Children's Home run by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council in Blackburn with Darwen

Unique reference number SC372511 Inspection date 17/02/2012 Inspector Graham Robinson Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 23/11/2011 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This local authority home provides short-breaks for up to five young people at any one time of either gender, who have a range of disabilities.

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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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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 good. Since then, the manager has introduced a number of new initiatives and these, coupled with continued standards of care experienced by young people, means the home has made good progress.

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Progress

Previous recommendations have been addressed positively leading to improvements with the young person's guide and a more flexible approach to staffing numbers. The number of staff on duty is based on the needs of young people, at any one time. No new requirements or recommendations have been made as a result of this inspection.

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Progress

Initiatives and improvements recently introduced include the implementation of a revised short-term break plan. This captures the needs of young people more effectively, ensuring their specific needs are appropriately addressed during their stay. Consultation with young people is another area of improvement, with more frequent and structured young people's meetings taking place. This gives all young people, even those with minimal communication skills, an opportunity to make choices and influence certain aspects of their stay. Specialist computer equipment has been purchased, which opens up a world of games, learning and access to the internet for young people unable to use a standard computer. This enhances the good range of play equipment and learning aids in place, which are designed to meet a range of special needs.

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Progress

Young people receive a high standard of care from a stable, experienced staff team who know and recognise the specific needs of the young people they care for. They possess the skills and abilities to meet those needs. Good communication levels and mutual respect creates a safe environment where young people can settle and prosper, whatever their need or disability.

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Progress

Managers stimulate the enthusiasm of staff and channel their efforts effectively. Young people stay in an environment that is child-focused and able to meet their identified needs effectively. Relationships are good with individual differences accepted and valued by all living and working at the home.

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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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