Children's home run by Meadows Care Limited in Rochdale

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged Outstanding at the last 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 last full inspection was completed on 19/11/15. The home was judged to be outstanding in all areas. This was particularly in relation to the young people’s very settled placements and their excellent progress from their starting points. The home was functioning then at such a high level that there were no requirements or recommendations made. Young people continue to enjoy warm, positive and purposeful relationships with staff and with each other within their individual capabilities. They undertake various activities which enrich their understanding of the wider community and help prepare them for adult life. They are given choice, appropriate freedom and autonomy which significantly improves their sense of well-being. As one social worker commented: ‘My young person has excellent care from the staff team. He is very happy and wishes to remain in his home until he is 18. It has been a pleasure working with the staff team. Keep up the fabulous work you all do.’ Those

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

young people close to moving out into independent living are well supported to acquire appropriate practical skills to help them to make successful transitions. That said, additional work is needed to assist them to develop the more subtle emotional and mental qualities they will need to successfully manage their lives as adults in the community. Excellent communication is maintained between school and education staff. This allows for any concerns or achievements to be shared, further promoting young people's well-being and attainments. Shared aspirations and targets for young people ensure a holistic approach to developing social and life skills, and educational ability. Both young people have very good attendance at their respective education provisions and are progressing well. As one education professional confirmed: ‘He is well-cared for and his needs are known and being met. Staff have an excellent knowledge of him and are able to both represent him

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

and be clear about what is in his best interests. His needs in terms of care and education are appropriate and enabling him to make progress. Communication and information-sharing is excellent. I am, as always, really impressed with the staff’s commitment to their young people and the way they work with us. I feel my young person is in very safe hands and the skills of staff are very evident.’ Behaviour management strategies with both young people continue to be effective. Group dynamics and behaviour are managed very well. This provides young people with a harmonious environment in which to live. T here have been no occasions since the last inspection when young people have felt the inclination to run away or have needed to be restrained. The use of sanctions is extremely minimal as staff prefer to use a more constructive, restorative approach so that young people learn from challenging situations. Records of individual sessions with young people show

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

useful direct work with them about issues such as future care planning, attitudes, use of advocacy services, exercise, healthy eating, and extra academic tuition. This has helped young people to progress and have a meaningful voice in decision- making forums. Young people continue to be safeguarded by very competent child protection practice. They say they feel safe at the home and respected by staff. They continue to be able to build trusted and secure relationships with adults working at the home. They live in stable environments with consistency in their lives. As a result, young people are able to develop an appropriate sense of permanence and belonging in the home. The Registered Manager provides very effective leadership to the staff team and demonstrates a strong commitment to driving forward improvements in the home. Robust internal and external arrangements for monitoring practice ensure that

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

there is excellent oversight of the care that is given to young people and the progress they make. Partnership working with external professionals remains consistently constructive and positive with a clear aim to promote young people’s development. To conclude, the home continues to offer young people an outstanding service. This means it has sustained its effectiveness since the last inspection. One recommendation is made to encourage the development of young people’s all round independence skills.

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Information about this children's home

This children's home is owned and managed by a private company. It provides care and accommodation for no more than two children and young people who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties .

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

05/02/2015 CH - Interim improved 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):

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Recommendations

 Staff must help each child to prepare for any moves from the home, whether they are returning home, moving to another placement or adult care, or to live independently. This includes supporting the child to develop emotional and mental resilience to cope without the home's support. (The Guide, page 17, paragraph 3.27)

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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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