Children's Home run by Birtenshaw in Bolton

Assurance inspection report for children's home: SC470797 1 SC470797

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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 private organisation and provides care for up to four children who may have physical disabilities, learning disabilities and/or sensory impairment. At the time of the inspection, there were four children living in the home.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in October 2023.

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Inspection date: 18 February 2025

Date of last inspection: 17 September 2024

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Inspection date: 18 February 2025

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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Inspection date: 18 February 2025

Enforcement action since last inspection: none.

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Information about this inspection

At these inspections, 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. The Inspector 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: SC470797 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

The home was judged requires improvement to be good at the last full inspection in September 2024. Improvements have been made to children’s records, including behaviour support plans and risk assessments, which are detailed and provide guidance for staff. Managers are working with staff to improve the quality of recording and reporting. This work has improved recording which is further supported with new auditing systems.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager has a good understanding of the home and how it should operate effectively. She is supported by a deputy manager, and they are both dedicated to improving the home and achieving positive outcomes for the children. To support this, they are developing improved monitoring systems to maintain a clear overview of the home and track the progress children make.

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Findings from the inspection

Safeguarding practice is effective. Staff receive safeguarding training that is specific to children’s disabilities. Additionally, staff have a clear understanding of children’s needs, vulnerabilities and the potential risks they may be exposed to. Staff understand how to report and respond to any safeguarding concerns. However, not all staff fully understand the role of the local authority designated officer.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff support children and respond well to any behaviours that challenge. They are committed to finding different and innovative ways to manage situations that children may find difficult to cope with. This approach reduces children’s anxieties and helps to minimise incidents. Staff only hold children as a last resort to keep everyone safe.

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Findings from the inspection

Leaders and managers respond to incidents immediately. If these occur, staff prioritise the safety and well-being of the children. Managers are thorough in their investigations. They are prompt in sharing any learning to inform staff practice. The manager liaises appropriately with external professionals, such as social workers and the local authority designated officer. This ensures that there is external scrutiny of safeguarding measures in the home.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff frequently monitor and review children’s individual plans. This ensures that staff support children to make progress and keep children’s individual goals under regular review. Staff celebrate children’s progress and achievements with their parents and other professionals. A parent said, ‘I was very anxious when he first moved. The staff helped me a lot, and I can see my child is a different person now, so much calmer and less challenging.’

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Findings from the inspection

Leaders and managers have addressed the shortfalls identified at the last inspection, and all requirements have been met. Assurance inspection report for children's home: SC470797 3

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

17/09/2024 Full Requires improvement to be good 01/08/2023 Full Good 02/08/2022 Full Good 05/10/2021 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children's home: SC470797 4

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that all staff are aware of the role of the local authority designated officer in line with the homes policy on protecting children from abuse and neglect. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 44, paragraph 9.19) Assurance inspection report for children's home: SC470797 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Birtenshaw Darwen Road, Bromley Cross Bolton BL7 9AB

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Inspector

Jennifer Quest, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children's home: SC470797 6 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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