Children's home in Chorley

This monitoring visit

The overall experiences and progress of children and young people living in the home were judged to be inadequate at the home’s last full inspection in September 2016. Following this, the directors have confirmed their intentions to close the school and its residential provision in early January 2017. The purpose of this visit was to explore the home’s progress in meeting the requirements made at the last inspection and to review the transition plans for young people currently resident at the home. Five requirements were made at the last inspection. The provider has taken action to address these shortfalls. The introduction of a new system to monitor and review restraint practice has had a significant impact. The number of restraints required has fallen from 53 in August 2016 to 12 in November 2016. Managers are reviewing and learning from incidents that occur. However, young people’s individual crisis management plans have not always been subject to review

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This monitoring visit

following the display of a new behaviour. While acknowledging that staff have to respond dynamically at the time of the incident, their plans have not been updated to reflect the need to adopt a new approach. As a result of the organisation’s decision to close the establishment, new staff are not being recruited. Existing staff are attempting to identify new employment. Some staff are moving to new organisations, along with the young people that they support, so that they can provide some continuity of care. Some agency staff are working in the home. However, the organisation has a clear protocol for covering any vacant posts, to ensure that it considers the best alternatives before employing unknown agency personnel. Some agency staff have worked in the home for a long time and have established relationships with the young people. Following the last inspection, action has been taken to ensure that the

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This monitoring visit

organisation has had sight of the original check with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), for agency staff. Managers also complete risk assessments in relation to any historic offences. However, agency staff files do not contain all the information required to comply with regulation. Managers have updated the organisation’s procedure regarding allegations against staff members. Further revision was made to this document during the inspection. However, the organisation’s disciplinary procedure does not include the action to take in the event of an employee resigning prior to the conclusion of an investigation. Furthermore, it does not include the need to refer onto other professional or safeguarding bodies if the concerns justify this. One such investigation has been completed since the last inspection, but senior managers have failed to take the necessary action. Despite the impending closure of the home, staff remain committed to caring for

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This monitoring visit

young people. Transition planning for young people has been their priority. They are engaging in good-quality partnership working with local authorities and other providers. This ensures that young people’s needs are clear and assists in identifying the most appropriate provision for them. Plans are established for some young people, and new providers are already familiarising themselves with the young people’s needs and routines, thus ensuring that young people are able to transition as smoothly as possible.

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Information about this children's home

 The home is registered for up to 30 children to live at the home, and an additional six under short-break arrangements.  The home is run by a private company.  A company school is on site.  The home offers care and accommodation for children who have disabilities.

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions that must be taken so that the registered person(s) meet(s) 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 Ensure that 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)) In particular, ensure that crisis management plans are reviewed following presentation of a new behaviour. 06/01/2017

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Requirement Due date

32: Fitness of workers Ensure that full and satisfactory information is available in relation to the individual in respect of each of the matters in Schedule 2 (Regulation 32(3)(d)). 06/01/2017

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Requirement Due date

33: Employment of staff Ensure that the home operates a thorough disciplinary procedure (Regulation 32(2)) In particular, ensure that this includes the procedure to follow in the event of staff resigning during the process and referral to other professional bodies if appropriate. 06/01/2017

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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

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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