Children's Home run by The Partnership of Care Today in Blackburn with Darwen

Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC467268 1 SC467268

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Monitoring visit Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home is operated by a private company. The home provides care and accommodation for up to five children. The home specialises in caring for children who may have been, or who are, experiencing emotional or mental health issues.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager has been registered with Ofsted since August 2018.

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This monitoring visit

The home was judged as good following a full inspection on 10 February 2020. The monitoring visit has been undertaken because since July 2020, there has been an increase in physical interventions. There has been an allegation about a member of staff made by a child, and a child’s placement was ended in an unplanned way. The purpose of this monitoring visit was to assess how the provider managed these concerns. At this visit, there were no immediate safety or safeguarding concerns identified.

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This monitoring visit

The monitoring visit was completed remotely through conversations with the manager. The records of physical interventions, transition plans, risk assessments and investigation reports were reviewed electronically.

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This monitoring visit

Since July 2020, three children have moved into the home and four children have moved out. There are currently four children living at the home.

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This monitoring visit

The number of physical restraints relating to one child increased during a period when this child became unsettled and, consequently, unsafe. The restraints have been used for short periods to ensure that the child and the staff remain safe. Thorough debriefs were completed with the child and the staff. The home’s therapist contributed to these debriefs. This helped to support the staff in understanding the behaviours and supporting the child to look at other ways of expressing their Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC467268 2 feelings. Since the child moved out of the home, there has been a decrease in the use of restraint.

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This monitoring visit

The children’s risk and behaviour management plans are clear and informative. These documents support the staff in understanding the triggers for unwanted behaviours. These are regularly reviewed and updated, when necessary, so that the staff have accurate information to support the children to stay safe.

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This monitoring visit

Safeguarding concerns are managed well. The manager informed the designated officer following a complaint from a child involving a member of staff. The manager’s investigation was thorough and shared with professionals. Ofsted was informed and updated regarding the outcome. This transparent working practice safeguards children.

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This monitoring visit

A child was given notice due to their behaviours becoming unsafe. There were several transition plans put in place during this time. Due to the identified placements being unsuccessful and the child’s behaviours deteriorating, which put him and other children at risk, the child moved to a respite placement owned by the organisation while the social worker found a permanent placement.

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This monitoring visit

One requirement from the last inspection has been met. The three recommendations will be reinstated until the next inspection.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 10/02/2020 Full Good 15/11/2018 Full Good 18/10/2017 Full Good 01/02/2017 Interim Sustained effectiveness Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC467268 3

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that children can see the results of their views being listened to and acted upon during consultation. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 22, paragraph 4.11)  The registered person should ensure each child’s attendance at the necessary primary and secondary health services. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 34, paragraph 7.11)  The registered person should ensure when a child returns to the home after being missing from care or away from the home without permission, the responsible local authority provides an opportunity for the child to have an independent return home interview. Homes should take account of the information provided by such interviews when assessing risks and putting arrangements in place to protect each child. (‘Guide to the children’s home regulations including the quality

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Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to assess some of the information in regard to a safeguarding notification made to Ofsted.

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Information about this inspection

This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000.

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: The Partnership of Care Today Children’s Services

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Children’s home details

Registered providers address: Lansdown House, 85 Buxton Road, Stockport, Cheshire SK2 6LR

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Inspector

Trish Palmer, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC467268 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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