Children's Home run by Lancashire County Council in Lancashire

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

At the last inspection one requirement and two recommendations were raised to improve practice, and all have been effectively addressed. This demonstrates the registered manager learns from inspection and drives improvement forward.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

External monitoring visits are now carried out by people who are independent. The registered manager reports visitors are more thorough and challenging, enabling him to reflect on what he needs to improve. As a result, quality assurance processes are suitably robust.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

All staff have now undertaken some basic training on domestic violence, and the manager is in the process of identifying a more advanced course. This helps to inform their work with young people who are currently engaged in unhealthy relationships. One young person is now accessing external support allowing him to think about, and understand what makes a safe relationship. This demonstrates progress between inspections.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

A review of training means the registered manager has a clear plan for the year ahead. His focus is to make sure staff refresh mandatory courses where necessary, and to identify specific training that will enhance their knowledge in attachment, and therapeutic ways of working. Consequently, the registered manager is committed to developing their skills and knowledge so they can continue to meet the needs of young people.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Occasionally restraint is necessary to prevent people getting hurt, and two incidents have occurred between inspections. One young person has not been involved in any incidents which reflects a reduction in her overtly challenging behaviour. Young people now have the opportunity to talk through incidents with someone who is not involved in the restraint itself. This is good practice, and better protects and promotes their welfare.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Educational outcomes are mixed. One young person who is above compulsory school age remains committed to his learning, engaging in formal tutoring as well as independent study. As a result, he continues to make measurable progress from his starting point. He is also developing aspirations because he wants to be a mechanic or a plasterer. Thinking positively about his future is a major step forward.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Another young person finds education challenging; she has periods of school refusal, and this impacts on her progress. Staff work hard to understand what barriers she has to learning, and help her to overcome these. Recently, she has returned to school part-time, and is participating in some home tutoring. When not engaged in formal learning she leaves the home without permission during the day to spend time with friends. Additional work is needed to increase her participation in suitable activity during school time.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

One young person engages in cannabis use, and this is detrimental to his health and well-being. Between inspections key-work sessions have not been carried out to address this with him, and he currently refuses specialist support and guidance. A recommendation is raised so that staff use their skills and knowledge to talk with him more about the dangers of drug use, how to reduce this, and to minimise harm.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The complex individual needs of two young people are met safely because the registered manager maintains high staffing ratios. A consistent and calm approach employed by staff means they manage highly challenging behaviour well. As a result, young people begin to respond to boundaries and consequences over time. For example, one young person is no longer subject to a police curfew or electronic tag, but still returns home on time most evenings. Previously he would not have done so, and without external controls would regularly be absent or missing. No missing from home incidents have occurred between inspections reflecting some improvements in young people’s safety and welfare.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The registered manager and staff remain alert to the risks posed by and to young people. They take appropriate action, and work tirelessly with a range of partner agencies to ensure such risks are managed. For example, contact arrangements are now safer for one young person because staff acted with the placing authority to address concerns.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

One new member of staff has been recruited between inspections. References received are not robust, or properly verified. Immediate action was taken by the registered manager to address this shortfall during the inspection. A lack of rigour in employment practice increases the risk of unsuitable people working with young people.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Three recommendations are raised following this inspection to secure further improvement.

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Information about this children's home

This children’s home is operated by a local authority and provides care for up to six young people of either gender aged from 12 – 17 years. The home cares for children with emotional and behavioural difficulties. The home can take emergency placements.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

12/03/2015 Interim sustained 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 children are supported and enabled to increase their participation in education in order to resume full-time attendance, specifically they should be engaged in suitable structured activities during the school day when not attending school, or home tutoring (The guide to the quality standards, page 28, paragraph, 5.15).

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Recommendations

 Ensure that children are offered advice, support and guidance on health and well-being, specifically in relation to drug misuse (The guide to the quality standards, page 35, paragraph, 7.18).

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Recommendations

 Ensure good employment practice is maintained, specifically with regards to seeking and validating appropriate references (The guide to the quality standards, page 61, paragraph 13.1).

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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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