Children's home run by Witherslack Group Limited in Westmorland and Furness

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

Action has been taken to effectively address three out of four recommendations made at the last inspection, and this demonstrates a commitment to continuing development.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The location risk assessment has been reviewed and updated to include environmental factors within the locality of the home such as coastal caves, cliffs, and a level crossing. Direct work undertaken with young people means they are educated about such risks, and equipped with information to help them keep safe when out in the local area.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The registered manager consistently monitors the use of disciplinary measures, and work has been undertaken with the staff team to ensure these are relevant, varied, and have a restorative focus. This work is ongoing, and the manager is now monitoring the use of financial reparation so that any sums imposed are reasonable. As a result, consequences are reviewed to ensure they are fair, proportionate, and effective.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

One young person’s placement plan has been updated to include information about his religious, ethnic, and cultural needs, and how these are being met. Staff are working more creatively to address issues pertaining to his identity, and are sensitively supporting him to develop a positive self-image.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

All young people are engaged in education, and staff provide good support to help them progress their learning, and overcome any difficulties. For example, meetings have taken place with a college provider and additional support is now being offered to one young person to address his learning and behavioural needs. A new homework initiative is encouraging independent learning skills, and promoting additional study in preparation for GCSE’s.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

A computer error on the day of the inspection meant that education reports were unavailable for review. Consequently, it was difficult to assess the managers understanding of young people’s academic progress. As a result, a recommendation made at the last inspection is repeated.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Safeguarding practice continues to be good. Any allegations and complaints are fully investigated, information is clearly recorded and shared readily with partner agencies. Prompt action by staff and managers keeps young people safe, and promotes their welfare.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Most young people have maintained or improved progress identified at the last inspection. For example, one young person’s behaviour has improved significantly with a reduction in physical interventions, he is settled at home and school, and has now joined cubs. A social worker comments: ‘Looking at the history of X in terms of previous placements, he has made huge strides. He speaks very positively about the home and school staff’. This demonstrates young people respond well to consistent care, and clear boundaries.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The registered manager takes action in response to young people who are struggling to make progress. For example, a multi-agency meeting was convened to review concerns relating to one young person and consider the way forward. As a result, he is to have increased therapy sessions, and contact arrangements have changed. This demonstrates a clear commitment to supporting young people through difficult times. Risk assessments and support plans now need to be updated to reflect recent concerns and behaviours, and the strategies in place to manage these.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

A young person new to the home benefitted from well-planned introductions. He had the opportunity to meet home and school staff before moving in, and this helped to allay his anxieties. He told the inspector that he has settled in well, and reports to his social worker that what he likes most about the home is the ‘straight and fair rules and boundaries’. Consequently, effective transitions enable young people to settle quickly and establish good routines.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Communication with partner agencies is good, and they report they are kept well informed about progress and challenges. One social worker said: 'X has been there for a few years and everything has been great. Always been very positive. Few issues lately where we have seen a change, and the home has been really good at letting the family know what is going on and how they are supporting him'. Effective working relationships promote young people’s safety and welfare, and reassure those with an interest in them that they are receiving good standards of care.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Two recommendations are raised following this inspection to secure further improvement moving forward.

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Information about this children's home

A private organisation operates this children’s home. The service is registered to accommodate up to seven young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties and learning disabilities. Their education is provided as day pupils in two schools on the company’s other sites.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

05/03/2015 Interim improved effectiveness

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):  Ensure that staff continually and actively assess the risks to each child and the arrangements in place to protect them. Specifically that risk assessments and my support plans are updated regularly to reflect known risks and management strategies (The guide to the quality standards, page 42, paragraph 9.5).

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Recommendations

 Ensure the registered person oversees the welfare of the children in their care through observation and engagement with teachers, specifically so that children's academic progress and achievements from their starting points are clearly understood (The guide to the quality standards page 54, paragraph 10.23).

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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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