Children's Home run by Lancashire County Council in Lancashire

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged Outstanding at the full inspection. At this interim inspection Ofsted judge that it has declined in effectiveness .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home is currently unsettled with one young person exhibiting challenging and often risky behaviour. For example, they are engaging in criminality and drug misuse, they have intimidated and physically assaulted other residents, and there are allegations of sexualised behaviours between them and other young people living in the home. Such behaviour is impacting on their own safety and well-being. Moreover, young people are living with unacceptable levels of risk. This is compromising their safety and welfare. Young people are at risk from poor care planning. Although impact risk assessments are completed and reviewed, they are not acted upon. This has resulted in inappropriate admissions being made to the home. The registered manager has escalated her concerns about this to senior managers within the placing authority, but has not requested a review of relevant plans in light of these. As a result, one young person remains in a placement that is unable to meet his

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

needs safely. It is Ofsted’s opinion that the Local Authority together with leaders and managers have been remiss in their responsibilities. Delays in care planning have compounded an already difficult situation in the home, and have led to increased levels of risk. More robust care planning and timely decisions could have improved the safeguarding of children at this home. Staff are alert to some risks and levels of supervision in the home are high. This means that when incidents do occur between residents, staff are on hand to intervene quickly, but not all risks are clearly identified and acted upon. For example, the inspector identified a pattern of behaviour where some young people leave the home together for short periods late in the evening. The reason for this is not clear; staff make the assumption they are going to the shop. No attempt is made by staff to address the appropriateness of this, or follow young people to

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

satisfy themselves that this is the case. Given the concerns highlighted during the inspection around risk taking behaviours, this does not demonstrate robust safeguarding practice, and leaves young people vulnerable to risk of harm. Serious incidents are not reported to Ofsted consistently in line with the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015. As a result, those with an interest in young people’s safety and welfare are not appropriately informed. This undermines the ability of the regulator to carry out its monitoring function effectively. Consequently, young people are not adequately safeguarded. The one recommendation raised at the last inspection has not been addressed; external monitoring visits are not yet carried out by a suitably independent person, and this compromises the robustness of these quality assurance arrangements. This is now raised as a requirement. Education outcomes for young people are mixed. Most young people are well

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

supported and continue to do well; some have successfully made the transition to college and completed their first year, while others are not making good academic progress. For example, in twelve months one young person has improved her reading and spelling age by three and four years respectively. One young person is currently not engaged in education, and has not been for three months. When not in school he is not engaged in structured activity, and spends unauthorised time away from the home during the day. Although some measures are taken to address this, they are ineffective. Non-engagement in education over a sustained period of time is impacting on his learning and future life chances. Young people who have resided in the home for a long time are making progress from their starting points. These young people are concerned about the current situation, and report their worries to staff and social workers, but continue to view

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

the placement as home. For the most part they enjoy living in the home, and have developed some excellent relationships with staff. They report feeling well cared for, and say that staff help them to feel safe. Notable progress includes, developing ambitions, better relationships with birth families, improved self- esteem, more accepting of diversity, and resilience. As a result, the quality of care provided continues to make a positive difference to the lives of most young people. One young person summed it up when she said: ‘I felt nervous and scared when I got told I was coming, I thought I was going to be isolated from everyone and forever feel unwanted. I thought I was going to be an outsider. But I have lived here a year and I couldn’t be happier, got people that care, got a new college and friends. I have settled and I feel at home. I have people to turn to when needed. I wouldn’t have my life any other way.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people continue to benefit from a range of opportunities and activities. For example, they enjoyed summer holidays that suited their individual needs and requests. Some young people enjoyed a trip to London, and others experienced the delights of Turkey. Such experiences broaden their horizons, give them confidence, and afford them many happy memories. Levels of excitement are currently high about a trip to see an array of their favourite bands in concert, and young people are to participate in a Christmas cupcake making event. As a result they benefit from ordinary day to day activities, as well as special events that add to their experiences and development. Three young people have moved on between inspections. All have done so positively and in a planned way. Young people were included in decisions about their futures, and staff supported their smooth transition to either specialist therapeutic provision or a return home to family. Young people and their families

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

complimented staff on the standard of the care they received, and how it positively impacted on their lives. Five requirements are raised to address the shortfalls identified at this inspection, and secure the necessary improvements moving forward.

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Information about this children's home

The home can accommodate a maximum of six young people of either gender with emotional and behavioural difficulties. The home is operated by a local authority and only considers referrals from that authority.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

25/02/2015 Interim improved effectiveness

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Statutory Requirements

This section sets out the actions which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the Guide to the children's homes regulations including the quality standards. The registered person(s) must comply with the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

8: The education standard In order to meet the education standard the registered person must ensure - (2)(a) that staff- (iii) understand the barriers to learning that each child may face and take appropriate action to help the child overcome any such barriers; (viii) help a child who is excluded from school, or who is of compulsory school age but not attending school, to access educational and training support throughout the period of exclusion or non-attendance and to return to school as soon as possible. 08/01/2016

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Requirement Due date

12: The protection of children standard In order to meet the protection of children standard the registered person must ensure - (2)(a) that staff - (i) assess whether each child is at risk of harm, taking into account information in the child's relevant plans, and, if necessary, make arrangements to reduce the risk of any harm to the child; (iv) manage relationships between children to prevent them from harming each other; (vi) take effective action whenever there is a serious concern about a child's welfare. 08/01/2016

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Requirement Due date

14: The care planning standard In order to meet the care planning standard the registered person must ensure - (2)(e) that the child's placing authority is contacted, and a review of that child's relevant plans is requested, if— (i) the registered person considers that the child is at risk of harm or has concerns that the care provided for the child is inadequate to meet the child's needs. 08/01/2016 40: Notification of a serious event Ensure that all serious events are notified to relevant people without delay (Regulation 40). 08/01/2016

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Requirement Due date

44: Independent person: visits and reports Ensure the registered person appoints an independent person who visits the home at least once a month (Regulation 44(1)). 31/12/2015

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What the inspection judgements mean

At the interim inspection 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

Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children and young people living in the children's home. Inspectors considered the quality of work and the difference adults make to the lives of children and young people. They read case files, watched how professional staff work with children, young people and each other and discussed the effectiveness of help and care given to children and young people. Wherever possible, they talked to children, young people and their families. In addition the inspectors have tried to understand what the children's home knows about how well it is performing, how well it is doing and what difference it is making for the children and young people who it is trying to help, protect and look after. This inspection focused on the effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of children and young people since the most recent full inspection.

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Information about this inspection

This 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 Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the Guide to the children's homes regulations including the quality standards. the guidance raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted, which is available from Ofsted's website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted . If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Information about this inspection

achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, workbased learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It inspects services for looked after children and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team,

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Information about this inspection

The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

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Information about this inspection

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

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Information about this inspection

Store Street Manchester M1 2WD T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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