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

Unique reference number SC372511 Inspector Ceri Evans Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Registered person Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council Registered person address Blackburn With Darwen Borough Council, Town Hall King William Street BLACKBURN BB1 7DY Responsible individual Karen Elizabeth Barrick Registered manager Melanie Lisa Coglan Date of last inspection 15/10/2014 2 of 5 Inspection date 24/03/2015

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Previous inspection outstanding Enforcement action since last inspection none

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This inspection

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

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This inspection

The home has demonstrated a capacity for continued improvement since it was last inspected in October 2014. The two good practice recommendations made at the last inspection have been effectively addressed by the manager. This demonstrates that the manager learns from inspections and is committed to driving the service forward.

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This inspection

Young people experience excellent levels of care and support in this service. Staff are extremely committed to the children and young people and they have an excellent understanding of their individual needs. Care planning and practice are highly personalised to meet the individual needs of each child and young person. Young people are treated with dignity and respect and are at the very heart of everything in the home.

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This inspection

Young people’s wishes and feelings are important drivers for the overall ethos of the home. Staff are highly skilled at ensuring that the views of children and young people are sought on a daily basis. Varying communication systems such as sign and symbols confirm that children and young people’s views influence the operation of the home. The team are continually identifying new and creative ways of encouraging participation. For example: voice of the child group, suggestion box and regular young people meetings. This regular level of engagement helps young people to enhance their individual social skills and confidence.

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This inspection

Young people continue to access a wide range of activities and support to ensure that they continue to make measurable progress in their development. The home has excellent links within the community and also facilitates a range of groups and social activities for young people to enjoy during their stay. This not only provides them with the opportunity for social inclusion in the local community but also gives them a real sense of achievement in their own abilities. 3 of 5 Since the last inspection improvements have been made to the quality of information within risk assessments. Risk assessments are detailed and updated on a regular basis. These records fully explore the potential risk of Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) and provide effective strategies on how to minimise those risks. This demonstrates that children and young people’s safety and protection are given the highest priority at all times.

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This inspection

Evidence gathered at this inspection highlights that staff place the welfare of children and young people at the centre of their practice. They express genuine affection and warmth towards children and young people. Staff are extremely dedicated and committed to helping young people with complex needs to overcome any difficulties they have in order to live a full and active life. Parents continue to express satisfaction for the quality of care and state ‘my child loves going and loves spending time with staff. He thoroughly enjoys his stays. I know he is well looked after, happy and safe at Appletrees.’

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This inspection

Staff benefit from regular supervision. They say they feel supported and supervision ensures they continually improve the quality of care they provide. Training and development is prioritised by the manager and staff have continuing opportunities to enhance their knowledge base and skills. The way in which training is recorded and monitored has also improved. This provides a greater overview of training and what might benefit the team going forward.

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This inspection

This home is effectively led and managed. Since the last inspection a new manager has been appointed. The new manager and the current Registered Manager are in the process of handing over. This has been a carefully planned transition to ensure minimal disruption to young people and their families. The new manager is an experienced manager and has the appropriate skills and knowledge for the role. He is enthusiastic and is committed to ongoing improvements to the service.

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This inspection

In conclusion, the home has been able to demonstrate improve effectiveness. The recommendations made at the last inspection have been met and no further improvement matters have been identified at this inspection. 4 of 5

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Information about this children’s home

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

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

15/10/2014 Full outstanding 28/02/2014 Interim good progress 17/10/2013 Full good 21/02/2013 Interim good 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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