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

Young people and their families continue to receive highly effective support that helps rebuild and strengthen relationships. The short break service provides young people with positive experiences, support and time out to help them reflect upon their difficulties and begin to make positive changes. The care is delivered by a well-established team who are child focused and know the young people very well. Staff are extremely skilful at building meaningful connections which helps young people feel safe and secure during their stay. One young person commented: ‘coming here is awesome you have a good time and if you need to speak to someone, you know you can.’ In addition to planned breaks the team continue to provide additional services to young people and their families. This includes providing emotional support and guidance to parents on managing difficult behaviour, setting boundaries and encouraging their children to have aspirations. Evidence gathered at this inspection

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

highlight that the support provided to families has been instrumental in improving the situation at home. One parent commented: ‘Once we started having support from this service things are much better. I can honestly say that this place is brilliant, staff go above and beyond. My child calls here her second home, she loves coming I can’t speak highly enough about the place. Staff have also helped me, they are friendly and always on the end of the phone if I need anything. This is most definitely an outstanding service, it’s great.’ There have been no restraints, missing episodes, sanctions, complaints or allegations of abuse. There have been no significant incidents since the last inspection. The behaviour of young people is extremely positive and this is real testament to the support and guidance offered by staff. Staff are confident in all areas of child protection and have the necessary knowledge and skills to keep young people safe. Risk assessments are

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

individualised and reflect the diverse needs and personalities of each of the young people. Staff are particularly skilled at undertaking direct work that targets specific areas of difficulties and vulnerability. For example, group on-line safety sessions and individual key work discussions on risky behaviour. The impact of this is unquestionable. Young people are now more able to reflect upon their behaviour, are making safer choices and there has been a dramatic reduction in unsafe behaviour. Staff members continue to receive quality support from their manager which enables them to provide an excellent caring environment for young people. Staff morale is high and they feel valued in the role they play. Following a recommendation made at the last inspection the manager has improved the appraisal process. The views of young people, relatives and professionals are now requested and reviewed as part of their continued professional development. This

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

strengthens the manager’s ability to critically appraise professional practice and competency.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There is a strong commitment to staff training. The team have regular opportunities to routinely undertake refresher training alongside new areas of development. This ensures they have the necessary skills to meet the emerging needs of young people.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

A range of quality assurance systems are effectively used to ensure that shortfalls are identified and addressed in a timely manner. Managers demonstrated a good understanding of the home’s strengths and there is a clear focus on continuous improvement and development; young people’s needs are central to this.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There have been no new requirements or recommendations as a result of this inspection. 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 emotional and behavioural difficulties. The service has two main functions. This first is to provide short-term intensive outreach work within the community. The second is to provide short break care. The home can accommodate up to five young people on a short break. Currently, it provides a service to 41 young people.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

25/03/2015 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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