Children's Home run by Blackpool Borough Council in Blackpool

Good

The children's home provides effective services that meet the requirements for good.

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The children's home provision is good because:

 Dedication and enthusiasm from a stable and long standing staff team enables young people to develop positive relationships.

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The children's home provision is good because:

 Young people participate in a range of leisure activities. As a result, they experience new and exciting opportunities, build confidence, learn different skills, and have fun.

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The children's home provision is good because:

 Young people are safe, and highly individualised care planning means their needs are well met.

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The children's home provision is good because:

 As a result of the care they receive, young people make progress in line with their individual needs and abilities. All achievements are recognised and celebrated.

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The children's home provision is good because:

 Innovative and individualised communication systems maximise young people’s decision making. Their views are actively sought and influence the running of the home.

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The children's home provision is good because:

 Excellent working relationships are forged with parents who report high levels of confidence and satisfaction in the service.

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The children's home provision is good because:

 Managers and staff work well with partner agencies. This means complex health needs are understood and well managed, and information is shared with education colleagues to ensure a consistent approach. This promotes improved outcomes for young people.

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The children's home provision is good because:

 Leaders and managers have a good understanding of progress made between inspections. They are committed to driving improvement forward, and understand the strengths and needs of the service.

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The children's home provision is good because:

 Managers identify relevant training opportunities for staff. As a result, they continue to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the complex needs of young people.

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The children's home provision is good because:

 Risks are clearly identified, and all efforts are taken to minimise and manage these. Effective risk assessments promote young people’s safety and welfare. To continue to improve the home needs to:

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The children's home provision is good because:

 Liaise with the fire and rescue service to review the need for a sprinkler system given that the one currently installed is no longer working.

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The children's home provision is good because:

 Ensure all staff and young people, as far as is practicable, participate in a fire evacuation drill so they are prepared for, and are practiced in what to do in the event of such an emergency.

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The children's home provision is good because:

 Improve recording systems to clearly evidence decision making in relation to the careful matching of young people placed.

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The children's home provision is good because:

 Ensure recording of restraint is completed in line with regulation so that staff who are involved are clearly identified.

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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

Ensure that after consultation with the fire and rescue authority the registered person takes adequate precautions against the risk of fire, including the provision of suitable fire equipment in the children's home. Specifically to review with the fire service the need for a sprinkler system given the one in place is not working (Regulation 25(1)(a)) 31/12/2015

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Requirement Due date

Ensure, by means of fire drills and practices at suitable intervals, that persons working at the home, and, so far as reasonably practicable, children are aware of the procedure to be followed in case of fire (Regulation 25(1)(d)) 31/12/2015

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Requirement Due date

Ensure that within 24 hours of the use of a measure of control and discipline or restraint in relation to a child within the home, a record is made which includes the name of the person who used the measure, and any of the other person present when the measure was used. Specifically that the record differentiates between the two to make clear who applied the restraint and who was witness to it (Regulation 35(3)(vi)). 31/12/2015

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):  Ensure the registered person delivers the ethos, outcomes and approach set out in the home's Statement of Purpose, specifically that records are completed to evidence decision making when carefully matching children (The guide to the quality standards paragraph 10.4 page 52).

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Information about this children's home

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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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

25/02/2015 Interim Declined in effectiveness

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good

Services are currently provided for 36 young people. They are cared for by a staff team who are committed, enthusiastic, and passionate about their work. This positivity is central to the ethos of the home. As a result, young people enjoy stays that are well organised, safe, activity packed, nurturing, and fun. Young people receive a high level of care which adds considerably to their experiences, progress, and development. They make good progress relative to their starting points, age and level of ability. For example, a young person is now able to manage her own personal care needs, can make hot drinks and snacks, and is more confident because she can do these things for herself. Another young person who was described on admission as ‘unresponsive’, is now reported by staff to be ‘making eye contact, communicating through her eyes, loves music, enjoys sensory things like foot soaks, and has a beam on her face’.

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good

Individualised care is provided ensuring each young person has the right support, and interventions to enable them to develop their full potential. Staff invest time in young people, protect and promote their welfare, and celebrate and take pride in their achievements. As a result, young people develop positive and valued relationships with staff. Consultation and listening to the wishes and feelings of young people is key to the success of this home. Individualised communication methods enable those who cannot speak verbally to have their say about who provides their personal care, what they eat, and what activities they do. Young people have contributed to the new children’s guide, and the development of a new complaints and comments system. Staff act on what young people say, for example one young person has now changed bedrooms, activities are organised in line with requests made, and the opening of an activity log cabin in the garden was celebrated with an afternoon

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good

tea party. Young people benefit from an extensive range of activities during their short breaks. These include swimming, trips to the zoo, a camping holiday, baking, fancy dress parties, train rides, and the Coronation Street tour. A scarecrow making competition was enjoyed by many, and the scarecrows are on display in the vegetable garden for all to see. An array of photos reflect young people’s enjoyment in the activities. One young person summed up the level of enjoyment on arrival at the Coronation Street tour. She said: ‘All my dreams have come true’. Parents and young people greatly appreciate the opportunities on offer, many of which they would not be able to access without the support of staff. One parent said: ‘My daughter gets to do all the ordinary things she should be doing’. As a result, young people develop friendships, learn new skills, and grow in confidence. Staff maintain excellent relationships with young people’s families. Parents

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good

consistently say communication is good, and ‘staff are approachable, and always available to talk to’. Consequently, young people benefit from collaborative working relationships. A parent explained how staff are helping her daughter get used to having a shower in preparation for a wet room being installed at home. Another parent said: ‘When there are issues I get together with staff to think about different strategies to manage behavioural challenges’. Parents and professionals express high levels of satisfaction in the service. A social worker said: ‘They have a good understanding of the needs of children they work with, are creative in problem solving, and the service can be flexible. It offers a very valuable service, always willing to accommodate and be helpful’. Parents say: ‘Staff do an excellent job’. Parents and social workers are confident in the care provided when arranging short breaks for young people. As a result, the impact on

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good

family life is invaluable. This is because families are able to take a break knowing their children are safe, and happy. A parent summed it up when they said: ‘I am not sure where I would be without it.’ Staff promote healthy life styles and cater for specific dietary needs. A recently installed air conditioning system means medication is now stored at the correct temperature. Furthermore, records indicate that medicines are safely administered by trained staff. Effective liaison with health professionals ensures that complex medical conditions are understood and managed. This protects the health and welfare of young people. Staff maintain regular links with young people’s schools and proactively support their learning. Staff attend meetings and visit schools regularly ensuring information is shared. As a result, a consistent approach is implemented with regards to communication methods and behaviour management strategies.

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good

Arrangements for the introduction of young people to the home are well considered. Programmes allow for tea-time visits, and overnight stays at a pace that is right for each young person. A consultation with parents concluded that the ‘whole process is excellent, lovely, and very welcoming’. Records are not kept to reflect the practice of careful matching that takes place when considering the needs of new young people alongside others already accessing the service. This is an area identified for improvement. Judgement grade

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good

Recruitment practice is robust and prevents unsuitable adults from being able to work with young people. Staff spoken with during the inspection demonstrated a clear understanding of safeguarding procedures. They are able to recognise and respond to signs and symptoms of abuse, and know what to do if they are concerned about the safety of a young person. Prompt action ensures young people are protected. A social worker said: ‘ Staff are very good at sharing information, and safeguarding issues, at whatever level they always tell us’. Young people rarely go missing with one incident reported between inspections. Records provide a detailed account of what happened; staff responded effectively, and consequently the young person returned quickly and safely. Managers took action to minimise reoccurrence by carrying out maintenance to some garden fencing. This demonstrates that managers learn from serious events that occur.

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good

Improving young people’s awareness about e-safety is a key focus. All young people have their own profile, and designated computer buddies ensure appropriate adult supervision. E-safety information is on display in different formats making it accessible to all. Staff complete e-safety training, and information is regularly disseminated to staff to ensure they are kept up to date. As a result, young people are aware of the dangers, and can enjoy on-line gaming and use social media safely. Young people know how to complain. Complaints are rare but when they do occur they are thoroughly investigated. Feedback is provided and efforts made to ensure satisfaction with the outcome. Consequently, concerns are taken seriously and this promotes young people’s welfare. Clear, individualised risk assessments include known triggers and intervention strategies that staff follow. Newly introduced positive handling plans provide

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good

guidance on individual approaches when physical intervention is required to keep young people safe from harm. Frequency of such incidents is low, and methods are not intrusive. For example, young people are mostly guided away when their poor impulse controls endanger others. Some improvements are noted in recording practice but shortfalls remain. For example, records still do not differentiate between witnesses and those applying the physical intervention. Consequently, the requirement made at the last inspection is repeated to ensure this is addressed. A calm, effective, and gentle approach to behaviour management promotes young people’s welfare and safety. Experienced staff develop a good understanding of times and factors that contribute to young people becoming upset and frustrated. Positive behaviour is promoted to good effect. A grandparent comments: ‘There has been a positive difference in the behaviour of both boys, and this is due to the

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good

input of staff’. Well planned and effective care practice ensures each young person is protected from bullying. High staffing ratios mean they receive the support and supervision needed to protect them from harm. Furthermore, numbers of young people accessing the service at any one time are reduced where necessary, so that individual needs can be met safely. Some shortfalls in fire safety are identified. The fire and rescue service have not been consulted regarding the sprinkler system that is no longer working, and all young people and staff have not participated in a fire evacuation drill. This means risk assessments are not accurate, and young people and staff are not practiced in or prepared for what to do in the event of an emergency.

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good

The registered manager has been in post since 2003 and she is appropriately qualified and experienced. The home is well organised and managed in young people’s best interests. As a result, there is a clear ethos based on high expectations and aspirational care. This home demonstrates a good capacity to improve based on the previous Ofsted judgements and developments since the last interim inspection on 25 February 2015. Improved quality assurance processes means monitoring systems are now robust. As a result, shortfalls are identified and addressed. Furthermore, the impact of the quality of care on the experiences and progress of young people is clearly evidenced. The registered manager has a good understanding of the strengths of the service, as well as areas for development. A team plan provides direction and ensures continuous improvements are made. Regular mandatory training means staff are equipped with the requisite knowledge

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good

to meet service requirements. Furthermore, training is undertaken in specialist areas such as particular feeding regimes, epilepsy, autism, and sensory and communication needs. This ensures staff are skilled in meeting young people’s individual needs. Staff are able to articulate how training informs their practice. For example, a member of staff said a recent training course on communication and engagement ‘taught me to listen and wait until a young person has completely finished before I say anything back’. Staff are well motivated and remain enthusiastic about their work. Comments shared with the inspector include: ‘We are passionate about the work we do’, and ‘working here is fun and fulfilling’. All levels of staff influence and shape the service with their ideas. Team meetings take place regularly providing opportunities for staff to reflect on progress, share good practice, and adopt a consistent approach.

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good

As a result, young people benefit from the commitment, versatility and consistency of the staff caring for them. Supervision means there is a focus on individual performance. Staff describe it as ‘an open forum providing a chance to talk things through, and is a useful source of support’. Consequently, staff feel supported, and say managers are approachable and responsive. The physical environment is warm, homely, and well maintained. Managers invest in good quality furnishings, and the home is well resourced. As a result, young people are comfortable, and have a range of resources to play with and enjoy. Three requirements and one recommendation are raised to improve recording practice where necessary and fire safety.

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What the inspection judgements mean

The experiences and progress of children and young people are at the centre of the inspection. Inspectors will use their professional judgement to determine the weight and significance of their findings in this respect. The judgements included in the report are made against Inspection of children's homes: framework for inspection.

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What the inspection judgements mean

An outstanding children's home provides highly effective services that contribute to significantly improved outcomes for children and young people who need help and protection and care. Their progress exceeds expectations and is sustained over time. A good children's home provides effective services that help, protect and care for children and young people and have their welfare safeguarded and promoted. In a children's home that requires improvement , there are no widespread or serious failures that create or leave children being harmed or at risk of harm. The welfare of looked after children is safeguarded and promoted. Minimum requirements are in place, however, the children's home is not yet delivering good protection, help and care for children and young people. A children's home that is inadequate is providing services where there are widespread or serious failures that create or leave children and young people being

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What the inspection judgements mean

harmed or at risk of harm or result in children looked after not having their welfare safeguarded and promoted.

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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 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

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Information about this inspection

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

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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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