Children's home run by Underley Schools Limited in Bolton

Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: SC038276 1 SC038276

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Underley Schools Limited

Monitoring visit Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home is owned by a private company. It is registered to care for up to 48 children and young people, irrespective of gender, with emotional and behavioural difficulties and/or learning disabilities.

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Information about this children’s home

Children live in separate homes on the site, each accommodating up to five children. There is an on-site school run by the same provider which most children attend.

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Information about this children’s home

The home has two registered managers, due to its size and the complex needs of the children the complexity of the children living there. Both managers were registered with Ofsted in March 2021. One manager has the relevant level 5 qualification and one is working towards it.

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This monitoring visit

This monitoring visit was undertaken due to the large number of children living in the home and the complex needs of the children accommodated there.

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This monitoring visit

The home has been significantly affected by COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreaks. These have been effectively and efficiently managed. Managers and staff have worked incredibly hard to keep the site as safe as possible for children. Managers have worked in partnership with other agencies. This has ensured that outbreaks are contained and there is minimal spread. Managers, staff and children have all shown great resilience throughout the pandemic.

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This monitoring visit

There is a strong, skilled and experienced management team in place. Staff feel well supported. They report that managers are visible around the site and that they are always available to give advice and guidance. There are clear lines of accountability. The management team is enthusiastic and forward thinking. Managers have recently Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: SC038276 2 secured a large grant which they intend to use to create a sensory garden. This will benefit all children living there, particularly those with sensory needs.

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This monitoring visit

One complaint was reviewed as part of this inspection. The manager provided a detailed response and no concerns were noted about how the complaint was handled. The complainant also gave some complimentary feedback about the service. The manager was transparent and shared information with Ofsted prior to this inspection.

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This monitoring visit

The number of restrictive physical interventions has increased throughout the lockdown period. This is partly due to children’s frustrations about the restrictions imposed due to COVID-19. It is also due to the home changing from Team Teach to the management of actual and potential aggression (MAPA) model of intervention. This method records lower level holds, therefore the number of holds recorded has increased. Staff have welcomed this change. They feel that MAPA is a more appropriate model for the children they care for. Physical intervention rates are regularly analysed for patterns and trends. Action is taken to understand and address reasons why levels of intervention rise with any particular child.

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This monitoring visit

Observations of children and staff together were highly positive. Staff were seen caring for children with patience, humour and enthusiasm. The inspector witnessed some lovely interactions. A child was supported to communicate using the picture exchange communication system (PECS). Staff were observed bouncing tirelessly on a trampoline with a very energetic child. Another child was observed receiving birthday gifts. Staff had planned a birthday party within his bubble of children. The child was clearly enjoying his birthday celebrations. Despite the restrictions of lockdown, staff had gone to great lengths to make it a special day for him.

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This monitoring visit

One child spoken to had made fantastic progress since coming to the home. His parent reported he had been well supported to make the transition into the home. They also said that he had developed good relationships with staff very quickly. The child told the inspector how much his behaviour had changed for the better.

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This monitoring visit

One child has faced significant difficulties throughout this period. Her staff team has remained positive and committed. She has been kept out of hospital by proactive planning and support. The staff team know her very well and the interactions observed were full of humour and warmth.

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This monitoring visit

Staff spoken to about the service were confident, positive and enthusiastic, as were the staff seen in individual homes. External professionals were complimentary about the service. One said staff had ‘done a fabulous job in very difficult circumstances and had demonstrated excellent joined-up working practices’.

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This monitoring visit

This inspection has not resulted in any requirements or recommendations being made. Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: SC038276 3

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 16/09/2019 Full Outstanding 20/06/2018 Full Outstanding 28/11/2017 Full Good 11/10/2017 Full Inadequate Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: SC038276 4

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Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to monitor the action taken and the progress made by the children’s home since its last Ofsted inspection.

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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

Provision sub-type: Residential special school

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Underley Schools Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Atria, Spa Road, Bolton BL1 4AG

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Christopher Kirkbride

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Children’s home details

Registered managers: Samantha Middlehurst and Lucas Finch

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Inspectors

Charlie Bamber, Social Care Inspector Gillian Walters, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: SC038276 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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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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