Children's Home run by Sandcastle Care Limited in Blackpool

Unique reference number SC065313 Inspection date 24/11/2011 Inspector Stephen Trainor Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 18/07/2011 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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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 to assess the effectiveness of the service and to consider how well it complies with the relevant regulations and meets the national minimum standards.

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About this inspection

The report details the progress made by the provider since the last full inspection, identifies any further strengths, any areas for improvement and makes judgements as outlined in the Inspection of children’s homes – framework for inspection (March 2011).

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The inspection judgements and what they mean

Good progress The children’s home has demonstrated continued improvement in quality of care and outcomes for children and young people and where appropriate has addressed all requirements and the large majority of recommendations that were raised at the previous inspection. Satisfactory progress The children’s home has maintained quality of care and outcomes for children and young people and where appropriate has addressed all requirements and the majority of recommendations that were raised at the previous inspection. Inadequate progress The children’s home has failed to address one or more requirements and/or has not met the majority of recommendations and/or the quality of care and outcomes for children and young people have declined since the last full inspection.

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Brief description of the service

A private organisation operates this children's home. It is registered to care for up to three children and young people of both genders, from the age of 10 to 17-years- old. The home cares for children with emotional and behavioural difficulties. The responsible organisation has its own registered school to support arrangements provided by the local education authority.

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Progress

Since their previous inspection the service is judged to be making good progress.

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Progress

Since their previous inspection the service is judged to be making good progress.

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Progress

At the last full inspection the home was judged as outstanding. The children's home has demonstrated continued improvement in the quality of care and outcomes for children and young people. All the young people benefit from consistent practice that allows their lives to improve.

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Progress

Young people work closely with staff and hard work has created an interesting home where young people like to be. The young people's views are consistently gathered and these influence the home's operation and future direction. There is good feedback and consultation with partners who confirm that there is an excellent ethos at the home that helps young people to achieve and develop. Relationships are excellent with individual differences being accepted and valued by all living and working at the home. Young people's characters prosper. They confirm that they are happy, safe and relaxed living in their home.

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Progress

Good outcomes are being achieved and all the young people continue to receive a high standard of care from an experienced, competent and fully qualified staff team. Managers stimulate the enthusiasm of staff and channel their efforts effectively. This is clearly evident in how birthdays and special occasions are celebrated. It is a strong, child-focused service that is conducive to young people developing their potential. Staff remain up to date with professional and legal developments through access to good training programmes.

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Progress

Placements are stable and young people take responsibility for their behaviour. There are no behaviour management concerns. The promotion of young people's education, health and well-being are excellent. There is good support from health specialist including substance misuse counsellors. Known health concerns are managed well. Young people's educational attainments are tremendous. All the young people actively engage with their education programmes and attendance is excellent. There is close liaison with schools. Young people’s achievements improve self-confidence and future prospects. Young people regularly reflect on their progress with their key workers and this keeps them highly motivated.

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Progress

Contact is managed very well and there is continuous dialogue with family members to ensure young people remain safe. Young people are fully aware that they need to make the right decisions when they are out in the wider community. Personal, social and health education continuously enhances learning experiences and the safety of young people when negotiating their place in the wider community.

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Progress

The home's aims and objectives are being fulfilled. There are suitable quality assurance systems being used to monitor the operation, management, young people's welfare and the home's records. Realistic and challenging targets are outlined within the home’s development plan. Monitoring systems comply with the requirements of Regulation 33 and 34; however, the range of monitoring activities being used have not been widened to establish more robust evidence including the evaluation and analysis of information gained during these visits. The protocol for forwarding reports following Regulation 34 visits is not clear. The home's development plan does identify areas of weakness and builds on areas of strength that this service has consistently demonstrated.

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Progress

This service is efficient at managing referrals and planning introductions. The arrangements for the introduction of some new residents for the first week in December had been coordinated very well. Clear plans had already been established. A review of staffing had been undertaken to establish suitable staffing levels for the increased number of young people who will be living at the home.

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

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Recommendations

 ensure clear and effective procedures are in place for monitoring and controlling the activities of the home; specifically, demonstrate how information within Regulation 33 & 34 reports, including the captured views of children and partners, is being evaluated and used to promote continuous improvement and development. (NMS 21.1)

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