Children's Home run by Lancashire County Council in Lancashire

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC440309 1 SC440309

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Registered provider: Lancashire County Council

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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 operated by a local authority and is registered to provide care for up to six children who may have social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in January 2024.

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Information about this children’s home

There were five children living at the home at the time of this inspection

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Inspection date: 11 November 2024

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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Inspection date: 11 November 2024

Enforcement action since last inspection: none

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Information about this inspection

At this inspection, the inspectors evaluated:

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Information about this inspection

 the care of children  the safety of children  the effectiveness of leaders and managers.

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Information about this inspection

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: SC440309 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

Some of the children have found living in a large children’s home quite different to living within a family and have expressed their worries through making complaints and through their behaviour. Staff are working hard to address children’s individual needs and are offering support through direct work and advocacy.

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Findings from the inspection

Children know how to make a complaint and have made effective use of the complaints process both with the local authority and external agencies. Children are listened to, but staff do not always agree with their views, which can cause conflict. Children’s views are considered through key-work sessions and regular children’s meetings.

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Findings from the inspection

Education plans are in place for all children. Engagement with education remains a challenge, and staff are trying creative methods to engage children in education.

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Findings from the inspection

The current combination of children sometimes presents challenges. Staff sometimes struggle to manage children’s behaviours. On one occasion, the police were called to help manage the children’s behaviour. This has the potential to upset children and lead to them being criminalised.

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Findings from the inspection

The home is appropriately staffed, providing a stable and supportive environment. Staff report feeling happy and supported in their roles, with regular development opportunities. This encourages staff to remain in their jobs, which helps to provide stability for children.

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Findings from the inspection

Children have opportunities to participate in activities, such as Halloween activities and going out with staff for walks, and there is a plan to have two activities in the evenings each week. This promotes positive engagement and relationship building.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager undertakes thorough assessments before accepting new placements, ensuring compatibility with the children who currently live in the home. This helps to ensure a safe and stable living environment for children.

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Findings from the inspection

The management team is visible, engaged, and familiar with the children and their needs. This means that when issues emerge, leaders and managers respond promptly and effectively.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager is engaged in ongoing monitoring and reflection of all aspects of the service. The manager’s analysis is detailed and is followed up with ‘lessons learned’ work with staff. This means that staff are improving their practice, and incidents are decreasing. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC440309 3

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

16/07/2024 Full Requires improvement to be good 28/11/2023 Full Requires improvement to be good 22/08/2023 Full Inadequate 21/03/2023 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC440309 4

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Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure that when children are distressed with group living, they are supported to spend regular individual time away from the home with the staff that are special to them to help them feel valued and that their voices are heard. (‘Guide to the Childrens Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’ paragraph 3.17 page 16) Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC440309 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Lancashire County Council

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: County Hall, Preston PR1 8XJ

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Inspectors

Cathy Wilkins, Social Care Inspector Mathew Morris-Jones, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC440309 6 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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Inspectors

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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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