Children's Home run by Blackpool Borough Council in Blackpool

Unique reference number SC033611 Inspection date 20/02/2014 Inspector Stephen Trainor Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 25/04/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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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 with a disability.

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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 previous inspection on 25 April 2013 the home's overall effectiveness was judged to be outstanding. The children's home has maintained a high quality of care between inspections and this continues to secure some excellent outcomes for children and young people. The primary aim of the service, to provide short breaks, is managed very well. Young people benefit from consistent practice that allows their lives to improve considerably. It is clear that individuals prosper in the home's friendly and caring environment.

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Progress

One recommendation set at the last inspection had been addressed in full and this led to further improvements and enhancements to the home's operation. The young people receive highly focussed individual care from a confident and vastly experienced staff team. The views of children and young people are actively sought and they are involved in decisions that impact on all aspects of their lives during their short breaks at the home. Consultation processes are effective and new ways of seeking views continue to be introduced. Communication and consultation with people significant to the children are clearly being taken into account in monitoring quality at the home and this helps to further develop staff practice. There are many comments showing high levels of satisfaction with the home's operation and management.

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Progress

The home's Registered Manager and the responsible individual kept Ofsted informed of a proposed period of absence for the manager. Suitable management arrangements are in place as the manager recovers from a planned operation.

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Progress

There were four events linked to notifications between inspections. This number of incidents is unusual at this home. The full context of each notification was reviewed. There was a delay in reporting two incidents that took place outside the home. A further review of information following quality assurance procedures identified the need to report these incidents retrospectively. There was no safeguarding concern linked to the delay with these reports. The identified concerns linked to complaints information and a health issue were reported transparently to parents and partners. Young people can, and occasionally do make comment that need to be investigated for safeguarding purposes. Safeguarding practice ensures young peoples concerns will always be listened to. Discussions with the Local Authority Designated Officer take place when required. Robust investigation and suitable action was taken with

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Progress

regard to each incident. A written audit is available on each concern raised. As a neutral act staff are occasionally required to take 'garden leave'. This is in line with the local safeguarding policy. Following investigation there are no safeguarding concerns affecting the service.

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Progress

Monitoring and controlling the activities of the home through internal and external measures is well established. Ofsted receives quality assurance monitoring reports at the required frequency. This service evaluates its performance very well and this leads to continuous improvement. Records provide a detailed overview of the work that is taking place at the home. Regulation 33 reports provide excellent detail showing how staff practice in securing positive outcomes for children.

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Progress

There are creative plans for the home's future. Positive outcomes continue to be achieved via Assessments and Qualifications Alliance Awards that support children's skills development. The practical life skills being gained support transitions to adult services. More adventure holidays are planned for the children. A log cabin is to be erected in the grounds of the home and this will form the basis for a multifunctional clubhouse. The home's physical environment is adapted to suit the needs of children with a disability. The overall appearance of the home especially the themed bedrooms is excellent.

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Progress

The peer group dynamic remains compatible at all times. There had been an increase in the number of referrals looking to access short breaks. Young people continue to build strong and trusting relationships with both their peers and staff. The ethos and culture at the home clearly places young people at the forefront of practice. The rotating programmes of care children receive had been reviewed between inspections to ensure peer groups on different nights remained stable. When changes are made these are discussed with parents and carers. All staff receive suitable training to support the young people including first aid and medicines management training. This is particularly important due to 67.7 % of the children and young people requiring medication during their short breaks. Young people receive consistently high levels of support to meet their individual health arrangements.

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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 there are is no delay in reporting significant events and always include detail of the outcome, when known, of the action taken following each notifiable event. (NMS 24.2)

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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.

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