Children's home run by Lancashire County Council

Inspection report for children’s home: 1278968 1 Registered provider: Lancashire County Council

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Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home is owned and managed by the local authority and provides short breaks for children who may have social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in May 2018.

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Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

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good

How well children and young people are helped and protected good

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good

The effectiveness of leaders and managers outstanding

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good

The children’s home provides effective services that meet the requirements for good.

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good

Date of last inspection: 20 November 2024

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good

Overall judgement at last inspection: good

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: 1278968 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

20/11/2024 Full Good 20/02/2024 Full Good 22/03/2023 Full Outstanding 23/03/2022 Full Outstanding Inspection report for children’s home: 1278968 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff create a nurturing and responsive environment for children accessing short breaks. The personalised support promotes positive behavioural changes, strengthens family bonds and helps children develop essential life skills. A child said, ‘I loved it. It had a homely vibe when home wasn’t so good.’ This adaptable and empathetic approach ensures that children feel respected and supported, which contributes to increased self-confidence.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Parents consistently report the positive impact of the service, particularly in enhancing their child’s confidence and helping them manage their child’s needs more effectively. One parent said, ‘The service was priceless.’ The trusting and collaborative relationships built by staff benefit both children and their families.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are encouraged to take part in a wide range of activities that promote emotional well-being and personal development. Families are welcomed into the home to join in enjoyable activities with their children. Parents have noted improvements in family relationships since their children began attending short breaks.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff maintain a strong focus on children’s holistic well-being, addressing both immediate concerns and long-term aspirations. Children work towards personalised goals and participate in support sessions individually and with their families. This approach has led to meaningful improvements in children’s lives. Parents feel more confident and capable in supporting their children through challenges.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Managers and staff have created a welcoming and homely setting. The open-plan living and dining areas, along with en-suite bedrooms, offer both comfort and privacy. This contributes to a positive atmosphere where children feel relaxed and secure.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Each child has a detailed and regularly reviewed risk assessment that covers a broad range of potential concerns. These assessments equip staff to respond effectively to individual needs, including managing triggers and identifying risks, which helps ensure children’s safety.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Staff are well trained in safeguarding procedures and understand the importance of working with relevant partner agencies to address any safeguarding concerns. Their commitment to child safety is evident throughout their practice.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Children are eager to stay at the home and are given time to understand the expectations and boundaries. This has led to good outcomes. No children have gone Inspection report for children’s home: 1278968 4 missing, and there have been no incidents of self-harm or any need for physical intervention. Children feel safe and receive consistent, nurturing care.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Staff use a therapeutic approach to behaviour management, which helps children feel secure and supported. As a result, children behave positively and enjoy their time at the home.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The home benefits from a dedicated and supportive management team that upholds high standards of care and staff development. A member of staff said, ‘I have honestly never worked anywhere where management care and are as supportive as the managers here.’ Managers encourage a collaborative and open working culture, ensuring staff feel valued and supported. This contributes to a positive and effective care environment.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Regular team meetings support effective communication and reflective practice. These meetings help ensure consistency in the team’s work with children and families.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Training is thorough and varied, equipping staff with the skills and knowledge needed to meet children’s needs. This includes specialist training tailored to the specific requirements of the children. The manager is confident in the quality and breadth of training available.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Managers meet with staff every Friday and plan the children’s weekend stay. The staff rota is designed to ensure a balanced gender mix and align staff interests with the children staying each weekend, which helps build strong, positive relationships.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Staff receive structured individual supervision focused on professional growth. Some staff who work in the home on a part-time casual basis have not received formal supervision, although they do have informal conversations with the management team about their work.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

There has been a change to the services that the home offers, which is part of a larger redesign of residential services in the local authority. The home’s statement of purpose has been rewritten but not yet shared with the regulator. Inspection report for children’s home: 1278968 5

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that when the statement of purpose has been reviewed, a copy of this is shared with the regulating body. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards,’ page 14, paragraph 3.5)  The registered person should ensure that all staff have access to supervision of their practice, including staff who are working at the home on a ‘casual’ basis. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards,’ page 53, paragraph 10.8)

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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: 1278968 6

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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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Inspector

Cathy Wilkins, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 1278968 7 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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Inspector

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