Children's Home run by Sandcastle Care Limited in Lancashire

Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 1265128 1

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Sandcastle Care Limited

Monitoring visit Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home is one of a number operated by a private provider. The home provides care and accommodation for up to two children who may have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. The manager registered with Ofsted in January 2021.

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This monitoring visit

Routine inspection activity is currently suspended because of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. This monitoring visit was carried out in line with Ofsted’s procedures for monitoring services during such periods of suspended routine inspection activity, due to concerns identified in safeguarding notifications and the independent visitor reports.

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This monitoring visit

The registered manager has been in post since January 2021. He demonstrates his enthusiasm and motivation, which are impressive. Staff mirror his child-focused ethos and are complimentary about the support in place from the manager and responsible individual.

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This monitoring visit

Leaders, managers and staff understand their roles and responsibilities in safeguarding and protecting children. Allegations against staff are managed well, and children have been supported throughout the investigation process. Children reported that staff listen to them and take their concerns seriously.

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This monitoring visit

Staff demonstrate a good insight into each child’s behaviours, risks and vulnerabilities, and they are consistent in their implementation of carefully considered risk management strategies. For example, when children go missing, staff and managers act appropriately in a timely manner to notify the police and local authority and take steps to find the children. When a child returns to the home, staff check on their welfare and warmly welcome them back home. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 1265128 2 The registered manager and staff recognise the importance of supporting children to take age-appropriate risks and to provide them with parent-like advice, support and guidance. This has contributed to children making good choices about keeping themselves safe. Risk-taking behaviour has deceased for all children, and the requirement for direct adult supervision is low. This means that children can spend

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This monitoring visit

time in the community having the same social experiences as their friendship group.

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This monitoring visit

The registered manager and staff have a clear understanding of children’s progress. They are strong advocates, taking a proactive approach in meetings to ensure that care is well planned and that it meets the individualised needs of children. Positive relationships with other professionals from education, social care and health mean that children’s progress is communicated well.

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This monitoring visit

Staff take a patient and non-confrontational approach to managing children’s behaviour. They make good use of the strong relationships that they have with the children and the de-escalation techniques that they have acquired through behaviour management training. Generally, children respond positively to this approach, which means that the need for physical intervention is rarely necessary.

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This monitoring visit

Staff confirmed that they feel supported well by the management team. New staff confirmed that they have a positive induction into the home. Most staff benefit from supervision that provides them with an opportunity to reflect on their individual professional development, and all staff have access to training and development opportunities.

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This monitoring visit

External monitoring of the home has not been taking place at the home and has remained off site. Reports do not consistently include an evaluation of all areas of good practice and identify clear areas that require improvement. This does not help managers to make consistent improvements in their home.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 03/09/2019 Full Good 15/03/2019 Interim Improved effectiveness 14/11/2018 Full Requires improvement to be good Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 1265128 3

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions that the registered person(s) 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(s) must comply within the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must ensure that an independent person visits the children’s home at least once each month. (Regulation 44(1))

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Requirement Due date

This specifically relates to ensuring that the visit routinely takes place on site, rather than virtually. 30 April 2021

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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. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 1265128 4

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Sandcastle Care Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 49 Whitegate Drive, Blackpool FY3 9DG

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Children’s home details

Registered manager: Kristopher Creighton

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Inspector

Michelle Edge, Social Care Regulatory Inspection Manager Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 1265128 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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Inspector

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