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

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged Good at the last 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

The home only received its full inspection in January 2016, so judging specific measurable progress that may have been made by young people proved difficult. However, indictors picked up during the inspection provide evidence to show that all young people in the home remain settled in their long-term placements and continue to progress.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

For example, the home has remained stable and calm, with no serious behaviour management issues taking place. All young people are in full-time education, with full attendance at the on-site school and all are participating in community based activity programmes.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Visiting the home was a lively and pleasant experience. All the young people interacted positively and played a key role in the inspection process. They are proud of their home and happy to show it off, reflecting the stability of their placement.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

They confirm they feel safe and secure in the home. They are comfortable with the structure and routines built into daily life, which gives them a feeling of security and a sense of purpose. They benefit from the strong relationships they develop with staff who are influential in the way young people accept a more ordered and socially acceptable lifestyle, to the one they previously experienced.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This is underpinned with detailed written plans, strategies and assessments of risk, which are updated regularly to keep them current. They address young people’s individuality, identity and needs. Planning documents provide evidence and detail of a young person’s journey through the home which reflects and records the progress they make educationally, socially and emotionally.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people enjoy and are receptive to the new experiences they are introduced to during their stay. For example, one spoke about the levels of fitness he hopes to attain by attending a local gym regularly, another spoke proudly about his emerging independence skills. The home is a converted farmhouse and retains much of its original character. The general standard of repair, fixtures, fittings, décor, furnishings and equipment is good although there are areas that need to be improved. The manager is aware of any shortfall and there are agreed plans in place for specific improvements to take place. For example, a new carpet for the stairs and landing is due to be laid by the end of the month and plans are at advanced stage to resurface the whole of the driveway connecting the home to the main road.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

An experienced management team are well supported by a stable staff team who are well organised. This stability and team centred approach gives young people a consistency care from adults they get to know well, respect and trust.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people contribute effectively to daily life in the home. For example, each one plans and prepares an evening meal each week. They all take responsibility for keeping their bedrooms clean and tidy which they view as their own space and very proud of. This promotes independence and develops new skills which are transferable when young people move on.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The monitoring of the home both internally and externally meets with statutory requirements. Both the manager and staff recognise the home is still developing its culture, ethos and working practices, which they review regularly. For example, the close age range of the current group was a planned response as a result of past experiences.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff follow a core training programme that covers all the expected areas required such as safeguarding and behaviour management issues. Since the last inspection, they have received training in radicalisation as part of the prevent programme. A high proportion of the staff group have just achieved or are about to achieve a level 3 professional qualification. This commitment to training gives staff the skills, knowledge and confidence that allows them to address the complex needs of the young people in their care.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

No requirements or recommendations were made at the last inspection and none have been made as a result of this inspection. The manager has plans in place for a variety of improvements and discussed these with the inspector during the inspection.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home has enjoyed a settled period since the last inspection. It continues to be well managed and organised and there is a genuine commitment to look for continued improvement. As a result the outcomes for young people remain positive.

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Information about this children's home

The home is privately owned and provides care and accommodation for five young people with emotional and/or learning difficulties. There is an on-site school 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

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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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