Children's Home run by Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council 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 judges that it has improved effectiveness . The progress and experience of young people living here is improving. Notably, incidents of young people going missing from home have reduced significantly, making them safer. Young people are attending school regularly and achieving their targets. Additionally, they are participating in activities and hobbies of their choice, such as horse riding, go-karting and having their friends around for meals. Moreover, a young person went on holiday to Spain, a new experience that he thoroughly enjoyed. The registered manager ensures that quality assurance systems are in place. For example, robust independent monitoring, monthly audits and feedback from stakeholders all set the direction for improvement. The three requirements from the last inspection have been addressed, namely: missing from home risk

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

assessments are now adhered to by the staff, health appointments are followed up, and written information is clear. Since the last inspection, three young people have moved on from the home to live independently. Staff fully supported these transitions and still visit the young people in their new homes and remain in touch. Two young people have moved into the home and are settling very well. Again, effective planning and a warm and welcoming staff team contribute to young people feeling settled in the home. Another young person remains living here and has done so for many years. The staff have excellent relationships with young people, their families and partner agencies. They communicate regularly and hold other agencies to account to gain the right services for young people. Significant incidents are reported to the relevant authorities and they work together to protect young people. Complex behaviours continue to be very well managed through staff reinforcing consistent

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

boundaries and providing guidance. As a result, physical intervention is rarely used. The registered manager is respected by the staff, who are complimentary of her skills. The majority of the staff team have worked here for many years, creating a stable and predictable home for young people to settle. Together, the staff look to improve the lives of young people and are planning holidays and fundraising events.

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Information about this children’s home

The children’s home is one of a number of homes operated by a local authority. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to four young people who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

02/02/2016 Interim Sustained effectiveness

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Recent inspection history

20/03/2015 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 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 0300 123 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, 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

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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