Children's Home run by Sandcastle Care Limited in Blackpool

Unique reference number SC363398 Inspection date 27/01/2012 Inspector Stephen Trainor Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 10/05/2011 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.

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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.

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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

This privately run children’s home was registered in February 2008. Following a recent change to the home's purpose and function it now provides care for up to six children and young people of both sexes, from the ages of eight to 17-years-old. Care and accommodation is provided for children with physical disabilities, learning disabilities and sensory impairment.

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Brief description of the service

The organisation responsible for this home has opened its own school which is registered with the Department for Education. Opportunities for the young people to attend different educational placements including local mainstream schools and specialist schools are also facilitated.

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Progress

Dahl House has been closed since 25 February 2011. The registered provider has indicated that the home will not be operational for at least another four to six weeks. The registered provider has already informed Ofsted of its intention to accept its first placement. Transitional arrangements are in place to support one child's move to the home once it is fully operational.

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Progress

The registered provider has appointed a new manager for the home. The new manager has completed a fit person interview and is now registered with Ofsted.

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Progress

The home's Statement of Purpose has been redrafted and this provides information in accordance with regulations. The ethos and working practices of the home, its aims and objectives are clearly outlined. Final adjustments to policy and procedural guidance are being made. A new staff team has been recruited. Training programmes are being rolled out.

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Progress

Minor changes made to the layout of the home are still to be finalised. There is some decoration to be completed and some areas are in need of refurbishment. Safety features are planned in line with detailed hazard identification and health and safety assessments that were carried out. A final site visit will need to be carried out by Ofsted to coincide with the home's opening. Health and safety certificates will be viewed during this visit.

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