Children's home run by Birtenshaw in Bolton

Inspection report children’s home: SC483533 1 SC483533 Registered provider: Birtenshaw Interim inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home is part of a large charitable organisation. It provides care and accommodation for up to three young people who have learning disabilities and/or sensory impairment. The manager has been registered with Ofsted since October 2019. The manager has the necessary experience and the required level 5 management qualification.

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Information about this children’s home

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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Information about this children’s home

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report children’s home: SC483533 2

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged requires improvement to be good at the last full inspection. At the interim inspection, Ofsted judges that it has improved effectiveness.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

At the time of the inspection, three young people were living at the home. One young person, who had reached adulthood, had recently been discharged. Staff provided good means of support in ensuring a successful and smooth transition to his new placement by accompanying him on visits and sharing all pertinent information about his care needs.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

One young person admitted to the home in February 2020 has settled in well, thriving on the structure and routine in place, which had been previously limited at home. He is engaging well in a variety of activities with his peers, regularly attends school and very recently was awarded a ‘star of the week’ certificate for his achievements. The social worker speaks very positively about the level of care and attention the young person is receiving from staff.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people are making positive progress from their starting points, with staff helping them to develop basic independence skills, such as seeing to their hygiene needs with prompts. They are regularly consulted and given the opportunity to have a say about their daily lives, such as contributing to the menu, and expressing ideas and interests about activities. Young people enjoyed the experience on World Book Day, going on a shopping trip to buy character-based costumes to match their chosen books, such as Harry Potter and Star Wars.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There is a newly appointed registered manager in place who demonstrates a good understanding of her responsibilities. She is knowledgeable about the complex care needs of the young people in placement and highly committed in helping to maximise their potential. At the inspection, she presented some good ideas and initiatives that are being implemented to overcome barriers in communication and enable young people to express how they are feeling. The manager is now supported by a deputy, which has strengthened the leadership team, resulting in a more cohesive approach and commitment to bringing about improvement within the home.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager exercises vigilance. She ensures that young people remain on track in their progress and are kept safe with better use of internal and external monitoring systems. The manager is demonstrating consistency in making sure that any areas of improvements are dealt with sufficiently and promptly, thus ensuring that the quality of care is maintained and meets young people’s needs. She ensures that risk assessments following any incidents, such as missing episodes, are updated and kept current. Inspection report children’s home: SC483533 3 There is appropriate challenge by the manager to the relevant placing authorities in ensuring that the home is supplied with all up-to-date information surrounding young people’s education, health and care needs. Although key information is in place to meet agreed packages of care, updated documents from certain authorities remain outstanding. However, there is confidence that the manager will continue to

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

follow these up with minimal impact on young people.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The premises have improved, with minor refurbishments and replacements of old items with new. The living environment is bright, clean and airy with a homely feel. Young people’s bedrooms are personalised to suit their individual preferences and tastes. Photographs on display, for example, illustrate the range of activities that young people have participated in, giving them a good sense of belonging and pride.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people benefit from consistency and continuity of care from a staff team which is highly committed and flexible. While there are staff vacancies and a continued recruitment drive, there are sufficient numbers supporting and providing care to young people with less reliance on agency workers. This is because of the willingness and flexibility of existing staff to work additional shifts to minimise the level of disruption on the young people.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Records produced have improved, in that they contain all necessary detail, including debriefings, duration of measure, corresponding dates and signatures. There have been occasions when staff have been required to physically intervene to safeguard young people or those around them. The staff responses to behavioural incidents were appropriate and proportionate. The manager is aware of her responsibility to monitor and oversee the frequency of physical interventions. Incidents are evaluated to help ensure that any potential learning is identified.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The statement of purpose has been updated to reflect current practice, which now includes a listening monitoring device only being used during night time hours with the consent of parents and placing authorities. There is now a listening device protocol in place that has been read and signed by staff. The practice of using mechanical restraint also includes the relevant consents being in place. However, the dates are not always recorded. Staff are adhering to the codes of practice in this area.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Reports from independent visits to the home are being submitted in a more timely and consistent manner. The manager is using the reports to inform future practice and developments. Food hygiene training, for example, has now taken place for the staff team.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There have been no breaches in regulation found at this inspection. Inspection report children’s home: SC483533 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

10/04/2019 Full Requires improvement to be good 15/05/2018 Full Requires improvement to be good 26/07/2017 Full Good 06/03/2017 Interim Sustained effectiveness Inspection report children’s home: SC483533 5

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Recommendations

 All children’s records must be kept up to date, signed and dated by the author of each entry. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 62, paragraph 14.3)  Staff should be familiar with the home’s policies on record keeping and understand the importance of careful, objective, and clear recording. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 62, paragraph 14.4)

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Information about this inspection

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

Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children and young people, using the ‘Social care common inspection framework’. This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000 to assess the effectiveness of the service, how it meets the core functions of the service as set out in legislation, 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’. Inspection report children’s home: SC483533 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Darwen Road, Bromley Cross, Bolton BL7 9AB

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Inspector

Michael Charnley, Social Care Inspector Inspection report children’s home: SC483533 7 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, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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