Children's Home run by Cumbria County Council in Cumberland

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 .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Good progress has been made since the last full inspection in September 2015. The one recommendation from the previous inspection is met and sanctions are more restorative in nature.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home has improved its referral and admission process. Impact risk assessments show better consideration to the needs of existing residents when new referrals are considered. Both staff and professionals commented on how this improved the ability of the home to manage young people safely and give them the attention they need to make positive progress.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The Registered Manager has completed an assessment of the location of the home. This evidences the local networks the home has built with safeguarding and support services and shows knowledge of where to source appropriate services. It also identifies local risks and the actions staff can take to reduce such risks for young people.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home provides a homely and welcoming environment where young people feel safe and secure. The home is comfortable, well decorated and well furnished. The home was taking delivery of new bedroom furniture which the young people were looking forward to receiving.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The young people in placement are making excellent progress from their starting points. For example, all young people attend educational provision and one young person has improved their attendance significantly.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Incidents where young people are missing from the home have significantly reduced in this home. While part of this is attributable to the mix of young people in placement, it is also down to the hard work and impact of staff and managers. For example, thinking more carefully about matching and ensuring detailed risk assessments help staff to manage this risk. Staff training in areas such as child sexual exploitation helps staff to understand risks in the community. One young person says, ‘It feels homely, I don’t feel the need to go off and go missing.’ Young people are more engaged in key work sessions and residents meetings. They have choices in activities and although they are of an age where they mainly want to make their own choices, they have enjoyed a variety of options such as holidays, a trip to Alton Towers and more regular trips to a youth project, a music centre and boxing matches.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people have improved behaviours, significantly allowing a reduction to more relaxed staffing ratios and continued good behaviours. For example, staff say one young person is listening more and does not get so upset over trivial issues. There is a reported decrease in angry outbursts and young people can regulate behaviour more quickly with support.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home works well with parents, supporting their role and encouraging positive contact. They maintain good contact with previous residents, for example inviting them for Christmas dinner and a shopping trip to a nearby city.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Risk assessments are thorough and have identified potential mental health issues, prompting appropriate referrals to support vulnerable young people. The home also advocates well for young people, ensuring that their voice is being heard.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Independent monitoring of the home identifies areas for improvement and allows the management team to work on improving the service. The Registered Manager has completed a review of the home, which shows a good understanding of service provision and what needs to improve.

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Information about this children's home

This Local Authority owned home is registered for six children and young people with emotional and/or behavioural and learning difficulties. The Statement of Purpose details the age range of children and young people from 12 to 17 years of age.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

12/02/2015 Interim improved 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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