Children's home run by Pathway Care Solutions Ltd in Bolton

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged as requires improvement at the last full inspection. At this interim inspection, Ofsted judges that it has improved effectiveness . The six requirements and five recommendations made at the previous inspection have been met, resulting in increased protection for the young person, more effective leadership and a clearer understanding of placement, care and education plans. Placement information, regularly updated care plans and risk assessments now provide a clearer picture for staff of how to care for the young person and reduce risk. Staff’s experience of working alongside the young person is building positive relationships and a clearer understanding of the young person’s needs. This is complemented by a range of training and discussions on specific themes, such as autism and pathological demand avoidance (PDA). A range of monitoring tools now provides a clear picture of the key aims of the placement and progress that the

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

young person makes towards achieving those aims. This includes a three-point action plan that identifies the key aims and how to achieve them, and provides a running commentary on progress and alternative suggestions if the actions are not working effectively. Detailed education plans identify the scheme of work, which enables staff to support his learning. Daily reports from tutors highlight his behaviour and attainment in education. This enables staff to understand his achievements in education and they can complement this in the home. An increase in training opportunities for staff, alongside discussion in team meetings, improves staff knowledge of safeguarding practice. Improved and regularly updated risk assessments and missing-from-home protocols help staff to understand the risks presented by the young person, ensuring that the young person is afforded better protection. Staff regularly update the young person’s

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

behaviour support plan, thus providing improved responses to incidents. The number of incidents in the home has reduced significantly as a result, and, although incidents in the community and episodes of being missing decline in number, the staff continue to be concerned about his safety. They frequently discuss with the young person how to be safe in the community and continue to liaise with his placing authority about the impact of his free time on his safety and well-being. The registered manager previously managed this and another home. He has now moved from dual-home management to focus solely on this home. This improves the quality of managerial oversight and support for the staff team and provides clear direction. In addition, it proves effective in supporting the young person as they have a positive relationship. Effective use of a range of monitoring tools and a more detailed home improvement plan provide clear evidence of the improvements

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

made and the positive impact on the young person. Regular staff supervisions and effective team meetings provide support for staff. The staff team is more settled, with little or no reliance on staffing from other homes. Staff are either qualified to the appropriate level, are on the applicable course or new to the role. Despite long hours, staff feel more positive about their work and can identify the progress that the young person makes because of their continued commitment to work alongside him. The staff structure is now included in the home’s statement of purpose. This enables stakeholders to have a clear picture of who works in the home. The young person is making progress in his education and health. Education is now provided off site, and is clearly structured and supported by staff from the home. His attendance and attainment improves as a result. His health improves with the provision of a healthy diet combined with regular exercise.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager and staff work closely with a range of other agencies to provide support for the young person. These include the therapy team, youth offending service and medical professionals. No requirements or recommendations are made following this inspection.

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Information about this children’s home

This home is registered to care for one young person who has emotional and behavioural difficulties. It is owned and managed by a private organisation.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

17/02/2015 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 that 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 whom 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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