Children's Home run by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council in Blackburn with Darwen

SC360599 Unique reference number 22 January 2010 Inspection date Graham Robinson Inspector Random Type of Inspection

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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.

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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

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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.

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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: SC360599

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Brief description of the service

This adolescent support unit is one of a range of facilities provided for children and young people by the local council. The unit provides two main services. The first is to provide short and long term intensive community based support. The second is to provide respite accommodation from Friday evenings to Tuesday mornings only. Both are purposely flexible to meet individual needs.

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Brief description of the service

Each young person accessing the service lives at home with parents or carers who retain overall responsibility for them. Therefore, not all young people fall into the category of looked after. However, they all have an allocated social worker.

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Brief description of the service

The overall aim of the service is to maintain young people in their own communities and avoid the need for long term residential care. It is only the respite service that is registered with Ofsted and is the focus of this inspection.

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Brief description of the service

The property was originally two semi detached houses which have now been made into one. It has four bedrooms for young people as well as two staff sleep in rooms. There is a lounge, dining room, kitchen and games room, as well as two bathrooms and two separate toilets. In addition, there is also a separate office and a meeting room.

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Brief description of the service

The unit is situated in a residential area and is accessible via the motorway. It is close to a main bus route and other local amenities. Places of worship for all denominations are within easy reach. Transport is provided by staff who are designated as essential car drivers.

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Summary

This short, unannounced interim inspection was used to follow up the recommendation made at the previous inspection. In addition, the key standards linked to staying safe were also reviewed. The overall quality rating made at the full inspection remains as it was.

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Summary

Since the previous inspection, there have been no changes to the management, staff complement, structure or working practices of the unit. The organisation and management remains as outstanding, with staff continuing to be highly motivated and working with a team centred approach.

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Summary

Young people receive a range of services that for some, includes overnight, respite care. Those receiving this package view it positively and incidents of behaviour management are rare. Young people view their time spent at the unit as positive and speak well about the staff, the package of care and support they receive.

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Summary

No issues, concerns or complaints were raised by either young people or staff. No new actions or recommendations have been made as a result of this inspection. The overall quality rating is outstanding. This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. 4 of 6 Inspection Report: SC360599

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Improvements since the last inspection

The report from the previous inspection contained no actions, but one recommendation which has been addressed positively. This has resulted in risk assessments identifying hazards in and around the unit being reviewed and if necessary, revised within set timescales.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. The safety and rights of both staff and young people are protected. The organisation, working practices and strategies designed to keep young people safe, remain outstanding. The records detailing complaints, unauthorised absence, formal notifications, sanctions and physical interventions are maintained appropriately and reflect the stability of the unit.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Whilst not testing them, young people confirm they are aware of how to access the complaints procedures if required. They also confirm that bullying in the unit is not an issue of concern to them and that staff react quickly or step in early, if young people fall out.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff understand their responsibilities around safeguarding matters and are familiar with the policy, procedures and working practices in place. The unit maintains good links with external services charged with specific safeguarding duties.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Due to the nature of the service provided, which is tailored flexibly to meet young people' needs, incidents of physical intervention, the imposing of sanctions or young missing without authority, are rare. Young people speak positively about staff and the support they receive.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Since the previous inspection, an automatic closure system activated by fire alarm, has been fitted to all ground floor, internal doors. Appropriate service contracts are in place for fire, gas and electrical equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

No changes were reported to the systems to clear and recruit staff, which have previously been judged to meet current good practice. The staff group, as noted at the previous inspection, remains as it was with no changes or additions.

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Organisation

The organisation is not judged. 5 of 6 Inspection Report: SC360599

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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.

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Recommendations

There are no recommendations. 6 of 6 Inspection Report: SC360599

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