Children's Home run by Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council in Bolton

Assurance inspection report for children's home: SC040723 1 SC040723

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Registered provider: Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This local authority home provides care for up to four children who may experience social and emotional difficulties. At the time of the inspection, two children were living at the home.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in October 2018. She also manages another home nearby.

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Inspection date: 18 March 2025

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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Inspection date: 18 March 2025

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. The inspector has 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: SC040723 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

One child has moved out of the home since the last inspection. The move took place because of the child’s wishes and wanting to be nearer to their school, friends and family. Leaders and managers made sure that the child’s move was well planned and that all children were supported to manage the change. The two children who remain living at the home have done so for a few years. Both children continue to make good progress from their starting points.

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Findings from the inspection

Both children are in education. However, their experiences vary. One child continues to do well and is meeting their expected targets. For the other child, learning is a struggle, and they are currently completing a part-time timetable. Staff continue to support the child alongside school staff and several other professionals to increase the child’s participation and support their emotional well-being.

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Findings from the inspection

The introduction of senior support staff and a full-time deputy manager has strengthened the management team. The team is working together to improve the quality of care of care provided to children. Managers have oversight of incidents and share information with other professionals as required.

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Findings from the inspection

Leaders and managers have taken action to strengthen risk management plans. Children’s risk plans detail all known risks for children. They are regularly reviewed and provide staff with clear guidance on how to support children to keep them safe.

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Findings from the inspection

Since the last inspection, recording practices have improved. Staff are being supported to understand and use language that cares. Children’s plans are now recorded in ways that are easier for children to understand and provide them with a clear record for them to look back on their journey and progress should they wish to do so.

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Findings from the inspection

Changes to practices around room searches mean that children are now informed if any searches take place.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff receive regular supervision sessions, and team meetings have continued to take place regularly. The manager has begun to use this forum as an opportunity to invite guest speakers such as substance misuse workers to enhance staff development and the support delivered to children.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff have access to a range of training opportunities and have recently completed bereavement and loss training to support one of the children. The manager has also ensured that all staff have now completed training that is specific to the needs of each child. Assurance inspection report for children's home: SC040723 3 The requirements and recommendations from the last inspection have been met. No requirements or recommendations were given during this inspection. Assurance inspection report for children's home: SC040723 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

09/10/2024 Full Requires improvement to be good 11/10/2023 Full Requires improvement to be good 04/01/2023 Full Good 10/11/2021 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children's home: SC040723 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Town Hall, Victoria Square, PO Box 29, Bolton BL1 1RU

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Inspector

Kelly McCurdy, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children's home: SC040723 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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