Children's Home run by Brinscall Care (NW) Limited in Lancashire

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2710949 1 Registered provider: Brinscall Care (NW) Limited

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home is managed by a private company. It provides care for up to three children who may have social and emotional difficulties or learning disabilities.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in March 2023.

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Information about this children’s home

Date of last inspection: 11 October 2023

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Information about this children’s home

Judgement at last inspection requires improvement to be good

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Information about this children’s home

Enforcement action since last inspection: none

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Information about this inspection

At this inspection, the inspector evaluated:

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Information about this inspection

 the care of children  the safety of children  the effectiveness of leaders and managers. Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children, using the social care common inspection framework. This assurance 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’. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2710949 2

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Findings from the inspection

We did not identify any serious or widespread concerns in relation to the care or protection of children at this assurance inspection.

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Findings from the inspection

At the time of the inspection, two children were living in the home. One child has recently moved in and is settling in well. The manager has now implemented a more robust process before children move in, which enables her to ensure that staff can meet the needs of children who move into the home.

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Findings from the inspection

Children are supported by a highly committed, nurturing and child-centred staff team that has a good understanding of their needs. Children are developing positive relationships with the staff and said that they feel safe.

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Findings from the inspection

Children are now engaging in their education. The manager has clear expectations for children to attend school. Children are attending school regularly and are starting to make progress.

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Findings from the inspection

Children are now engaging in activities in the home and the local community. This is helping them to develop their interests and lead an active and healthy lifestyle.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff understand children’s risks and respond appropriately. As a result, any incidents are well managed. Staff use de-escalation strategies and their positive relationships with the children to prevent the escalation of behaviours that may challenge. There have been no physical interventions.

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Findings from the inspection

Since the last inspection, there has been one incident of a child being missing from home. This is a significant decrease since the last inspection. Staff acted swiftly and rigorously and worked closely with other professionals to ensure the safe return of the child. Records are clear and reflect the proactive response by staff to achieve the child’s safe return to the home.

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Findings from the inspection

Children’s health needs are being met. Staff work closely with other health professionals, including a company therapist, to promote children’s physical, emotional and psychological well-being.

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Findings from the inspection

The home is spacious, comfortable and well presented throughout. All repairs have now been completed. Children have personalised their bedrooms and are supported by staff to keep them clean and tidy.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager has developed new monitoring systems to enable her to have better oversight. However, the manager does not review when room searches are completed to ensure that they are appropriate.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager ensures that staff receive regular supervision, which gives them an opportunity to reflect on their practice and how they are meeting the specific needs Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2710949 3 of children. The manager feels supported through regular informal sessions and meetings. However, they do not currently receive formal supervision in line with the statement of purpose.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff receive appropriate training which helps to develop their skills and knowledge. The manager ensures that additional training is completed when necessary. This means staff have the skills needed to support the children effectively.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager has taken effective action to address the shortfalls identified in the last inspection. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2710949 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

11/10/2023 Full Requires improvement to be good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2710949 5

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that the manager receives formal supervision of their practice in line with the home’s statement of purpose. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 61, paragraph 13.2)  The registered person should ensure that all incidents of room searches are subject to systems of regular scrutiny to ensure that these are fair and appropriate. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 46, paragraph 9.36) Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2710949 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Brinscall Care (NW) Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Mailboxes Etc, Peel House, 30 The Downs, Altrincham WA14 2PX

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Inspector

Simon Jones, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2710949 7 regulates and inspects 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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