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

This monitoring visit

This monitoring inspection took place on 19 October 2016. The purpose of the visit was to review information relating to a serious incident that occurred at the home on 2 October 2016. At the time of the visit, the serious incident was under investigation by the appropriate authorities. Evidence gathered at this visit confirms that the home has not responded effectively to the emerging needs of one young person. Consequently, three requirements have been raised to improve safeguarding practice and reduce the risk of harm to young people.

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This monitoring visit

The home was judged to be good, at the full inspection on 14 and 15 September 2016. The provider has responded appropriately to the requirement and recommendation set at the last inspection. For example, they have taken robust action to address care planning concerns, and good consideration has been given to the level of detail and information required within risk assessments. Risk assessments have been updated and developed, to assist staff to identify, manage and reduce known and emerging risks. However, on one occasion, the inspector identified that the staff team did not follow the protective measures set out in one young person’s plan.

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This monitoring visit

This monitoring visit found shortfalls relating to staff practice. Poor communication, coupled with insufficient handover records, means that staff do not have a comprehensive overview of the day’s events. It is clear that on 1 October 2016 the staff team failed to share relevant information about their assessment of risk with their colleagues who were coming on duty.

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This monitoring visit

Following this serious incident, processes have been further reviewed and the manager has taken immediate action to ensure that staff undertake their duties and ascertain the safety, health and well-being of young people. The manager has introduced new procedures for routine welfare checks, and ensures that these are undertaken by staff. Welfare checks are recorded with more clarity. The records capture pertinent information such as the young person’s presentation, the time and frequency of each check, and any subsequent action taken. Moving forward, this means that known and emerging risks are monitored, reviewed and managed effectively.

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This monitoring visit

The home is well resourced in terms of staffing. The team has a broad range of experience and skills to meet the everyday challenges of caring for young people. Workers report feeling well supported by their manager and benefit from regular supervision, which offers them the opportunity to reflect on practice and to discuss the emotional impact of the work that they undertake. Training opportunities are sufficient, and staff have worked closely with drug and alcohol services to develop knowledge and understanding of substance misuse and the impact on young people’s development. That said, not all staff have used their learning to good effect and have not responded quickly to concerns around substance misuse. Therefore, further in-depth training on the impact of drug and alcohol use is essential to develop staff competence and skill further.

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This monitoring visit

To conclude, the evidence gathered at this visit highlights that concerns are not widespread, as the shortfalls relate to a single, isolated incident. The manager has successfully addressed previous requirements and recommendations, and has a clear vision of how to secure ongoing improvement. She is clear that lessons will be learned, and has made some key changes to ensure that day-to-day care promotes the safety and well-being of young people. An internal investigation will also be undertaken by the provider. This will further shape and inform the future care practices at the home.

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Information about this children’s home

This is a local authority-run children’s home. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to six young people who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions that 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 within the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

12: The protection of children standard In order to meet the protection of children standard, the registered person must ensure: (2)(a) that staff: (i) assess whether each child is at risk of harm, taking into account information in the child's relevant plans, and, if necessary, make arrangements to reduce the risk of any harm to the child; (iii) have the skills to identify and act upon signs that a child is at risk of harm; (vi) take effective action whenever there is a serious concern about a child’s welfare. (Regulation 12(2)(a)(i)(iii)(vi) 20/12/2016

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Requirement Due date

12: The protection of children standard In order to meet the protection of children standard, the registered person must ensure that: (2)(b) the home’s day-to-day care is arranged and delivered so as to keep each child safe and to protect each child effectively from harm. (Regulation 12(2)(b))

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Requirement Due date

This is with specific reference to ensuring more robust communication and handover between staff. 20/12/2016

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Requirement Due date

13: The leadership and management standard In order to meet the leadership and management standard, the registered person must: (2)(c) ensure that staff have the experience, qualifications and skills to meet the needs of each child. (Regulation 13(2)(c)

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Requirement Due date

This is with specific reference to refresher training against substance misuse. 20/12/2016

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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 children’s home since its last Ofsted inspection. This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000. out in 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 this guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234 or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Information about this inspection

to 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, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It inspects services for children looked after 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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