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 outstanding at the full inspection. At this interim inspection, Ofsted judges that it has improved effectiveness . The staff continue to provide young people with enriching experiences during their short break stay here. Young people who have disabilities participate in a wide range of activities that are new to them. These include going to the cinema, bowling, sensory play centres, animal farms and having meals in restaurants. Moreover, the staff successfully encourage young people to learn new skills such as cooking and personal care. Notably, a young person is part of the interview panel for the local authority. This is a fine example of a young person’s growing confidence. Since the last inspection, young people have moved on from the home to adult services. Highly effective planning supports these transitions to ensure their success. Alongside this, goodbye celebrations and a book of memories demonstrate

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

the value and meaning of the relationships built between the staff, young people and their families. Equally, the staff introduce new young people and their families to the home with the same commitment and value to making a positive difference to their lives. Young people are exceptionally well cared for during their stay by a highly skilled qualified and stable staff team. Young people are safe, protected and enjoy their time away from home. Their families are highly complimentary about the staff. A parent commented: ‘The staff are brilliant, I can rest easy knowing that she is here.’ Another parent commented: ‘Just to say we don’t know what we would do without all your help, you are fantastic.’ Young people are valued, listened to and included in all aspects of the running of the home. A young person’s representative regularly provides feedback to the manager about the things that are important to them. Two young people stated

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

that they wanted their short break changing from the weekend to weekdays. This was swiftly agreed and changed. The staff work effectively with partner agencies and young people’s families, gathering information to make sure that young people’s needs are fully met during their stay. Moreover, their feedback is also sought to learn and improve further. Robust monitoring systems are in place and provide a thorough overview of care practice. Regular audits of written information by the manager and quality supervision of the staff serve to scrutinise care practice to ensure the competence of staff in providing the best standards of care to young people. There are no requirements or recommendations to follow up from the last inspection.

p.2

Information about this children’s home

This is a local authority short-break children’s home. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to four young people who have physical and/or learning disabilities.

p.4

Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

p.4

Recent inspection history

11/02/2016 Interim Sustained effectiveness

p.4

Recent inspection history

30/03/2015 Interim Improved effectiveness

p.4

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’.

p.5

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.

p.5

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 .

p.5

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,

p.6

Information about this inspection

The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.6

Information about this inspection

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Information about this inspection

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

p.6