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

The three requirements raised at the last inspection have been suitably addressed. The Registered Manager has a clear system in place to monitor, review and evaluate any actions needed to improve or maintain the quality of care provided in the home. In addition, improvements have been made to external monitoring systems. The independent visitor’s report provides a good analysis of the care being provided and also their opinion as required by regulation. This provides a basis for a more thorough and evaluative report.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people are happy in their home and appear relaxed and content when interacting with staff. Since the last inspection they have continued to make good progress and benefit immensely from the positive relationships they have with staff. This is certainly a key feature of the home, with staff and young people forming meaningful connections. The team value young people as individuals and show a great deal of care and consideration towards them. They are supportive, approachable and have a good understanding of the young people’s needs. This allows young people to feel that they can count on staff for support and guidance on important issues in their life.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home continues to demonstrate a conscientious approach to young people’s participation in decision making. Young people have a clear voice within the home and know that their views and opinions are listened to and acted upon. On a broader level young people are fully involved in their own care planning. They have a purposeful say over how they would like to be cared for and what they hope to achieve. Consequently, they feel valued and motivated to work towards the goals they have set for themselves.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff are positive role models and provide young people with clear boundaries and expectations of behaviour. This helps young people to regulate their feelings and over time reduces the levels of challenging behaviour. Evidence gathered at this inspection demonstrates that staff have a child-centred approach to positive behaviour management. Their conflict management is effective because of consistent implementation of boundaries; young people know where they stand and what is expected of them. Staff focus on positives; the use of sanctions is not the preferred method of managing behaviour. The use of restorative techniques has proved effective in helping young people to reflect upon their actions in order for them to make safer choices in the future.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home has retained good partnerships with other professionals such as social workers, the police and other specialist services. Any safeguarding issues are managed through a multi-agency response. This is positive as it ensures appropriate response are put in place in times of crisis. These arrangements help to keep young people safe.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager responds appropriately to serious incidents to ensure action is taken. However, the information within formal notifications to Ofsted is varied. Not all records provide a full oversight of the incident, action taken and the outcome of any resulting investigation. Records made in this way lack clarity and do not stand up to scrutiny. More positively, the manager has acknowledged this shortfall and is in the process of identifying appropriate development opportunities to enhance recording practice within the home.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There are sufficient staffing levels in the home to ensure each young person’s individual needs can be met. Staff talk positively about working at the home and feel well supported to deliver a high standard of care. Regular team meetings, monthly supervision and relevant training ensure that staff practice remains effective.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The Registered Manager has a good understanding of the strengths of the home and areas for ongoing development. Areas for improvement are clearly identified and action plans are implemented within clear timeframes. This demonstrates the manager’s ability to drive developments for the benefit of the young people.

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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 three 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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Recent inspection history

12/03/2015 CH - Interim improved effectiveness

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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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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

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Recommendations

 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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