Children's Home run by Sandcastle Care Limited in Blackpool

Unique reference number SC065313 Inspector Charlie Bamber Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Registered person Sandcastle Care Limited Registered person address 32 King George Avenue Blackpool Lancashire FY2 9SW Responsible individual Duncan Cowburn Registered manager Angela Elizabeth Farmer Date of last inspection 18/06/2014 2 of 5 Inspection date 12/02/2015

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Previous inspection adequate Enforcement action since last inspection none

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This inspection

This home was judged adequate at the last full inspection. At this interim inspection Ofsted judge that it has improved effectiveness .

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This inspection

The management of the home is efficient and effective with the manager continuing to work towards a level five management qualification. The Registered Manager has successfully progressed the requirements and the recommendation from the last inspection which are now all met.

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This inspection

The pre placement planning and matching arrangements are robust with every effort made to ensure that any placement is suitably matched to the skills of the staff team and the young people already in placement. There have been two admissions since the previous inspection and both were well prepared for with pre placement visits and activities as well as an opportunity for the young people to meet each other prior to the commencement of the placement. This has resulted in the home admitting young people whose needs they can meet. One placement has since broken down but this was not due to any issue which could have been identified before the placement and the staff team worked very hard to keep the young person safe and prevent disruption. The feedback from this young person's social worker was 'the staff were excellent they cared and wanted the very best for the young person they were excellent at communicating'.

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This inspection

Young people's attendance at education and educational attainment is given a very high priority. One young person did not have an educational placement upon admission and the registered manager has worked tirelessly to ensure that education is now in place for him, despite not having support from his social worker to achieve this. On the days when the young person is not in education the staff team ensure that he continues to study and learn and he has financial rewards linked to this learning to ensure that he participates. This ensures that young people are supported to achieve their potential and are positive about their futures.

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This inspection

The young people have made remarkable progress from their starting points 3 of 5 particularly in regards to stabilising their chaotic lifestyles and reducing their risk taking behaviour which results in them being happier and more settled. The home has clear boundaries which the young people respect. There are consequences to unacceptable behaviours. The majority of recording in respect of behaviour management is regarding positive behaviour and rewards. The staff design, print and laminate certificates for positive behaviours as well as offering rewards which are individualised to the young person's interests. The result of positive behaviour management strategies is few incidents where sanctions have to be imposed and young people feel they are making progress with their behaviour.

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This inspection

The young people can be reluctant to engage in activities with the staff outside of education and the home has a very good insight into the reasons behind this. Staff are aware of the potential stigma associated with being a young person in care and this has resulted in the staff becoming creative about activities. The young people are actively encouraged to invite friends round which brings a lively, friendly and busy atmosphere to the home. The young people and staff enjoy spending time together within the home which creates a positive and comfortable atmosphere.

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This inspection

Young people have a sense of self- worth due to being informed and consulted about their care. Consultation documents show that the young people feel positive about their placement. The staff have excellent knowledge of the young people's individual characteristics and they adapt their approach to meet each young person's needs. This ensures that young people feel valued as individuals.

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This inspection

Progress continues to be made in keeping young people safe. From their starting points the young people have advanced significantly in this area. The level of risk to young people at their admission is actively addressed in partnership with other agencies and plans that are implemented are generally successful. Where they have not been successful the home has been able to acknowledge that they were unable to fully meet the young person's needs and have communicated this effectively to relevant agencies. This resulted in a well- planned positive move for the young person.

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This inspection

The home is well managed by a Registered Manager who is very organised. The recordings for each young person are accurate, detailed and clear with systems in place to ensure that new information is recorded in a timely manner and shared with all staff. Weekly detailed information is provided to social workers which they find informative.

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This inspection

The home is well presented throughout with a genuine 'family' feel to it. The young people have individualised their bedrooms and helped to choose pictures for the communal areas. There are pictures, photographs and the young people's art work throughout which promotes a sense of belonging. 4 of 5

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Information about this children’s home

This home is operated by a private organisation. It is registered to care for up to three young people of both genders with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

18/06/2014 Full adequate 25/03/2014 Interim satisfactory progress 08/01/2014 Full adequate 19/02/2013 Interim satisfactory progress Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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.

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What inspection judgements mean

At the interim inspections we make a judgement on whether the home has improved in effectiveness, sustained effectiveness, or declined in effectiveness since the previous full inspection. This is in line with the Inspection of children’s homes: framework for inspection.

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Information 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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Information about this inspection

The report details the main strengths, any areas for improvement, including any breaches of regulation, and any failure to meet national minimum standards. The judgements included in the report are made against the framework of inspection for children's homes.

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