Children's home run by ROC Northwest Limited in Westmorland and Furness

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged Requires improvement at the 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

Care practice has developed and improvements are evident. All the requirements and recommendations from the last inspection have been fully addressed. Namely; training with staff in relation to gastrostomy care is now assessed by a health professional. This confirms staff competence and skills in delivering that care. Moreover, effective systems are in place to monitor young people’s diet and weight. This enables any health issues to be promptly acted upon. The statement of purpose now clearly sets out the home’s approach to delivering specific health care activities, which enables stakeholders to make informed decisions.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Core teams of staff have been implemented around each young person to provide continuity of care. This enables the same group of staff to fully understand their unique needs and talents and builds trusting relationships. There have been some changes in the management structure with the appointment of three new managers. They assist the Registered Manager and are a positive addition to the team.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The majority of young people attend school regularly and achieve their aims. A young person is not in school at present, but staff are working with all agencies to support education at home until an alternative placement is secured. Young people’s confidence is growing, which is reflected in their attention to their personal care, increasing their verbal language and use of pictorial exchange cards. These are good examples of the staff enabling young people to have a real say in their daily lives. The Registered Manager and the staff have worked in partnership with stakeholders to support progress and improve the experience of young people. A social worker commented; ‘they have willingly accepted to try new things.’ Feedback questionnaires are routinely sought and demonstrate good levels of satisfaction with the care and progress of young people. They are involved in a range of activities that they enjoy such as; canoeing, swimming, walking, playing

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

on the trampoline in the garden, attending the local youth club and disco. Leadership and management arrangements have also developed through improved monitoring and review systems that focus on the quality of care. For example; daily briefing meetings are in place to share information and open lines of communication, and the management team complete regular care shifts to share expertise and guide staff. Additionally, a chronology of events is compiled about each young person to analyse trends and patterns. These practices are effective as there are significant reductions in serious notifications to Ofsted and physical interventions.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Furthermore, development plans and quality audit reports are very good and focus on continual improvement in the home. For example, staff morale is on the agenda of supervision alongside their views and ideas in the running of the home. Staff spoken to during the inspection report high levels of satisfaction with their role.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Three young people are new to the home since the last inspection and are settling very well. Thorough planning and introductory visits are part of the process to enable them to be involved in decisions and feel part of home life. Two young people have also moved on from the home, which again is fully supported by the staff. Leaving parties are also part of their transition and provide an ending to their journey here. They are also invited back to attend the company awards evenings and events.

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Information about this children's home

The home is registered to accommodate up to 15 young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties, physical or learning disabilities, mental disorders and sensory impairment. Both full-time and short break care is provided and there is a school on site.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

20/05/2015 CH - Full Requires improvement

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Recent inspection history

05/03/2015 CH - Interim sustained effectiveness

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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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