Children's Home run by Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council in Bolton

Unique reference number SC040723 Inspection date 31/01/2012 Inspector Maria McGranaghan 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

This is a local authority children's home offering care and accommodation for up to four young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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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 inspection on 17 July 2011 the home was judged as good. The children’s home has demonstrated continued improvement in the quality of care and outcomes for children and young people. The home has been effective in addressing the three recommendations made at the last inspection. The quality of records held within the home has improved. Records now include full details of young people’s heritage and how this is celebrated in the home. Likewise, the home has improved the way consultation with young people is recorded. Clear records of young people’s opinions and suggestions demonstrate young people’s inclusion in the overall decision making in the home. Behaviour management records have been revised and now include all pertinent information including young people’s comments on how their behaviour is managed.

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Progress

Young people continue to benefit from consistent care provided by a stable and committed staff team. Placement planning is excellent. Key worker sessions are well planned and take place regularly. Staff use a range of creative skills to assist young people to engage positively and take ownership of the work they undertake. Young people’s individual needs continue to be very well assessed and met within the home.

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Progress

Staff promote education in the home and ensure that young people receive the right level of support in order to succeed. As a result, all young people attend fulltime education. School reports highlight that young people are excelling in a range of topics, have excellent attendance and are committed to their studies.

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Progress

Young people’s behaviour is consistently addressed with young people being provided with good opportunities to manage their own behaviour. Consequently, there has been a gradual reduction in negative behaviour in the home. Praise and reward for positive behaviour is at the heart of the care young people receive in the home. The positive environment enables young people to recognise and believe in their own achievements resulting in good outcomes for young people.

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Progress

Young people are offered a range of both group and individual activities. A recent activity included fund raising for children in need. Young people baked and sold a range of cakes raising substantial funds. This is commendable. It is clear that staff really understand young people and provide opportunities that are interesting and enjoyable. The many photographs displayed in the home are an indication of young people’s participation and enjoyment in the activities they do.

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Progress

The home’s aims and objectives are being met. There are good 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. Very good monitoring systems are used that comply with the requirements of Regulation 33 and 34. However, the six monthly summary of Regulation 34 monitoring as detailed in Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations Volume 5, has not been completed. As a result, a recommendation is made at this inspection.

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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 that six monthly summaries of Regulation 34 monitoring are completed and forwarded to HMCI within twenty eight days of completion. (Volume 5, statutory guidance (3.14))

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