Children's home run by Witherslack Group Limited in Westmorland and Furness

Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: SC475710 1 SC475710

p.1

Witherslack Group Ltd

Monitoring visit Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

p.1

Information about this children’s home

The home is owned and managed by a private company. It provides care and accommodation for up to eight children who may have emotional and/or social difficulties.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

There have been changes to the management since the last inspection. The current manager is qualified, and registered with Ofsted on 24 April 2020.

p.1

This monitoring visit

Due to the restrictions in place due to COVID-19 (coronavirus) this visit was carried out off site. The visit was undertaken to investigate potential breaches of regulations, following information being shared with Ofsted in notifications that indicated a potential risk of harm to children. The visit included a review of documents, a virtual tour of the building and discussions with children, staff, families and relevant professionals.

p.1

This monitoring visit

Staff take effective action when there are safeguarding concerns about children. Risk assessments are up to date and include strategies for staff to follow to reduce the risks to children. Staff involve other professionals, for example the on-site therapeutic team, to provide children with additional support. The staff share information with the children’s families and social workers.

p.1

This monitoring visit

The atmosphere is welcoming and the home is well equipped. Shared spaces are personalised, displaying children’s artwork and photographs of them having fun. Children are involved in designing their bedrooms and other parts of the home. A child said that they like their bedroom because ‘it’s the way I want it’. Staff ensure that children have a private space in which to spend time with visitors. This means that children feel comfortable in their home and have a sense of belonging. Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: SC475710 2 Most children like living in the home. Staff treat children as individuals and develop positive relationships with them. One child said, ‘I like living here, the staff make me smile and laugh.’ The staff encourage children’s individual talents and interests, for example football, gaming and music. One child played their musical instrument to the inspector which the staff had helped them to learn. This raises children’s self-

p.1

This monitoring visit

When children experience difficult times in their life, staff provide them with support and emphasise that, regardless of what happens, the children are loved and accepted. One member of staff, when discussing children’s experiences, said, ‘We accept they make mistakes, it’s okay to mess up sometimes. We help them learn.’ This means that children can rely on staff to help them, which promotes children’s self-worth.

p.2

This monitoring visit

Care plans are personalised to each child. They clearly show the child’s targets and what support they need to progress and achieve them. The manager reviews the plans, so that they are up to date and reflect the child’s progress. The manager ensures that staff understand the children’s plans and can follow them. This means that children receive the right level of support according to their needs.

p.2

This monitoring visit

Children receive help to develop life-skills, so they are prepared for their future. Staff provide the children with advice and guidance while helping them to learn practical skills, for example cookery. When children move out of the home, staff plan the transitions effectively. They provide children with off-site support to help them settle into their new environments. This means that children are prepared for the next steps in their lives and feel supported.

p.2

This monitoring visit

The manager’s approach is focused and he is keen to make improvements. He inspires a culture which is committed to ensuring the success of the children living in this home. He helps the staff to understand the children’s needs and how to care for them. One professional said that the manager is ‘really good, he is thorough’. The staff feel supported, and receive regular supervision and management advice. This means that the quality of care that children receive is monitored and reviewed.

p.2

Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 30/07/2019 Full Good 21/08/2018 Full Good 04/07/2018 Full Inadequate 05/12/2017 Full Outstanding Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: SC475710 3

p.2

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.

p.3

Information about this inspection

This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000.

p.3

Children’s home details

Registered provider: Witherslack Group Ltd

p.3

Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Lupton Tower, Lupton, Carnforth LA6 2PR

p.3

Inspector

Catherine Heron, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: SC475710 4 to 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.

p.3

Inspector

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, 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, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.4

Inspector

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.4

Inspector

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

p.4