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 Good at the full inspection. At this interim inspection Ofsted judge that it has improved effectiveness .

p.1

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There is a suitably qualified and experienced Registered Manager in charge of the home. He has managed the home for almost two years. An experienced deputy manager also works in the home to support him. They have the respect of staff and young people. They demonstrate a real commitment to improve the life chances of the young people while they are living here. Outcomes for young people who have moved on from the home since the last inspection have been variable. Some young people have successfully managed the transition to independent living and have kept in contact with staff and friends that continue to live in the home. Thus, demonstrating the significance of the relationships forged while they lived here. While others may not have always left with such positive outcomes, staff have ensured that young people’s departure from the home has been marked with a special meal out and farewell gifts, marking their time in the home with the recollection of positive memories. In one

p.1

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

instance, a young person has returned to live in the home, following a deterioration in his behaviours at his interim placement. Young people living in the home continue to make very good progress. They attend school regularly and some are thinking about their future career paths. Staff are keen to ensure that young people make the most of their educational opportunities and have successfully reintegrated young people into education, following a long period of non-attendance. One young person has asked for additional tuition, appreciating the significance of attaining good grades in national examinations. The Registered manager has successfully sourced this for him. There have been minimal changes to the staff team since the last inspection. Staff follow good routines; and know the young people and each other well. There is a warm and welcoming atmosphere in the home. Professionals working with the home frequently comment on this. For example. One recently commented, ‘The

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

young people clearly feel valued and supported. The atmosphere at meal times was fantastic and it really felt like a family meal.’ Other positive feedback includes, ‘This home stands out from any residential home I have worked with before. I think what makes you unique is the way you treat young people with warmth and respect. Please pass on my thanks to all the staff.’ Two requirements and one recommendation were made at the last full inspection of the home in September 2015. The Registered Manager has taken action to address these. For example, all staff have now received training in fire prevention and the Registered Manager has spent time reminding staff about their safeguarding responsibilities. He has produced a number of quick reference guides that are on display in the staff office; and had a renewed focus on such issues at staff meetings. There has been an improvement in management oversight; records

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

are more organised and regular monitoring is evident. He has also sourced additional training for staff on issues pertinent for young people, such as child sexual exploitation and radicalisation. This ensures that staff have the necessary skills to safeguard young people effectively. However, the one recommendation made at the last inspection has not been fully addressed. While a number of notifications regarding serious events have been notified to Ofsted in a timely way, Ofsted were not notified about a complaint about the actions of staff for a number of weeks. The Registered Manager acted on the complaint immediately and worked alongside other safeguarding bodies, but omitted to inform Ofsted until the conclusion of his investigations. Hence, this recommendation is to be repeated to ensure that this important process is adhered to.

p.2

Information about this children's home

This children’s home is one of a number of homes operated by a private organisation. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to four young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties and learning disabilities.

p.3

Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

p.3

Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):  ensure that all serious events are notified, within 24 hours, to the appropriate people. The system should cover the action that should be followed if the event arises at the weekend or on a public holiday; this specifically relates to timely notification to the HMCI (The Guide paragraph 14.13)

p.3

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.

p.3

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.

p.3

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 .

p.4

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,

p.5

Information about this inspection

The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.5

Information about this inspection

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.5

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

p.5