Children's home run by Lancashire County Council in Preston

This monitoring visit

An interim inspection was completed on 28 January 2016 and the home was judged to have declined in effectiveness.

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This monitoring visit

The inspector found insufficient evidence of educational progress for young people. Plans for education were poor, school attendance was low, and routines in the home did not support learning. As a result, staff were not fulfilling their responsibilities to promote education, and this was impacting on young people’s future life chances. A compliance notice was issued on 9 February 2016 to address these concerns. An unannounced monitoring inspection was undertaken on 9 March 2016 to monitor this compliance notice.

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This monitoring visit

This inspection found positive steps have been taken to promote the educational needs of young people. Meetings have taken place where necessary and clear plans are now in place. Staff work in accordance with these plans, and appropriately support young people’s learning.

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This monitoring visit

Good daily routines and structures have been re-established, and a reduction in night-time disturbances means young people now get up in the mornings. Staff engage them in suitable activity if they are not in school, college, training or employment. Examples of this include, community projects, arts and crafts, cooking, and horse-riding. This is helping to build their confidence and skills.

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This monitoring visit

Attendance for young people in education is improving, for example one young person has gone from 68% attendance of his part-time timetable to 100%. He is due to start at a vocational centre to study joinery, and this will increase his participation in education further. Another young person is now engaging in work experience four days a week as well as completing formal learning in English and maths. He is applying for an apprenticeship which will increase his chances of gaining future employment. Where young people are not in training or employment they are actively seeking work. One young person has completed her curriculum vitae, distributed this locally, and secured an interview.

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This monitoring visit

Concerns remain regarding one young person who continues to disengage with education. Staff proactively look at alternatives for him; arrange meetings and ensure he attends with them to discuss his options. Staff are now demonstrating their persistence in their encouragement and support of young people’s learning.

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This monitoring visit

Ofsted is satisfied that sufficient measures have been taken to address educational shortfalls identified at the last interim inspection. Improvements are having a positive impact on most young people’s learning and aspirations.

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Information about this children's home

This service is a local authority children’s home. The home provides care and accommodation for six young people who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to monitor the action taken and the progress made by the home since their last Ofsted inspection. This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000. 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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