Children's Home run by ROC Northwest Limited in Lancashire

inspection

This home was judged outstanding at the full inspection. At this interim inspection, Ofsted judges that it has improved effectiveness . The registered manager continues to provide effective leadership and management. He is suitably qualified and experienced and demonstrates commitment to continual professional development. He spoke positively about a training programme that he is currently taking part in to enhance his leadership and management skills. He demonstrates good awareness of the strengths of the home and areas for development. Outcomes for young people living in the home continue to be outstanding. One young person left the home recently. This was a well-planned and coordinated move towards semi-independent living. The registered manager and staff supported the young person throughout the move and continue to maintain contact with her. Another young person has joined the home and has settled well. Risks to the safety

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and well-being of the young person were explored and carefully considered prior to offering him a place. Staff continue to manage these risks well and, as a result, the young person is safer. His social worker was highly complimentary about the way in which the young person’s admission was managed and said, ‘I have been very impressed with the way they have supported the young person’s admission. They asked a lot of questions during the assessment process and considered every risk. They have understood him better and quicker. This has led to them developing very positive relationships with him.’ Two young people have moved into further education and are making extremely good progress. Staff attended the open evenings at the young people’s college and were given excellent feedback. Both young people have very good attendance and are engaging in all aspect of their courses. The registered manager has identified

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some additional education needs in relation to one young person and is taking action to have these addressed Young people engage in fulfilling and enjoyable activities. Staff have recently made efforts to encourage young people to engage more in their local community and to take part in clubs and societies. Young people are attending youth clubs and cadets and engaging in Prince’s Trust activities. This is helping them to gain skills and confidence and to make new friendships. The parent of one young person commented, ‘He is doing so many good things. The support they have provided is marvellous. He’s doing great.’ One requirement and one recommendation were made at the last full inspection of the home in March 2016. The registered manager has taken action to ensure the satisfactory completion of the issues identified. Measures are in place to ensure that all complaints received are properly recorded. There have been significant

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improvements in the arrangements for medication management, with improved recording and increased auditing now in place. The staff team remains stable with minimal turnover since the last inspection. This means that young people receive their care from staff who know them well and understand their needs. The registered manager has recently conducted a staffing review and has made some positive changes, which have resulted in an increase in permanent staff and less reliance on agency staff. The registered manager encourages staff to share their ideas about the development of the service. One staff member recently presented ideas about how young people’s meetings could be used in a more meaningful manner. This resulted in staff developing educational sessions to carry out with the young people, in areas such as safe sex, personal safety and drug use, which include a quiz. This helps young people to develop their knowledge and understanding about

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matters affecting their personal safety. Young people, parents and community professionals continue to express their satisfaction with this home. A parent said, ‘At all times, the home is absolutely 100%. I cannot fault it.’A social worker commented, ‘I am extremely impressed with this home.’

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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 five children and young people who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties and learning disabilities.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

19/08/2015 Interim Sustained effectiveness

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Recent inspection history

01/07/2014 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 that 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 whom 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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