Children's home run by Westmorland and Furness Council

Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2731337 1 Registered provider: Westmorland and Furness Council

p.1

Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

p.1

Information about this children’s home

This home is owned and operated by a local authority. It is registered to provide care for up to four children who experience social and emotional difficulties.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

The home and manager registered with Ofsted on 1 April 2023. The registered manager is suitably experienced.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

At the time of this inspection, one child was living in the home.

p.1

Inspection date: 5 January 2024

Date of last inspection: 10 October 2023

p.1

Inspection date: 5 January 2024

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

p.1

Inspection date: 5 January 2024

Enforcement action since last inspection: none

p.1

Information about this inspection

At this inspection, the inspectors evaluated:

p.1

Information about this inspection

 the care of children  the safety of children  the effectiveness of leaders and managers. Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children, using the social care common inspection framework. This assurance 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’. Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2731337 2

p.1

Findings from the inspection

We did not identify any serious or widespread concerns in relation to the care or protection of children at this assurance inspection.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

The child currently living in the home has developed trusting relationships with staff and with an independent advocate who helps the child to share their wishes and feelings. The child is supported to attend hearings at court and review meetings to ensure that they are involved in decisions about their future.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

One child has left the home since the last inspection, on a planned return to the care of their parent. The child spent increasing amounts of time with their family prior to the move. The staff team provided support to the family to ensure a smooth transition for the child during a time of change.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

Children are supported to spend time with people who are important to them. Staff have supported family time in the home so children can maintain positive relationships in a safe way.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

Detailed chronologies are kept about safeguarding concerns for children, which clearly outline when and how decisions have been made in response to increased risks. There is good communication between the manager and external professionals in relation to the child currently living at the home. This includes weekly review meetings, due to the complex nature of the placement. Discussions in staff supervision around risks to children are much improved and there are now clear written and verbal handovers.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

Staff have a good understanding of children’s experiences, which helps them to tailor their practice to meet children’s needs. Safety plans are reviewed regularly and staff explained how they follow these to keep children safe. Staff communicate regularly with children about any concerns and risky behaviours, which helps children to understand how to keep themselves safe. Appropriate referrals are made to agencies to support children’s health and well-being.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

Improvements have been made to the safe administration of medication. Guidance and documentation have been streamlined to avoid any unnecessary confusion or duplication and further training has been completed by staff. As a result, staff feel more confident to follow the processes in place. The manager has daily oversight of records to ensure that any discrepancies are addressed quickly.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

Staff feel involved in decisions and the development of the home, which reflects the positive culture within the home. The manager recognises that staff have struggled with the complex nature of the child’s behaviours and the home and have arranged support from the emotional health and well-being team to reduce staff fatigue. Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2731337 3 The manager continues to demonstrate robust oversight of the home, which includes conducting reviews of the service to identify trends and areas for improvement. Since the last inspection, there has been an increase in serious incidents being notified. These notifications follow a clear rationale and demonstrate that the manager has sought clarity when needed. The manager works proactively with the independent person to consider areas for improvement and provides detailed information to support their visits.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

The requirements and recommendations raised at the last inspection have been fully addressed. No further requirements or recommendations were raised at this assurance inspection.

p.3

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

10/10/2023 Full Requires improvement to be good Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2731337 4

p.3

Children’s home details

Registered provider: Westmorland and Furness Council

p.4

Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Westmorland and Furness Council, Town Hall, Duke Street, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria LA14 2LD

p.4

Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Elizabeth Curtis

p.4

Inspectors

Andrea Foreman, Social Care Inspector Stacey Ilaboya, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2731337 5 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.4

Inspectors

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 .

p.5

Inspectors

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.5

Inspectors

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

p.5

Inspectors

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

p.5