Children's Home run by Keys Child Care Limited in Lancashire

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

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

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home has remained settled since the previous inspection with no change to the group of young people living in it. Apart from one addition to the team, the staff group has also remained constant. This has resulted in young people receiving a high standard consistency of care.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people are settled into long-term placements and have clear and detailed plans, strategies and assessments of risk that identify their individuality and areas of need. As they grow and needs change, these documents are updated through regular review, which keeps them current. These and previous documents when read collectively give insight and provide evidence of the progress and development each young person is making.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people confirm they like living in the home which makes them feel safe and secure. Extreme behaviour patterns shown in previous placements reduce, allowing them to adopt a socially acceptable lifestyle in which they are thriving physically, emotionally, socially and educationally.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

All young people have full time educational placements in community based schools. Attendance for each one is 100%, apart from the odd day of sickness. Leisure facilities based in the local community are taken full advantage of, with all young people able to discover new hobbies which meet their need and particular interest.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

For example, one young person spoke enthusiastically about his participation with a junior football team, proudly describing how he has become the leading goal scorer. Other young people enjoy a range of other community based activities such as dance classes, swimming and trampoline clubs. One young person has just joined the scouts.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This encouragement and commitment by staff to engage young people positively with their education and into community based activities, gives young people a greater acceptance in their community as they develop appropriate friendships with others. It also enhances their self-esteem as their confidence grows, as well as introducing them to active lifestyles that improve their health and fitness.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people speak positively about the house they live in, which is domestic in appearance, comfortable and child-friendly. They were observed as being totally at ease and relaxed in this environment. Evidence of recent decoration of some bedrooms was noted.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Generally the home has a good standard of décor, furnishings, fixtures, fittings and equipment. However, the outside wall in main lounge shows signs of damp and requires attention. Some cupboard doors in the front play room are damaged and need replacing.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people benefit from being looked after by an experienced and highly motivated staff team that has remained unchanged and constant to them. Strong bonds and relationships are formed, giving young people a high degree of trust with staff members. This provides them with strong adult role models who they can look up to.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The management team are well supported by the staff group. All buy into the ethos, culture and working practices that have developed over the years, which specialises in looking after damaged young children. Managers have the will and ability to review working practices and look to push them further in the quest for improvement.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

For example, since the previous inspection, the home has introduced an individualised way of working with some young people that provides targets to be reached, based on specific need. Underpinning this is a system that monitors and evaluates progress. This way of working has now become more embedded into working practices, with all staff having received specific training.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The monitoring of the home both internally and externally is good and meets with all statutory requirements. The home has a good record of compliance with the one recommendation made at the previous inspection being fully addressed. As a result, young people’s educational plans and achievements are evidenced better in their placement plans.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Overall the period from the last inspection has been settled. The home continues to be well organised and managed. There is a commitment to look for continued improvement, which results in outcomes for young people remaining positive.

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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.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

30/03/2015 CH - Interim sustained effectiveness

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Recent inspection history

17/01/2014 CH - Interim Satisfactory 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

12: The protection of children standard Ensure that the premises used for the purpose of the home are furnished and maintained appropriately with particular reference to addressing the issue of damp on the outer wall in the main lounge and replacing damaged cupboard doors in the front playroom (Regulation 12(2)(d)). 17/05/2016

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Requirement Due date

* These requirements are subject to statutory requirement notice.

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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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