Children's Home run by Sandcastle Care Limited in Blackpool

Unique reference number SC065313 Inspection date 17/11/2010 Inspector Stephen Trainor Type of inspection Random

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Date of last inspection 21/06/2010 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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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 Crispins, 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.

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About this inspection

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 outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004 and the relevant National Minimum Standards for the service.

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The inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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Brief description of the service

A private organisation operates the children home and it is registered to care for up to three children and young people, both genders, from the age of 10 years up to 17 years old. Services were being provided for only one resident and child in-line with a service level agreement at the time of this visit. A lengthy discussion took place with the young person resident.

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Brief description of the service

The house is semi-detached on a housing estate and has no distinguishing features to suggest it is a children's home. Accommodation comprises of individual bedrooms, two bathrooms, a through lounge and a dining area and conservatory. There is a patio and garden area to the rear of the building. Office space is separate.

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Brief description of the service

The young people can gain access to many community resources including parks, cinema and sports and athletics facilities and local beaches. Bus routes connect the home with the local community and the national rail link. Shops and supermarkets are accessible within the surrounding community.

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Summary

The overall quality rating is outstanding.

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Summary

This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection.

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Summary

This interim, unannounced inspection comments on the outcome areas staying safe and organisation. Progress against recommendations made during the last inspection was evaluated.

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Summary

The placement is due to finish within the next two week period. Support provided throughout the placement had been coordinated extremely well. Comprehensive plans had been implemented very well. A high quality of practice afforded many opportunities to develop self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence and plan for the future. A number of key professionals ensured positive outcomes for mother and baby. Young people express great optimism for their future.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Recommendations made at the last inspection had been suitably addressed. Accurate details are held on all staff working at the home. Full and satisfactory personnel information was presented on the four staff members working at the home. Management support is coordinated very well and annual appraisals had been completed. Importantly, the process of appraisal had been used to review staff skill sets. Different skills will be required to manage groups in the future.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Transitional planning for young people and dependents had been exceptional. A very high quality of information is provided within suitably designed pathway and after care programmes. The young person is due to leave imminently. A programme of outreach support is agreed between the responsible organisation and the placing authority to ensure continuing success.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is mutual respect and trust between young people and staff. An independent reviewing officer (IRO) commented, 'I have acted as the IRO with this young person since 2008. I have been impressed with the quality of work.' The IRO also commented, 'Staff appear to be very clear about the role and there is a good level of communication with service user and agency.' The specific objectives of this single occupancy placement have been fully met. Young people living at this home are safe. The staff and management team provide an excellent standard of practice. Young people have learnt how to differentiate their behaviour according to the different settings and situations they find themselves in. They have chosen to lead stable lifestyles. A positive outcome is secured.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Operational systems are implemented very well. There is excellent continuity with all services provided. Staff receive good training. Safeguarding support is coordinated on many levels. There is comprehensive evidence available to show that the home operates safely. Accurate recordings are maintained. The arrangements for complaints and behaviour management ensure that young people feel listened to and protected. This home provides suitable physical safety and security for young people resident. The response taken to health and safety is coordinated very well. Accommodation safety for mother and baby is managed well.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Information held in-house confirmed that no staff start work prior to being in receipt of an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check. The format used to maintain personnel information allows quick access to pertinent information. A robust process of recruitment and selection is followed. A suitable checking system is operated for visitors to the home.

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Organisation

The service history shows the home's operation, management and staff practice remains at a high standard. The staff have a comprehensive understanding of residents' needs. Efficient management of placements led to stable lifestyles being experienced and extremely positive outcomes being achieved. Practice clearly meets with the requirements of children's homes national minimum standards and associated regulations. The promotion of equality and diversity and in particular the individualised care demonstrated across all the Every Child Matters outcomes is outstanding.

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Organisation

The Registered Manager is experienced and fully qualified. A trainee manager and a small team of staff have many years of experience. Deployment of staff is good. The staffing structure has not experienced any changes between inspections. Staff retention is excellent. Each shift has a nominated team or shift leader. Rotas demonstrate that staffing levels are being maintained. Staff are extremely well motivated.

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Organisation

Staff are clear about their roles. They receive good management support and access to lots of training. Excellent administration records are maintained providing a permanent overview on everything that takes place. Staff are responsive to new challenges. Planning future referrals is being matched against staff skill sets. Staff have detailed written guidance, policies and procedures to support their practice.

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Organisation

The home is managed well and run efficiently providing a safe and stable environment. Checks are in place to monitor the home’s operation. Monthly reports are being produced and forwarded to Ofsted. In-house procedures are generating good evidence on consultation processes being used. These include exit interviews with young people, family members and social workers, periodic surveys and regular meetings with the young people and an independent reviewing officer. There is a large body of consultation evidence and this shows that there have been many successes celebrated.

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Organisation

The home's management team have a written development plan outlining how the home's operation will be maintained. It is unlikely that future services will provide mother and baby support. Specific mother and baby objectives outlined within the home's Statement of Purpose will be removed.

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