Children's home run by Meadows Care Limited in Rochdale

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

There is a suitably qualified and experienced Registered Manager in charge of this home. She is a dedicated and enthusiastic leader who has the respect of staff and other professionals who work there. She has a good understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the service and demonstrates a commitment to providing a good standard of care in order to improve the life chances of the young people living there. One requirement and one recommendation were made at the last full inspection in September 2015. The Registered Manager has taken effective action to address the shortfalls. Improvements have been made to the complaints process and careful consideration has been given to how staff can support young people to access the internet safely; thus ensuring the young person’s safety and wellbeing.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home provides an environment where young people feel safe and are safe. Good daily routines, clear structure and consistent behaviour management strategies promote more socially acceptable behaviour in young people. All young people have detailed behaviour management plans, with strategies to minimise behaviour that place them at risk of harm. These plans are kept under review and amended when there are additional areas of risk or concern. Young people are aware of consequences for inappropriate behaviour and this helps them to understand boundaries. Positive behaviour is acknowledged and praised to further support their understanding of what is socially acceptable.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Incidents of young people going absent without permission or going missing from the home are rare; with only one recorded missing from home since the last inspection. Staff actively discourage young people from leaving the home through discussion, incentives and de-escalation. However, when absences do occur staff promptly implement agreed protocols, which includes phoning them, searching the local areas and making contact with known acquaintances. This ensures that young people return to the home in the shortest amount of time possible.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people continue to receive good levels of support from a committed and experienced staff team. Staff understand the individual needs of young people and are particularly skilful in supporting young people to develop their self-confidence, emotional resilience and self-esteem. This helps them makes sense of their past experiences, learn how to manage their feelings and develop alternative coping strategies. All of which promote good psychological wellbeing and resilience.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Evidence gathered at this inspection highlights that young people enjoy participating in a range of fun activities. This enables them to spend time with staff, which strengthens their relationship and attachments. Young people’s individual interests and talents are harnessed and they are helped to experience a range of activities. Staff fully consult with them regarding preferred interests each week and also plan for the future. This promotes their sense of belonging and provides them with opportunities to develop confidence and improve their social skills.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people maintain appropriate contact with the family. This is facilitated by staff who understand the importance of helping young people maintain these significant bonds. This good quality contact reinforces young people’s sense of belonging, identity and connectivity. Staff remain highly aware of the impact of contact on young people’s emotions and remain supportive towards them.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager responds appropriately to serious incidents to ensure appropriate action is taken. All significant events relating to the welfare and protection of young people are reported to the appropriate authorities in a timely manner. In general records are clear, factual and objective. However, the quality of information within notifications is varied; some offering good level of information, while other lack clarity. This is not good practice, furthermore records made in this way means that Ofsted cannot be assured that the provider has taken all necessary steps to ensure young people are kept safe.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Leadership and management arrangements remain effective. Quality assurance systems are good. Staff continue to receive appropriate supervision and training to enhance their knowledge base and enable them to do their job well. Any shortfalls in care practices are addressed quickly and effectively with those involved.

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Information about this children's home

This is one of a number of privately run children’s homes operated by a private company. The home is registered to provide care and accommodate for two young people who may need support with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. The organisation also has a registered school and a therapy department, which young people can access if required.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):  The home's record of event must include a description of the action taken and the outcome of any resulting investigation. This specifically relates to improving the quality of information within a notifications. (The Guide, page 63 para 14.14)

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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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