Children's home run by Lifetime Opportunities Limited in Bolton

Assurance visit report: [SC060750] 1 SC060750

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Information about this children’s home

This home is operated by a private company. The home can provide care and accommodation for up to three children or young people who may have learning and/or physical disabilities.

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Information about this children’s home

Previous inspection judgement: Requires improvement with 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:

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Information about this visit

 children are well cared for  children are safe  leaders and managers are exercising strong leadership.

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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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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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Findings from the visit

We did not identify any serious or widespread concerns in relation to the care or protection of children at this assurance visit. Assurance visit report: [URN SC060750] 2

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The care of children

Young people have a sense of belonging and permanence. They are able to confidently communicate their wishes and feelings. One young person told the inspector, ‘Everybody’s doing a fantastic job!’

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The care of children

Feedback received about the quality of care provided is very positive. An independent reviewing officer said that one young person ‘absolutely loves it there’.

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The care of children

Young people have continued to engage in their education. Close communication with school and the use of technology has meant both of the young people have continued to progress with education at home. A deputy headteacher said, ‘We are beginning to see a much happier, content boy.’

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The care of children

Young people have continued to keep in touch with people who are important to them. One young person said he would prefer to use technology to communicate, rather than social distancing. Staff listened to this wish and implemented clear plans.

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The care of children

Staff requested advocates and independent visitors for young people to ensure that their wishes are heard and acted upon. This has been particularly beneficial to one young person who does not see his family. These relationships have become very important to him.

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The care of children

Staff understand young people’s health risks and have helped them to make exceptional progress. Staff believe that the young people should not be limited by their disabilities and find creative ways to help them work towards their dreams.

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The care of children

Staff work closely with other providers to ensure that transitions to and from the home are well planned. As a result, young people receive consistent care and maintain relationships.

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The safety of children

Staff understand the risks for each young person and have detailed plans to manage them. Young people have become more effective at communicating. Staff know young people well and are able to effectively de-escalate situations when needed.

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The safety of children

During COVID-19, staff have used protective equipment and reduced visitors to the home. Staff have added photograph to the masks and visors that they wear. This has helped young people feel safe and reduced anxiety when they are used.

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The safety of children

The use of communication aids means that each young person is able to express if they are unhappy or unsafe. To support effective communication for one young person who struggles to use sign language, staff have learned personal signs that he is able to use and understand.

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The safety of children

Staff are aware of each young person’s background and provide clear and consistent routines that help the young people to feel safe. Assurance visit report: [URN SC060750] 3 The home provides a safe environment and meets the needs of the young people. Young people have personalised bedrooms with equipment that promotes independence. Staff are supporting one young person to seek funding for a specialised wheelchair to increase opportunities for his future.

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Leaders and managers

The manager has been registered since 2018 and is suitably qualified. She works closely with the assistant manager to create a child-focused culture. Staff say they feel well supported.

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Leaders and managers

During COVID-19, the manager has made decisions in conjunction with other agencies to ensure that young people are safe. She has remained up to date with changes to restrictions and eased measures when possible.

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Leaders and managers

Two new staff have been recruited who have been unable to access some of the training due to COVID-19. Managers have cascaded training within the team to ensure that the young people have received consistent and safe care.

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Leaders and managers

Previous requirements set have been met. These include reviewing and submitting the statement of purpose, monthly independent visits and reviewing the location of the home.

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Leaders and managers

The manager has identified a clear action plan for the home. The report on the quality of care provided for children does not effectively evaluate the quality of the care or seek the opinions of children, professionals and parents. A requirement has been made at this visit.

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions that the registered person must take to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the ‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’. The registered person must comply within the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

In order to complete a quality of care review the registered person must establish and maintain a system for monitoring, reviewing and evaluating—

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Requirement Due date

the quality of care provided for children;

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Requirement Due date

the feedback and opinions of children about the children’s home, its facilities and the quality of care they receive in it. 31/12/2020 Assurance visit report: [URN SC060750] 4 The system referred to in paragraph (2) must provide for ascertaining and considering the opinions of children, their parents, placing authorities and staff.

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Lifetime Opportunities Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Windsor House, Bayshill Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 3AT

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Inspector

Sylvia Eboigbe, Social Care Inspector Assurance visit report: [URN SC060750] 5 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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