Children's home run by Blackpool Borough Council in Blackpool

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 declined in effectiveness . At the time of the last inspection, an interim manager was in charge of the home. After some time away, the previous registered manager applied for the post and was successful, returning to the position of manager in January 2017. She is familiar with the home, the staff and some of the young people, which is positive. The manager has since reapplied to register with Ofsted and has had a fit person interview, which was successful. She is now the registered manager of the home. At the last full inspection, Ofsted raised five requirements and two recommendations. Although some progress has been made towards meeting these, two requirements have not been met and one recommendation is now raised as a requirement. Risk assessments still do not contain sufficient information about all known risks,

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

nor do they provide staff with clear guidance about how to minimise and manage risk. Furthermore, staff do not always recognise risk and respond to potentially unsafe situations promptly. For example, despite staff sharing intelligence with partner agencies about an address where there are known concerns, staff do not always act quickly when young people are suspected of being at that address. Inconsistent practice leaves young people at potential risk of harm, and the failure to share information with these agencies means that they cannot take appropriate action to assist with identified risks. Leaders and managers do not always address recommendations raised by professionals when safeguarding matters arise. They have also failed to provide training for staff so that they can differentiate between complaints and allegations, and improve on their record keeping. This does not reflect good safeguarding

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

practice and does not fully protect young people. Some steps have been taken to improve health and safety in the home. For example, restrictors are now fitted on upstairs windows and fire safety equipment has been serviced. However, the home is not well maintained throughout. The standard of décor in the home is variable. Adequate repairs have not been carried out to the kitchen and this is in a poor condition. For example, cupboard doors fall off when opened, fixings are rotten and so cupboard doors do not hang properly, and a hole in the work top is patched up with a piece of wood. Although the manager has raised this as a concern, the authority has yet to take sufficient action. As a result, young people do not have a homely environment in which to live there comfortably. Furthermore, a poorly maintained home does not make young people feel valued. Shortfalls also remain about the recording of medication. In particular, because a

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

bound book has not been provided since the last inspection, staff are still unable to record when controlled medication is administered to young people in accordance with the home’s medication policy. In addition, managers and staff do not fully understand what is meant by controlled medication, which reflects a training need for staff. This inspection also highlighted gaps in medication records. Inaccurate recording, and a failure to administer medication in accordance with how it has been prescribed, is a serious deficit and compromises young people’s health and well-being. Leaders and managers have not maintained a system for monitoring the quality of care provided to young people. As a result, they have not completed a quality of care review within the timescale set out in the regulations. Consequently, managers have failed to evaluate the service. This does not promote young people’s welfare and it has contributed to a decline in standards between

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

inspections. External monitoring does take place. These independent reports highlight areas of good practice, as well as shortfalls. Despite the reports clearly reflecting that the interim manager, staff and young people were experiencing difficulties and needed more support over a three-month period, senior managers did not take effective action to address this sooner. The new manager has reviewed previous reports to make sure that she has addressed all the actions that were identified by the independent visitor. Since coming into post in January, she has also ensured that the independent visitor reports are forwarded to Ofsted in a timely manner. Young people are rarely restrained at the home and, when they are, records show that staff carry this out appropriately. Although young people have the chance to reflect on what has happened with someone who was not involved in the incident, staff do not. A recommendation is raised so that individual staff have the

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

opportunity to reflect on the incident with someone independent of the incident. This will allow for individual learning and greater transparency should a member of staff wish to raise a concern. Managers do not always notify Ofsted of significant events that take place at the home. This does not allow the regulator to monitor what is happening in the home. This practice is improving with the arrival of the new manager, but a recommendation is raised to ensure consistency. Young people’s experience and progress is mixed. Some young people make good progress with their education. For example, one young person’s school attendance has significantly improved and now stands at 97%. They received an award for this excellent achievement. Most young people make good progress with aspects of their health and well-being. For example, young people access routine appointments and one young person has made particularly good progress with

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

their dental care. This will help to maintain good health and improve their self- esteem. Another young person accesses specialist emotional support and engages well with this. An independent reviewing officer said, ‘I have seen a positive shift in X’s complex emotional needs and staff support X well.’ Two young people needed to move on because the home could not meet their needs effectively. This was done in a planned way, which provided the young people with support during their transition. One young person moved on in crisis due to safeguarding concerns. A young person is currently presenting some significant concerns, school attendance is poor and, despite a meeting to review the way forward, this has yet to improve. Not engaging in education is likely to affect the young person’s future life chances. Staff have failed to meet all of his health needs. For example, it is not clear whether staff have acted on a

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

recommendation raised at the statutory health assessment. Furthermore, staff have not made a referral to relevant health professionals so that the young person can access specialist emotional support. Inconsistent practice results in some young people not receiving the right help at the right time. This limits their progress. It is clear that the home was unsettled for a period of three months. This did impact negatively on young people’s experiences and progress. Young people’s missing from home episodes increased for a time, a young person’s school attendance declined, and some young people talked about not wanting to live at the home anymore. As a result, young people have not always been afforded stability and consistency. Following the return of the previous manager, the home is more settled and things are now starting to improve. The manager advocates well for young people. For example, she challenges the placing authority about

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

delays in progressing young people’s care plans. Young people report feeling listened to about some things, and are pleased that contact plans have moved forward in line with their wishes and feelings. Managers and staff are working hard to re-establish a nurturing and caring ethos. The manager is guiding staff to achieve this and to build and maintain positive relationships with young people. Young people continue to have some complaints. They complained to the inspector that the TV in the lounge does not work properly. The TV leans to one side and needs to be propped up. They also say that it switches itself off, which is annoying for them. Young people report that there is not always enough to do and so they are bored. They also say that they are unhappy about the food choices provided. There is evidence that managers and staff have consulted with young people about these matters. Young people have had input into the menus, and in recent weeks

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

some young people and staff have engaged in more activities at the weekend. However, young people continue to express some dissatisfaction. As a result, it is important that managers and staff review the effectiveness of actions taken, and consult with young people about what more can be done to improve their day-to- day experiences. Steps have been taken to address some of the shortfalls identified at the last inspection. For example, planning to introduce young people to the home is better. A clear programme of introductions enables young people to visit the home before they move in. They receive a welcome guide that contains valuable information about the home. Young people also have the opportunity to go shopping with their key worker, prior to their arrival, and choose items to personalise their bedroom. This means that, when they move in, their bedroom is decorated in a colour that they like, and is furnished with items that they have chosen. This helps young

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

people to settle in and feel welcomed. Staff report positively on the return of the former manager. Staff morale is improving and they are benefitting from clear leadership and guidance. Team issues identified at the last inspection are now improving and staff are working more cohesively. This benefits young people and provides them with greater consistency. There is sufficient staff to meet the needs of young people and agency staff are no longer used. Since January 2017, the manager has supervised all staff. Staff supervision had not occurred for some months prior to this. Staff now have the opportunity to reflect on their own practice and development. They also say that they feel listened to. Staff have not received an annual appraisal and so they have not had a formal review of their performance for almost two years. A recommendation raised at the last inspection is now raised as a requirement. The manager has made a positive impact since her arrival and is beginning to take

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

the home forward. She has a clear vision for the service and is clearly committed to improve the quality of care. This home has previously been outstanding for a number of years, under her leadership, and this bodes well for the future. It is early days and the manager requires time, space and support from senior managers to address the shortfalls and raise standards. Six requirements and five recommendations are raised following this inspection.

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Information about this children’s home

This children’s home is run by a local authority. It provides care and accommodation for up to six young people who have experienced 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

18/02/2016 Interim Improved effectiveness

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Recent inspection history

24/03/2015 Interim Sustained effectiveness

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions which must be taken so that the registered person(s) meets 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

6: The quality and purpose of care standard In order to meet the quality and purpose of care standard, the registered person must ensure that staff— (2)(c) ensure that the premises used for the purposes of the home are designed and furnished so as to— (i) meet the needs of each child; and (ii) enable each child to participate in the daily life of the home. Specifically, that the kitchen is fit for purpose and the home is maintained to a good standard throughout. 30/04/2017

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Requirement Due date

12: The protection of children standard In order to meet the protection of children standard, the registered person must ensure that staff— (2)(a)(i) assess whether each child is at risk of harm, taking into account information in the child’s relevant plans and, if necessary, make arrangements to reduce the risk of harm. Specifically, that risk assessments include all known risks together with strategies to manage these. Furthermore, staff must always take prompt action to minimise and manage risk. 30/04/2017

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Requirement Due date

23: Medicines Ensure that the registered person makes arrangements for the handling, recording, safekeeping, safe administration and disposal of medicines received into the children’s home. (Regulation 23(1)) In particular, staff should understand what controlled medication is and how this is managed safely. Staff also need to ensure that all prescribed medication is administered and recorded correctly. 30/04/2017

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Requirement Due date

33: Employment of staff Ensure that all employees have their performance and fitness to perform their roles appraised at least once every year. (Regulation 30/04/2017 33(4)(c))

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Requirement Due date

34: Policies for the protection of children Ensure that the procedure to be followed in the event of an allegation of abuse or neglect provides for records to be kept of an allegation of abuse or neglect, and the action taken in response. (Regulation 34(2)(d) Specifically, that the registered person acts on any recommendations raised following an investigation into an allegation of abuse or neglect. 30/04/2017

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Requirement Due date

45: Review of quality of care Ensure that the registered person completes a review of the quality of care provided for children (‘a quality of care review’) at least once every six months. (Regulation 45(1)) 30/04/2017

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

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Recommendations

 Ensure that children are consulted regularly on their views about the home’s care, to inform and support continued improvement in the quality of care provided. Children should be able to see the results of their views being listened to and acted on. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 22, paragraph 4.11)  Ensure that the home supports full-time attendance at school for all young people, unless the child’s relevant plan indicates this is not in their best interests. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 28, paragraph 5.14)  Ensure that staff organise and ensure each child’s attendance at necessary primary and secondary health services. (‘Guide to the children’s home regulations and quality standards’, page 34, paragraph 7.11) In particular, ensure that any outstanding recommendations from a young person’s medical are acted on and specialist emotional support is made available

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Recommendations

to all young people who need it.  Ensure that the registered person notifies Ofsted and other relevant persons if one of the situations specified in regulation 40(4)(a)–(e) occurs. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 63, paragraph 14.10)  Ensure that, following an incident of restraint, all the staff and children who have witnessed the restraint, or been involved in any way, should be given the opportunity to be debriefed about the incident by someone independent of it to inform the strategy needed to prevent any recurrence. (‘Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations Volume 5: Children’s Homes’, page 27, paragraph 2.102)

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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

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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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