Children's Home run by Lancashire County Council in Lancashire

Inspector Jackie Line

This monitoring visit . An interim inspection was carried out on 12 January 2017 and the home was judged to have declined in effectiveness. The regulator identified widespread shortfalls including poor care planning, weaknesses in leadership and management, and a failure by staff to identify and respond to risk. These failings left young people vulnerable to harm and had a negative impact on their welfare.

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Inspector Jackie Line

As a result, four compliance notices were issued on 23 January 2017 together with a restriction of accommodation notice. This runs for a 12-week period effective from 23 January 2017.

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Inspector Jackie Line

An unannounced monitoring inspection was undertaken on 24 February 2017 to monitor three out of the four compliance notices and adherence to the restriction of accommodation in place.

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Inspector Jackie Line

This inspection found that no young people have been admitted to the home since 12 January 2017 and, therefore, the restriction of accommodation notice has not been breached.

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Inspector Jackie Line

Action has been taken so that staff understand their roles and responsibilities better in relation to keeping young people safe. Clear guidance and improved communication ensures that staff are more able to identify when young people are at risk of harm. Furthermore, when concerns arise staff take appropriate action to safeguard them. For example, staff acted promptly when they had concerns about a young person’s welfare when she was out in the community. They also made sure that a young person had access to specialist medical attention when he needed it. Being alert to potential risk and taking appropriate action protects young people from harm.

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Inspector Jackie Line

Positive steps have been taken to strengthen leadership and management arrangements. A new interim manager has been appointed and she is driving improvements forward. More robust internal monitoring processes enable her to develop a good understanding of the standard of care being provided to young people and the impact that this has on young people’s safety, experiences and progress.

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Inspector Jackie Line

Staff have received guidance about recording. As a result, key messages have been given to staff about being factual, concise and accurate. Managers cross- reference information to satisfy themselves that records provide a fair and honest reflection of events and day-to-day life in the home. Improved recording and monitoring safeguards young people.

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Inspector Jackie Line

When the interim manager has concerns about a young person’s progress, she acts. For example, education and care planning meetings have been held to review concerns and agree a way forward. Furthermore, she monitors whether or not relevant professionals have acted on the recommendations made at these meetings. This prevents drift and ensures that people are held to account. Work to progress young people’s plans is ongoing.

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Inspector Jackie Line

The interim manager has met with senior managers within the local authority to review care planning processes. Some improvements to care planning provide young people with the opportunity to move into and on from the home in a positive way. Careful consideration about future plans helps to ensure that when young people move on it will be to a provision that is able to meet their individual needs well.

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Inspector Jackie Line

Ofsted is satisfied that sufficient measures have been taken to address the failings identified at the last inspection. There are signs of improvement and this is beginning to have a positive impact on young people. One compliance notice issued following the last inspection remains in place and this will be monitored at a future date. Ofsted’s view is that the improvements made so far are tentative. Although some risky behaviours are reducing, for example missing from home, young people continue to present challenges. The interim manager recognises that staff continue to need high levels of support and guidance to manage young people’s complex needs safely. A period of consolidation is required to allow for continued improvement. This will enable young people’s individual plans to be progressed. As a result, the restriction of accommodation notice remains in place.

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Information about this children’s home

This children’s home is operated by a local authority and provides care for up to six young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. The home takes emergency placements.

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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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