Children's Home run by The Partnership of Care Today in Blackburn with Darwen

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:

Young people make good progress often from difficult starting points. Their experiences are enhanced through well planned and structured days The relationships which exist between staff and young people and young people themselves are excellent. This provides them with confidence and a sense of belonging Good arrangements with local and specialised services ensure young people’s health, education, emotional, social and psychological well-being is met and promoted Young people have a voice in the home. They are regularly consulted, formally and informally, and feel they are listened to and influence the decisions and arrangements made for them Young people know their daily routines and engage well in education and a range of indoor and outdoor activities. This stimulates their learning and enjoyment Learning for adult life is incorporated into daily living and young people participate in tasks which improve their self-care skills and preparation for moving on from the

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The children's home provision is good because:

home Risks are understood and young people understand the strategies staff members will take to protect them and keep them safe Missing from home and absences are rare due to the rural location of the home, any such incidents are responded to promptly, to ensure young people return to the home safe and well Points and reward systems assist young people to modify their behaviour. Young people fully understand this system and positively respond, this significantly reduces any need for restraint and consequences for inappropriate behaviour are low The management team prioritise the needs of young people well and provide good effective support to staff members ensuring their skills are developed and suitable training opportunities are provided to them Positive feedback from placing authorities and parents demonstrate how well the staff team work in partnership with them. This supports young people in all areas

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Information about this children's home

 The home provides care and accommodation for five young people with emotional and/or learning difficulties  The home is privately owned  The aim is to provide a warm, friendly, safe and supportive environment based on nurturing principles, as written in the home's statement of purpose  The home has a school on-site which is registered with the Department for Education

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

28/01/2015 CH - Interim declined in effectiveness

p.4

good

From their starting point young people make good progress and are involved in a wide range of structured daily activities, which enhance their experiences. This provides them with clear responsibilities and boundaries which they respond well to. Young people arrive at the home often from difficult and disruptive backgrounds and are welcomed into the home with careful and considered planning. This ensures group compatibility and reduces any likely impact on themselves or the group of young people living in the home.

p.5

good

Young people are encouraged and supported to build trusted and secure relationships between each other and their staff members. Young people are very positive about the home and say, ‘I really like it here, and I am supported by all of the staff who help me every day,’ and ‘It is fantastic I would give the home ten out of ten.’ Collectively young people say they all get on well together and it is clear staff members spend time with them on a daily basis. This provides them with confidence and a sense of belonging.

p.5

good

The home has a school on-site that has been registered with the Department for Education in November 2015. Young people’s attendance and participation at school is very good. Staff members promote young people’s learning and a qualified teacher and teaching assistant provide young people with structured and achievable learning goals. This benefits young people who have previously had poor attendance or their learning disrupted, as a result of multiple moves prior to coming into the home.

p.5

good

Meetings between the teaching staff and staff members involve young people before school starts and after the school day has finished. This provides valuable information which contributes to a settled classroom environment where young people can learn. Achievement is celebrated and young people are proud of the work they undertake. Staff members know how well young people are achieving at school and the level of progress they should be making. A social worker commented, ‘Engagement in education is a strong feature in the home, they have a good set up for learning which benefits young people.’

p.5

good

Young people enjoy a good range of activities, and keep up with their interests and hobbies. For example, football, swimming and movies at the cinema. Activities which present a level of risk, for example, dry slope skiing, trampoline, high wall climbing are supervised by qualified instructors to guarantee young people are competent to take part and ensure safety. Young people enjoy breaks away camping with staff members, and such trips have an element of educational pursuits attached to them. They have the same opportunities as they would if living in a family home.

p.5

good

Young people’s health needs are met through local services and they regularly attend routine appointments, such as doctor, dentist and eye examinations. Health assessments and reports by the looked after children’s nurse are within young people’s case files. This ensures any need for intervention is actioned by the staff members. Young people enjoy hill walking, attending a gym and bike riding, with staff members. This maintains young people’s physical and mental health.

p.6

good

Medication procedures are robustly followed and include weekly audits of all medication kept in the home. These arrangements ensure the safe storage, administration and disposal of medication in the home.

p.6

good

Young people’s emotional, social and psychological well-being is known by staff members and they are sensitive to the individual needs of young people. Any need for intervention is carried out by external professionals, who are qualified, such as, therapy and local mental health services. Detailed progress reports show the benefit young people receive from these services and their well-being is regularly reviewed.

p.6

good

Collectively, young people say they know how to complain and who to speak with if they have a concern in the home. There is information available to them, without having to approach staff members, should they wish to contact an independent person or organisation. Young people have not raised any complaints and feel if they did they are confident action will be taken.

p.6

good

Consultation with young people, their placing social workers and parents is at the centre of the home’s practice and carried out daily. It is clear young people have a voice in the home and they are listened to. Meetings with staff, key worker sessions and completion of questionnaires show recorded responses to any questions raised by them.

p.6

good

Young people maintain contact with their family and friends. They are supported, when needed, by staff members, who supervise contact visits and transport them to and from contact.

p.6

good

Parents are positive about the care provided, stating, ‘We all work well together to get him the best outcomes, overall we are very pleased with the home and how they support our son.’ And ‘Thank you for all your hard work with (XX). I can see how much he has changed for the better, you are no doubt very proud of him and I am also so proud of him – thank you.’

p.6

good

Independence learning is part of the day-to-day structure and young people are preparing well for later life or a return home to family or foster care. They respect the environment, have a say in the décor and furnishings in the home and carryout household tasks.

p.6

good

Young people are safe and say they feel safe in the home. Previous risk taking behaviour has significantly reduced and ceased. Their participation and learning has contributed to a positive change in their circumstances. For example, continuing programmes are undertaken which consistently make them aware of the dangers in the surrounding rural area, road safety and how to keep safe. As a result, young people respond well and keep themselves safe.

p.7

good

Staff members have a good knowledge of safeguarding issues, and know how to keep young people safe. They work closely with agencies charged with protecting young people. Training in abuse, self-harm, neglect, exploitation, grooming and e- safety is regularly refreshed. This keeps them up to date with guidance and legislation and protects young people.

p.7

good

Assessment of young people’s risks are recorded and regularly updated. Staff are aware of the strategies to follow should a young person become a cause for concern. All risks in relation to young people are assessed as low, and there are no concerns of them placing themselves at risk.

p.7

good

There have been instances of young people being missing or absent from the home since the last inspection. However, such incidents have significantly reduced and although risk strategies are in place, staff and young people report this is not an issue. Should a young person be absent from the home, staff members follow them, have two way radio communication and ensure they return to the home safely. The rural location of the home reduces the risk of young people going missing.

p.7

good

Young people are involved in agreeing the rules and boundaries in the home and have suggested incentives attached to the points and reward scheme in place. They respond well to these arrangements and as a result restraint is rare, as are consequences for inappropriate behaviour. Financial rewards for reaching their set daily targets are managed well, ensuring money is put towards young people’s individual activity or something they are saving up for to purchase. All staff members are trained in de-escalation and safe restraint techniques. This ensures should an intervention be required this would be responded to in a safe manner.

p.7

good

There are no concerns of young people being criminalised. The local police community support officer is a regular visitor to the home. They provide good information, know the young people and educate them in relation to the root causes of social issues and consequences arising from inappropriate behaviour. This approach further supports young people to modify their behaviour.

p.7

good

Young people have access to the internet, satellite television and games consoles. The management team and staff oversee the use of electronic equipment and social media sites. Firewalls and the means to isolate electronic devices allow staff members to take immediate action if they are concerned about unsafe behaviours or inappropriate web or channel content.

p.8

good

The home and the surrounding environment is safe and all necessary health and safety checks are regularly carried out. Robust recruitment checks ensure that staff are safe people to work with young people. Visitors are signed in and out of the home and are not left unsupervised with young people. Regular fire drills take place with fire procedures also explained to all who live, work and visit the home. These arrangements keep young people, staff and visitors safe.

p.8

good

The steep single track gravel road leading down to the home can be worn away in poor weather. Alternatively, arrangements can be made for staff to pick up visitors at the top of the road. This does not impact on the home or the young people as two four wheel drive cars are available for staff to transport young people to and from the home.

p.8

good

The registered manager is experienced and he has completed his Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management. He is supported by two experienced assistant managers who are currently undertaking their level 5 Diploma. It is evident that young people’s needs are prioritised, with the management team monitoring and analysing the work staff complete with young people. New improved systems introduced by the registered manager are embedded into the home and understood by all staff members.

p.8

good

These new systems for all records, including young people’s placement, care and progress plans are being recorded electronically through the computer. It is clear through observations and staff knowledge the progress young people are making in this home. There is clear evidence of the progress young people make from their targets set, how they are to achieve these and the positive impact this is having on them. This is evident in their care progress plans. Young people are at the centre of the home and the management team prioritises their needs well. Models of positive parenting and a child-centred approach provide young people with the care, knowledge and confidence to make good progress in the home. This is confirmed by young people, a social worker and parents. Staff have a clear understanding of the plan of care for young people and these comprehensively address their needs, experiences and hopes for the future.

p.8

good

Staffing arrangements have changed since the last inspection. New staff joining the home have successfully completed their induction and probationary period. Half of the team have completed their Level 3 diploma and the rest are due to complete by the end of January 2016.

p.9

good

Staff members feel supported and confirm they receive regular supervision and appraisal. Their training needs are met and refreshed regularly. They are delegated responsibilities during team meetings in relation to the care of young people. For example, researching research and practice in matters such as, safeguarding, self- harm and the quality standards and regulations. They then present their findings back to the team. All of this is overseen by the management team. These arrangements enhance staff member’s knowledge and further benefit the care young people receive in the home.

p.9

good

Regular monitoring systems result in good standards of care. The independent person visits the home each month and produces a detailed, evaluated and effective report. Shortfalls identified in monitoring visits or audits by the management team are discussed during team meetings and supervision and are quickly rectified. This sustains the good level of care provided to young people.

p.9

good

Young people confirm they attend their review meetings and are consulted and engage in discussions about their future. They are supported by their key worker who advocates, if needed, and all review outcomes are clearly explained to young people and recorded within their plans. An independent reviewing officer says, ‘The home is well run, staff are energetic, and the careful admission process results in a settled group of young people. I have no concerns about the home and feel they provide a good service.’

p.9

good

The home’s statement of purpose document and children’s guide is in line with the quality standards and has been regularly revised and updated in December 2015. These documents provide young people, their family and placing social workers with good information about the services the home provides.

p.9

good

This is a settled home where young people have made good progress. There have been no significant incidents since the last inspection. Procedures understood by all staff members ensure should a significant event take place all appropriate authorities will be notified. This further protects young people.

p.9

good

No requirements or recommendations are made at this inspection.

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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

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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