Children's Home run by Birtenshaw in Bolton

Unique reference number SC397344 Inspection date 25/03/2014 Inspector Jacqueline Malcolm Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Date of last inspection 21/11/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.1

This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated.

p.2

Brief description of the service

The home is part of a charitable organisation. It provides care and accommodation for up to four young people with physical and learning disabilities.

p.3

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.

p.3

Progress

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

p.3

Progress

At the full inspection in November 2013 the overall effectiveness of the home was judged to be good. At this inspection, the home continues to make good progress. The two recommendations made at the time have been addressed.

p.3

Progress

The Statement of Purpose has been reviewed and contains the correct contact details for the regulator, Ofsted. This means that stakeholders now have the accurate details should they need to contact Ofsted. Furthermore, progress has been made to ensure that Regulation 33 reports are received by Ofsted within prompt timescales. This enables Ofsted to promptly monitor and respond to any issues that may arise as a result of the visits. The appearance of some noticeable cracks in the walls on the ground floor of the premises has been examined by a contractor. This was not found to present a safety concern.

p.3

Progress

Young people continue to make good, steady progress in a safe and stable home environment. Their quality of care is underpinned by their high quality personalised care plans that are delivered by child-focussed staff who know how to care for them. This ensures all their needs are promoted and well met. Young people’s participation in leisure activities provide them with opportunities to enjoy individual and group interests. This helps them develop in confidence. Their wishes and feelings, coupled with stakeholder’s views are regularly sought and acted on as appropriate through a range of consultation mechanisms. This promotes young people’s rights. Contact arrangements support young people’s identity needs and helps them to stay in touch with important people in their lives.

p.3

Progress

Young people benefit from good health due to their prompt access to health care services. Young people continue to be successful in achieving specific goals set to improve their overall health. For example, taking regular exercise and eating a balanced diet is helping some young people reach a healthy weight. No young people have needed dental treatment in the last two years, which is testament to their good care and treatment.

p.4

Progress

The homes support of young people’s education maintains their excellent attendance and engagement. Good communication between the home and school ensures that everyone is up to date with young people’s activities. This helps young people to overcome barriers to their progress and reach their set targets. Good transitional plans ensure that young people move on from the home in a planned way. This is in their best interests.

p.4

Progress

Since the last inspection, some staff members have taken up leadership roles. New staff have been appointed to the home to work with the existing staff team. These changes have not negatively impacted on young people’s sense of stability, but intends to strengthen the management structure. The staff team continues to develop and refresh their training and development needs. This includes communicating with young people, team teach, safeguarding and health and safety. Regular supervision and team communication ensures that staff have the relevant knowledge and skills so that they continue to make a positive difference to the young people’s lives.

p.4

Progress

No additional requirements or recommendations have been made as a result of this inspection.

p.4

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.

p.5

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.

p.5