Children's Home run by Blackpool Borough Council in Blackpool

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

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

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

At the last inspection three requirements and one recommendation were raised to improve practice, and all have been effectively addressed. This demonstrates that the registered manager and staff team learn from inspection and drive improvements forward. In turn this has a positive impact on young people’s experiences of short breaks at the home. Updated restraint records means that it is now easy to differentiate between staff who are directly involved, and those who witness an incident. Restraints happen rarely with just three minor incidents between inspections. Consequently, staff effectively de-escalate situations to prevent them escalating, and demonstrate good behaviour management. Improved fire safety ensures that arrangements to protect young people are robust. The fire service confirms that measures in place are satisfactory and mitigate against the sprinkler system which is not working. A new rolling

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

programme of fire evacuation drills means that as far as reasonably practical staff and young people practice and prepare for what to do in the event of such an emergency. Records now reflect clear decision making when matching the needs of new young people to those already accessing the service. Furthermore, relevant plans outline young people’s needs, and stipulate how these will be met. As a result, young people benefit from highly individualised care underpinned by robust care planning. Good quality care from a committed and consistent staff team continues to make a positive difference to the experiences and progress of young people. They make significant progress relative to their needs and abilities. Examples include, improved language development, better social skills, responding more to boundaries, managing routines, and greater self-care skills. This benefits young people’s day to day lives and that of their families. For example, improved sleep

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

patterns impact positively on everyone’s well-being. All young people who have moved on from the service have done so on reaching adulthood. Well supported transitions enable them to adjust to different packages of care now being provided. Many have accessed the service over a number of years, and have received consistent care and support throughout their childhood. Staff work effectively with young people’s families who report high levels of satisfaction with the service. Parents say that staff provide ‘safe, outstanding care, and a ‘home from home’ environment’. A recent consultation with parents demonstrates an ongoing commitment to developing the service in line with what young people and their families need. Safeguarding practice continues to be good. Staff respond effectively to any concerns that arise. This means issues young people raise are taken seriously and fully investigated. Prompt action means that young people are protected, and their

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

welfare is promoted. The registered manager takes appropriate action when young people encounter difficulties. For example, one young person now visits the home on a different night and this has successfully interrupted some challenging behaviours. Not only is the young person’s presentation calmer but other young people are benefiting from the change in arrangements. They are more relaxed, animated, and engaging in activities with others. This demonstrates the manager monitors the impact of care provided, and makes adjustments where necessary to safeguard young people and encourage progress. Staff report they are well supported, and remain enthusiastic about their work in the face of a service review. Consequently, they are entirely focused and put the needs of young people first. Investment in the home continues with new equipment enhancing the sensory experiences of young people. Furthermore, sensory training provided between inspections equipped staff with a greater

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

understanding about how to meet the needs of young people with sensory issues creatively and safely. One significant incident was not reported to Ofsted, and consequently all those with an interest in the welfare of young people were not informed in line with regulation. This is an area identified for improvement. One recommendation is raised to ensure that all significant incidents are notified to Ofsted.

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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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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

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Recommendations

 Ensure systems are in place to notify Ofsted and other relevant persons if one of the situations specified in regulation 40(4)(a-e) occurs (The guide to the quality standards paragraph 14.10, page 63).

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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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