Children's Home run by Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council in Bolton

SC040723 Unique reference number 12 January 2010 Inspection date David Martin Inspector Random Type of Inspection

p.1

15 September 2009 Date of last inspection .

p.1

This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated.

p.2

You can obtain copies of The Children Act 2004, Every Child Matters and The National Minimum Standards for Children's Services from: The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Cripins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop

p.2

About this inspection

The purpose of this inspection is to assure children and young people, parents, the public, local authorities and government of the quality and standard of the service provided. The inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcome for children set out in the Children Act 2004 and relevant National Minimum Standards for the establishment.

p.3

The inspection judgements and what they mean

this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is strong Good: this aspect of the provision is sound Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is not good enough Inadequate: 3 of 6 Inspection Report: SC040723

p.3

Brief description of the service

This children's home is registered to accommodate up to four young people of either sex between the ages of 10 and 17 years.

p.4

Brief description of the service

It comprises two connected three bedroom semi-detached houses. It provides two lounges, a separate dining room, kitchen and utility room on the ground floor and two bathrooms both with bath and shower upstairs. All the bedrooms are single and there are two staff sleep in rooms also used as offices during the day.

p.4

Summary

This unannounced interim inspection was carried out to assess the home's performance against national minimum standards under the staying safe outcome area. An assessment was also made in respect of the recommendation made at the last inspection.

p.4

Summary

The home has effective measures in place to ensure that young people are looked after safely and securely. The staff have completed safeguarding training and have a range of skills and techniques for promoting positive behaviour. The records relating to anti-bullying need to be improved. The premises also require improvement but there are plans for a full refurbishment at Easter 2010. The overall quality rating is good. This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

In the last inspection report the home was asked to ensure that the premises are maintained in good order. To date this has not been achieved.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Each young person has a private lockable bedroom and access to lockable bathing facilities. Young people are expected to be appropriately dressed when they are in communal parts of the home. All records are held securely and staff understand issues of confidentiality. The privacy and dignity of young people is upheld.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There have been no complaints in the period since the last inspection. Young people have been provided with information about how to complain and how to access the local advocacy service. The home has appropriate and clear procedures and leaflets for young people explaining how complaints will be dealt with and resolved.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are good procedures for managing any child protection concerns. The staff are aware of their responsibilities to protect young people from abuse and are confident about reporting disclosures and their observations of young people. Ongoing safeguarding concerns are 4 of 6 Inspection Report: SC040723 appropriately addressed. Unauthorised absence is managed in accordance with agreed protocols. Young people are protected from abuse with these measures in place.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Anti bullying information is freely available and has been approved by external agencies and the young people themselves. Any incident of potential bullying is recorded on individual files. However, the record does not indicate the action taken in response to an incident or strategies for managing it. This does not fully protect young people from bullying.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff encourage positive behaviour through discussion with the young people on an individual basis in key worker sessions. Since the last inspection there has been one incident of restraint. There is also very limited use of sanctions. The staff have completed training in using safe holds during incidents of restraint and using low arousal techniques. The home's approach helps young people avoid becoming involved in anti-social behaviour.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The premises are safely maintained. Staff are appropriately vetted prior to starting employment. This contributes to the overall safety of the young people.

p.5

Achieving economic wellbeing

The provision is satisfactory. The home is comfortably furnished but has been subject to a high level of wear and tear and much of the décor is in worn condition. The authority has identified a need to refurbish the home and plans to undertake this work in April 2010. Young people do not live in well maintained, attractive premises.

p.5

Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions, which must be taken so that the registered person meets the Care Standards Act 2000, The Childrens Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider must comply with the given timescales.

p.5

Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure that the premises are maintained in good order (NMS 24) 5 of 6 Inspection Report: SC040723 • ensure that the record of bullying incidents includes detail of action taken and the strategy for managing it. (NMS 16) 6 of 6 Inspection Report: SC040723

p.5