Children's Home run by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council in Blackburn with Darwen

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 Sustained effectiveness .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home continues to be managed by a dedicated and consistent management and staff team who are committed to promoting outstanding outcomes for young people. Professionals and parents comment high about staff the care they provide. One parent commented: ‘my child really looks forward to coming here. She has good relationships with staff and has a lot of fun. I have every confidence in the staff team, and in my opinion this is an amazing service.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people continue to enjoy their visits to this short break centre, and they are very well supported from a staff team who know them well. Staff foster very strong relationships. They are nurturing and totally committed to ensuring that young people are relaxed, settled and have fun during their stay. Consultation continues to be a key strength in this home. Staff ensure that the views of young people are actively sought and that parents, carers and social workers are fully consulted and involved in all aspects of the care provided. This ensures that young people’s needs and routines are maintained during their stay.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

A high number of young people have complex health needs which the home support very well. Following the last inspection improvements have been made to various records including health plans. These have been updated to ensure that records provide clear information for staff to follow. Staff are well trained to administer medicines and undertake specialist procedures such as pump feeding. They have in depth knowledge of young people’s specific health needs and work in partnership with parents and health professionals to ensure positive outcomes are maintained.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people continue to have access to a wide range of opportunities to explore the world, build confidence and develop their social skills. Staff are pro-active in organising a wide range of suitable activities for young people. This includes opportunities to develop life skills as well as participating in more structured activities. The home captures these experiences well by proudly displaying photographs around the home. This provides clear evidence of young people’s experiences and makes for a child-friendly and homely environment. Behaviour is sensitively and effectively managed. This is because the whole staff team know the young people well and work consistently and meticulously in line with the agreed individual plans and incentives. Staff recognise young people’s escalating anxieties early and are able to intervene quickly to reduce distress. Staff are very skilled at helping young people to keep calm; thus preventing escalating

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

behaviour and enabling them to have a more relaxed and enjoyable time.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people benefit from being cared for by a team that is effectively managed and well supported. Effective arrangements are in place for the supervision, training and appraisal of staff. This ensures that practice remains current in line with legislative frameworks. The manager continues to demonstrate a good understanding of staff competencies and is confident in addressing difficult issues when necessary. There is an appropriate balance between support and challenge which helps create an environment where positive practice is able to thrive. Staff confirm that they feel able to voice their opinions and their views are respected. The culture is one of transparency and openness. The leadership team set high standards and have a clear vision and aspirations for both young people and the staff team.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager has an in-depth understanding of the home’s strengths and weaknesses. He has a strong commitment to securing ongoing developments to improve the care provided to young people. The manager makes good use of his development plan and takes effective action to address shortfalls. This means the home can continue to grow and develop for the benefit of young people.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

To conclude, the home has sustained outstanding performance and continues to offer high quality of care to young people.

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Information about this children's home

This children’s home is owned and run by a local authority. The home provides short break accommodation for young people with learning/physical disabilities and complex health needs. The service has two main functions. The home can accommodate up to four young people on a short break. It is also able to provide accommodation in emergency situations, such as a placement breakdown. Currently, 37 young people access the short break service.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

24/03/2015 CH - Interim improved 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

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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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