Children's Home run by Aspris Care North West Limited in Lancashire

Inspection report for children’s home: 2537058 1 Registered provider: Sandcastle Care Limited Interim inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This is a privately owned children’s home. The provider states in their home’s statement of purpose that they provide care for up to two children with social and emotional difficulties.

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Inspection date: 15 March 2022

Date of last inspection: 14 December 2021

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Inspection date: 15 March 2022

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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Inspection date: 15 March 2022

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: 2537058 2

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged requires improvement to be good at the last full inspection. At this interim inspection, Ofsted judged that it has improved effectiveness.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Since the full inspection the registered manager and responsible individual have worked hard to improve care practices in the home. The quality of records and the monitoring and evaluation systems have also significantly improved. All previous requirements and recommendation have been met.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The children who were living here at the last inspection have remained living in the home. The consistency and stability which the children experience have enabled them to consolidate the progress that they are making.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Children spent time with the inspectors sharing their views, experiences and thoughts about living in their home. Children said that they are happy and safe in their home and have adults they can talk to if they are worried or upset. They both spoke about the improvements in the home environment and the consistent staff team. One child said, ‘I give it 9/10 now it’s a good place to live and I like the staff who are here.’ Another child said, ‘I love my bedroom and new bed and the changes in the garden. I have planted all the new plants and it will look lovely when the sun comes out.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

A stable staff team is now in place. Staff told the inspectors that the home is much more settled and there are now clear routines, boundaries and structures in place. Staff feel that they are consistent in their approach and are implementing appropriate boundaries for the children. Staff use humour and a calm manner to create a homely feel.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Records in the home have improved. Placement plans include goals for children to work towards and these are reviewed monthly with the child, registered manager, staff and social worker. The plans now identify the progress that children are making.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Risk-management plans and risk assessments have been updated and set out clear strategies for the staff to follow when children are at risk of harm. Staff were clear about the risks to children and their roles and responsibilities in keeping children safe. This has improved safeguarding practices in the home.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Safer recruitment processes have improved. The registered manager has developed a monitoring system to ensure that she does not miss any key information and all relevant information is now in each new staff member’s file. Inspection report for children’s home: 2537058 3 The registered manager has developed a more robust system for monitoring and reviewing all care practices and records including physical interventions, sanctions and medication. Records are now clear and evaluated in a timely way.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home environment continues to improve. Redecoration of parts of the home is underway and the outside areas of the home have significantly improved. The home presents as a warm and nurturing environment for children to thrive. Inspection report for children’s home: 2537058 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

14/12/2021 Full Requires improvement to be good 14/01/2020 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home: 2537058 5

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Information about this inspection

This inspection focused on the effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of children and young people since the most recent full inspection.

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Information about this inspection

Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children and young people, using the social care common inspection framework. This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000 to assess the effectiveness of the service, how it meets the core functions of the service as set out in legislation, and to consider how well it complies with the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the ‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’. Inspection report for children’s home: 2537058 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Sandcastle Care Limited

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Children’s home details

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

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Inspectors

Michelle Edge, Social Care Inspection Manager Elaine Allison, Social Care Inspection Manager Inspection report for children’s home: 2537058 7 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

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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