Children's home in Bolton

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

The home is about to undergo a change in the management structure. This is because the current Registered Manager is to become the responsible individual and the former deputy is to return as the Registered Manager. This is to ensure continuity of care and as little disruption as possible for the young people who have a strong bond with the former deputy.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people are happy and settled here. They enjoy very positive relationships with staff which enables them to thrive. They continue to make good progress in all areas of their development. A young person who recently left the home enjoyed a positive transition to the foster placement of her choice. She was heavily involved in the decision making process and is delighted at the outcome. This effective transition means her new placement is more likely to succeed and give her the outcomes she desires.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home is continually striving to improve upon its care practice and record keeping. The Statement of Purpose is much improved. It provides clear insight into the ethos and objectives of the home. This is under constant review and updates are forwarded to Ofsted.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Managers undertook a comprehensive review of the records held on the young people. As a result of their analysis they have devised a new format and standardisation for each young person’s file. This has enhanced consistency in recording in most records. However, on some occasion’s information in their health care plan and risk management plans is not sufficiently detailed. This is because they do not identify all of their medical needs, the implications of missing their medication or the reasons as to why they are seeing outside agencies. This is not included in their risk management plan. These are recording issues and do not affect the care provided. This is because staff are very knowledgeable about each young person’s needs.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people are actively involved in the creation of their plans. One young person wrote, ‘OMG, please listen to my risk management otherwise I’ll be really upset with you.’ She went on to outline the triggers staff need to be aware of for when she is feeling anxious such as, ‘hood up, sad music being played,’ as well as the action to support her. The use of physical interventions is minimal and is only ever used as a last resort. The enhanced recording system means staff are able to provide a detailed account of the events leading up to the incident and the outcomes. The instigation of the ‘H.E.L.P script’ for the young person’s de-brief means they are able to discuss the incident fully with staff as at an appropriate time for them. Consequently, young people have a ‘strong voice’ in the care afforded to them.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Monitoring of the home is improving and has enabled them to make the changes identified at this inspection. The Registered Manager consulted with staff young people and others to make the changes. Hence, they identified weaknesses, areas of strengths and implemented clear development plans to drive forward continuous improvement. These include changing the staff rota, designated on call managers a senior on every shift to provide additional support and a back-up system to cover it a member of staff is unable to complete a shift. This will minimise the need for the use of agency staff and has strengthen the staff team.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff enjoy mutually beneficial relationship with a wide range of agencies. This means they can quickly access additional support for young people. For example, working with community police officers to reduce young people’s potential involvement in criminality and increase in the use of restorative justice. This also helps young people improve their perceptions of the police so that they are more likely to go to them for help if needed.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people are happy and settled here. The spoke confidently about the home and the progress they have made. One young person said he is thoroughly enjoying his courses on car maintenance and plastering. He has made positive friendships, as a result of these and enjoys spending time with friends in the community. Another young person has made friends in the community having previously been very isolated. She is delighted to be able to have sleepovers with them. This has significantly improved upon her confidence and self-esteem. Especially as she is due to move on in the next year.

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Information about this children's home

This section should outline: The home is operated by a private company. The home provides care for four young people from 8 years up to 17 years with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties and children with learning disabilities.

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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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Statutory Requirements

This section sets out the actions which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the Guide to the children's homes regulations including the quality standards. The registered person(s) must comply with the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

Maintain all of the records, which include the information and documents listed in Schedule 3, in relation to each child, in particular that records are sufficiently detailed, specifically regarding information referring to risk management plans and health care plans. (Regulation 36 (1) (a) Schedule 3) 09/05/2016

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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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