Children's Home run by Care Afloat Ltd in Lancashire

Inspection report children’s home: SC006011 1 SC006011 Registered provider: Care Afloat Ltd Interim inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home is one of nine operated by a private company. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to three young people. The registered manager has been in post since 16 January 2018.

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Information about this children’s home

Enforcement action since last inspection: none

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged good at the last full inspection. At the interim inspection, Ofsted judges that it has sustained effectiveness. One requirement was made at the previous full inspection in April 2018 about the improvement of education for young people currently excluded or not attending full-time education. Alternative provisions have been identified to meet young people’s educational needs, and this requirement has, therefore, been met. Young people have taken part in car mechanic and fishing courses while being integrated back into full-time education. A dedicated, experienced registered manager continues to lead the home. She demonstrates a commitment to achieving high standards in all aspects of care. A social worker said of the registered manager, ‘I have always applauded [name] for the consistency and boundaries she has implemented for [child], and has built good Inspection report children’s home: SC006011 2

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

relationships with staff, which I believe has been key to [child’s] stability.’ There is a stable consistent staff team, and staff enjoy their work. One member of staff said, ‘I’m honestly really happy I’m working here, I love my job. It’s the best working environment I’ve ever been in.’ Motivated staff work hard to provide young people with optimum care. Regular mandatory training for all staff ensures that they have current knowledge to meet young people’s needs. Evidence from all sources describes caring relationships between staff and young people. A member of staff said, ‘We really care about young people. We build up rapport with them, find out what they like and don’t like, and learn what works best to care for them. It’s all about the young people at the end of the day.’ Staff know young people well and understand their needs. They use this knowledge to provide individualised care. The home considers the safety and welfare of young people as paramount. All staff have

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

up-to-date safeguarding training. They know the procedures to follow should they have safeguarding concerns. All safeguarding issues are reported to relevant authorities without delay. This protects young people. Risk assessment are updated as and when significant events happen. Staff are updated on strategies around keeping young people safe. The home maintains good links with the local community, particularly in the local skate park and trampoline centre. One local skate park has offered to sponsor one of the young people because of their talent at the sport. The home is moderately decorated, and there is some damage to the hall, stairs and landing carpet, which is stained and lifting in parts. A recent inspection under the flooring of the downstairs area found that the foundations were sitting in water. Pumping was in action during the inspection and it affected just the one room. Young people were still able to use the second lounge. An insurance adjuster has been advising

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

the company on the best way forward to repair the damage caused by the flood. Maintenance is carried out without delay, maintaining high standards. Health and safety is taken seriously, providing a safe environment for everyone. The home’s manager monitors the quality of the service effectively through monthly checks on young people’s progress and six-monthly evaluations of the home and care practices. The independent reviews do not, however, include the views of the young people, professionals working with young people or parents. In addition, the reports lack evaluation and demonstrate a lack of scrutiny and depth. A requirement has been made to improve this. Inspection report children’s home: SC006011 3

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

24/04/2018 Full Good 24/01/2018 Full Inadequate 16/11/2016 Interim Sustained effectiveness 26/04/2016 Full Good

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions that the registered person(s) must take to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the ‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’. The registered person(s) must comply within the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

The protection of children standard Ensure that the premises used for the purposes of the home are designed, furnished and maintained so as to protect each child from avoidable hazards to the child’s health. (Regulation 12(2)(d)) With particular regards to the flooding repair in the downstairs lounges and hall, stairs and landing carpet. 31/03/2019

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Requirement Due date

The independent person must produce a report about a visit ("the independent person’s report") which sets out, in particular, the independent person’s opinion as to whether— (a) children are effectively safeguarded; and (b) the conduct of the home promotes children’s well-being. (Regulation 44 (2)) 31/03/2019 Inspection report children’s home: SC006011 4

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Information about this inspection

Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children and young people. Inspectors considered the quality of work and the differences made to the lives of children and young people. They watched how professional staff work with children and young people and each other and discussed the effectiveness of help and care provided. Wherever possible, they talked to children and 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.

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Information about this inspection

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

Using the ‘Social care common inspection framework’, this inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000 to assess the effectiveness of the service, how it meets the core functions of the service as set out in legislation, 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’. Inspection report children’s home: SC006011 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 158-160 Birkrig, Digmoor Parade, Skelmersdale WN8 9HP

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Michael Fletcher

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Inspector

Elaine Clare, social care inspector Inspection report children’s home: SC006011 6 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, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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