their practice is underpinned by detailed placement plans and risk assessments that are updated regularly to keep them current.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The quality of the relationships and levels of trust young people have with staff, gives them a sense of security. Young people confirm they feel safe in the home and are progressing well socially, emotionally and educationally. The management team, who are well supported by the staff group ensure the home is well organised. The home has looked to make progress since the last inspection and despite the difficult period experienced, have had some success in doing so.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

For example, areas of progress and development include the introduction of development plans for young people and the introduction of some individualised work known as safe and sound. This tracks progress being made linked into specific targets set for a young person.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home has retained its good working relationships with partner agencies, who assist staff with some of the work being undertaken. These working partnerships provide extra support and direction to young people in areas such as their health and being accepted into the local community.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people live in a homely environment that is child-friendly and designed to meet their needs. The overall standard of décor, fixtures, furnishings and equipment is high. They confirm they like living in the home and were seen to be relaxed and ease within their environment.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The garden to the rear is split level, with the lower area looking a little desolate and wasted. Plans are being considered to upgrade this area, but as these considerations have been on-going for some time, and with the advent of improved weather, a recommendation for this matter to be resolved has been made.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people lead active community based lives. For example through membership of a local scout group, attending local swimming and trampoline clubs as well as a variety of after school clubs. This helps them to make appropriate friendships as well as promoting general fitness, which leads to better health.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home has a good record of compliance and the one requirement and one recommendation made at the last inspection have been addressed. As a result, the outside area to the rear of the home has been made safe with the erection of a new, temporary fence. Placement plans have been improved with a newly revised section that concentrates on a young person’s education.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Because the home is well organised and with staff prepared to work collectively to meet the needs of young people in their care, it has successfully negotiated a difficult period. The overall care given to young people is good and those living at the home continue to make reasonable progress in all areas of their lives.

p.3

Information about this children's home

This section should outline: The home is owned and operated by a private organisation. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to four children and young people. The children and young people may have emotional and behavioural difficulties, including attachment problems.

p.4

Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

p.4

Recent inspection history

23/03/2015 CH - Interim sustained effectiveness

p.4

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.

p.5

Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):  Ensure the premises are designed so as to enable the children to participate in their daily life in the home with particular reference to the garden area between the patio and neighbours fence (NMS 6 (2)(c ) (ii)).

p.5

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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 .

p.6

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,

p.7

Information about this inspection

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

p.7

Information about this inspection

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

p.7

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

p.7