Children's home in Westmorland and Furness

This monitoring visit

A monitoring visit was conducted on 2 June 2016, following an inadequate judgement at the full inspection, which took place on 28 and 29 April 2016. During that inspection, social care regulatory inspectors (SCRI) Caroline Jones and Mandy Williams identified widespread concerns including serious shortfalls in safeguarding practices and a significant lack of management oversight, resulting in unsafe practice that undermines young people’s care and safety.

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This monitoring visit

Since the last inspection, improvements in these areas are evident. Young people’s risk assessments now take into account their individual needs and safety. Specifically, risk assessments in relation to young people going missing from home are based on the individual needs and risks of young people. They are now being reported missing from home to the police on a timeframe that is based on their assessed needs for safety and protection.

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This monitoring visit

Safeguarding concerns in relation to young people are now being taken seriously. Processes are now followed by the staff to ensure that they undertake their duties and ascertain the safety, health and well-being of the young people concerned.

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This monitoring visit

Day-to-day care is now arranged so that young people are no longer left for long periods of time in their bedrooms at night, morning and afternoon without being monitored or checked on by staff. Risk assessments and care plans are being adhered to by staff, who now check on young people to establish their welfare. Improved monitoring tools and processes are in place that demonstrate this care practice.

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This monitoring visit

Major gaps in recording practice were identified at the last inspection. Records of young people’s daily lives now provide an understanding of the quality of care that they receive. Improved recording tools are in place. These show the meals that young people have eaten, the times that they have taken their medication, and the times that they leave and return to the home. The dates and information on the records sampled are detailed and accurate. Further measures include case work monitoring, file checks and a manager monitoring tool. The regional manager also monitors the quality of care that young people receive. This oversight now allows for improved monitoring of patterns and trends of behaviour to safeguard young people better.

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This monitoring visit

An independent external review has been undertaken to provide an objective and impartial account of the running of the home. This will inform future improvements.

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Information about this children's home

 The home is registered for up to nine young people.  The home is run by a private organisation.  The home offers care and accommodation for young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to monitor the action taken and the progress made by the children's home since its last Ofsted inspection. This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000. 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 this guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234 or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Information about this inspection

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, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It inspects services for children looked after and child protection.

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Information about this inspection

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Information about this inspection

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Information about this inspection

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Information about this inspection

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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