Children's Home run by Blackpool Borough Council in Blackpool

Unique reference number SC033611 Inspection date 10/03/2011 Inspector Elaine Clare Type of inspection Random

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Date of last inspection 15/09/2010 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

This children’s home is operated by a local authority. It provides a short break care service for 10 children and young people aged between five years and 17 years. The home is a two-storey building with communal rooms, including lounges, a dining room and sensory room on the ground floor and single bedrooms and an office on the upper floor. A vertical passenger lift allows access to the first floor. Externally there is a garden with play area and lawn.

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Brief description of the service

The home is situated in a residential area, within walking distance of the town centre and is near to local shops. It is close to local bus routes, which provide easy access to a range of shops and leisure facilities. The home has a car to help children access the community.

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Summary

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

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Summary

This was a short unannounced interim inspection of this respite and short breaks care service. All the national minimum standards for staying safe were inspected. This service promotes and safeguards the welfare of young people receiving respite care. Staff know the young people using the service well and adjust their approach to each individual appropriately. The young people receiving respite care at the time of this visit were an older and more able group. They talked about their interests and demonstrated their ability and understanding of several pieces of equipment available to them. They made choices about what they wanted to eat and what they wanted to do as a group and individually. The relationship between staff and young people is good natured and trusting. Staff showed themselves to be competent in care and knowledgeable about the young people and the services they require.

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Improvements since the last inspection

There were no actions or recommendations made at the last inspection and therefore this area is not applicable.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The service continues to promote and safeguard the welfare of those living there well.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are effective systems and procedures in place to promote the privacy of individuals, counter bullying and covering the event of a young person being absent without authority. Safeguarding is well managed. Staff receive training in basic awareness and know who to report any concerns.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are appropriate complaint procedures in place that are accessible to parents and young people. Records of complaints and compliments are kept separately. The level of complaints received is minimal.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The small number of placements together with staffing levels helps promote positive responses and reduces the need to use behaviour and disciplinary procedures. There are procedures and records in place to impose a sanction in response to any inappropriate behaviour. These are little used but appropriate when used.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is guidance in place for staff on how to respond to individual behavioural episodes. Staff are trained in positive handling techniques to de-escalate behaviour or to physically move young people if needed. Records relating to these incidents are generally comprehensive, cross referenced to other sources of information and contain an analysis of outcomes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The maintenance of the home is well managed and there are arrangements in place to ensure that essential services and installations are maintained and serviced by professional contractors. Staff turnover is low and safe recruitment practice is evident.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are clear management arrangements in place and staffing is appropriate to the needs of the young people being accommodated.

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