Children's home run by Birtenshaw in Bolton

Assurance visit report: SC483533 1 SC483533

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Information about this children’s home

This home is privately owned and run. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to three children or young people who may have learning disabilities and sensory impairment.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager was registered to manage the home in October 2019.

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Information about this children’s home

Previous inspection judgement: Improved effectiveness

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Information about this visit

Due to COVID-19 (coronavirus), Ofsted suspended all routine inspections in March 2020. As part of a phased return to routine inspection, we are undertaking assurance visits to children’s social care services that are inspected under the social care common inspection framework (SCCIF).

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Information about this visit

At these visits, inspectors evaluate the extent to which:  children are well cared for  children are safe  leaders and managers are exercising strong leadership.

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Information about this visit

This visit was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000, following the published guidance for assurance visits.

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Information about this visit

Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills is leading Ofsted’s work into how England’s social care system has delivered child-centred practice and care within the context of the restrictions placed on society during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Findings from the visit

We identified no serious or widespread concerns in relation to the care or protection of children at this assurance visit. Assurance visit report: SC483533 2

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The care of children

Children and young people are offered stable care that responds well to their complex and challenging needs. The consistency that children and young people enjoy provides them with healthy daily routines and a predictable structure. This gives them a sense of safety and well-being.

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The care of children

Staff provide a range of experiences and fun activities that reflect children and young people’s preferences and wishes. This includes regular exercise and walks, boat trips, seaside visits and picnics.

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The care of children

Professionals spoken to describe the children and young people as being happy and safe at the home. In particular, they commented that staff know and understand the children very well.

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The care of children

During periods of national and local restrictions, staff and managers have made use of technology to enable the children and young people to maintain contact with their families. These arrangements have been regularly reviewed in line with the easing of restrictions.

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The care of children

Children and young people have not experienced disruption to their education, as they attended school daily during the restriction period.

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The safety of children

Since the last inspection, there have been no incidents of a safeguarding nature. For example, there have been no allegations or incidents of missing from home. The high ratio of staff ensures that children and young people are kept safe.

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The safety of children

Children and young people’s communication patterns and the triggers for possible incidents are understood well by the staff. This ensures that staff successfully divert children and young people into alternative positive activities.

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The safety of children

When physical intervention has been necessary, these incidents have been of a short duration and used only when strategies to de-escalate have not been successful.

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The safety of children

Clear and consistent boundaries and routines contribute to children and young people feeling safe. In addition, staff offer daily activities that help prevent children and young people from becoming bored and restless.

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Leaders and managers

The home is managed by a suitably qualified and experienced manager and she is supported by a deputy manager. The managers understand the plans for the children and young people and support the placing local authorities to progress these plans. For example, managers and staff have provided valuable insight and information into the needs of one young person who is in transition to adult services. Assurance visit report: SC483533 3 Professionals consider the communication from the managers about children and young people to be focused and well informed.

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Leaders and managers

Managers have responded flexibly to the national and local restrictions regarding social distancing and temporary closure of outdoor and indoor activities. They have worked well with professionals and families to provide opportunities for family contact in a safe and responsible manner.

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Leaders and managers

Staff receive regular support and guidance in fulfilling their role through structured supervision. Children and young people’s plans, progress and well-being provide the focus of these meetings.

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Leaders and managers

Although staff refresher training has been delayed through COVID-imposed limitations, the managers have developed achievable plans to ensure that staff receive the necessary training.

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Leaders and managers

There are suitable managerial systems in place that review monthly the quality of care that is provided to children and young people. In addition, managers respond positively to the independent scrutiny of the home to maintain and improve the care that is offered.

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Children’s home details

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

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Inspector

Pauline Yates, Social Care Inspector Assurance visit report: SC483533 4 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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