Children's Home run by Outbound Care in Blackpool

Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2523036 1 OFSTED USE ONLY

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home registered with Ofsted in July 2019 and is owned and operated by a private provider. It offers care for one child who may experience social and emotional difficulties and have learning disabilities.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of this visit, one child was living in the home. The child was spoken to during the visit.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in June 2025.

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This monitoring visit

During a full inspection on 2 and 3 June 2026, Ofsted identified significant shortfalls in safeguarding practice and leadership and management. As a result, 2 compliance notices were issued under Section 22A of the Care Standards Act 2000. These related to Regulation 12 (the protection of children standard) and Regulation 13 (the leadership and management standard). The purpose of this visit was to review the progress and actions taken by the provider to meet the 2 compliance notices.

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This monitoring visit

Leaders and managers developed a detailed action plan to address the compliance notices and requirements raised at the last inspection. They have strengthened monitoring and review systems to ensure that they identify and address shortfalls promptly. This includes weekly meetings to review incidents, evaluate staff responses and develop action plans to reduce risks. These meetings help to ensure that strategies are implemented, staff practice improves and professionals work together effectively to support the child.

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This monitoring visit

The responsible individual has provided development sessions with the manager to strengthen practice and has also sourced management training. This has Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2523036 2 OFSTED USE ONLY

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This monitoring visit

strengthened the manager’s skills in analysis, safeguarding, leadership and oversight of the home.

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This monitoring visit

Staff have received training specific to the child’s needs, such as recognising signs of substance misuse and overdosing, exploitation and neurodiversity. As a result, staff have a good understanding of the child’s risks and how to respond appropriately when they are in crisis.

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This monitoring visit

Leaders and managers have reviewed risk assessments to ensure that they provide clear guidance for staff in crisis situations, including when the child goes missing from home, misuses substances or is at risk of exploitation. Managers review and update risk assessments following significant incidents and discuss them during team meetings. As a result, staff have an accurate and up-to-date understanding of the child’s risks and vulnerabilities.

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This monitoring visit

Staff make consistent efforts to locate the child and maintain contact during missing- from-home incidents, encouraging their safe return. They search known locations, contact family members and friends, and maintain communication to help the child feel cared for. On their return, staff welcome the child and take steps to ensure their safety and wellbeing. They carry out follow-up work to help the child understand the risks and impact associated with going missing.

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This monitoring visit

Staff respond appropriately to incidents of substance misuse. They follow the child’s risk assessment, monitor the child, and seek medical attention when required. Room searches are carried out and prohibited items are removed. The child is encouraged to engage in support services, including child and adolescent mental health services and drug and alcohol services.

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This monitoring visit

Follow-up work is carried out with the child following incidents to help them understand risks and make safer choices. The discussions are sensitive and provide an opportunity to reflect on choices made and alternative coping strategies for the child.

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This monitoring visit

The manager and the responsible individual work with the child’s professional network to strengthen safety plans and request additional support, including waking night staff. This helps to reduce risks for the child.

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This monitoring visit

Staff receive regular supervision. Managers also use single-subject supervision sessions to address shortfalls in practice and support staff development. The manager and deputy manager have refreshed their supervision training. As a result, supervision sessions are reflective, supportive, effective and focus on outcomes for children.

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This monitoring visit

Team meetings take place regularly and are well attended. Managers use these meetings to review recent incidents, discuss updates to risk assessments and reinforce support strategies. They also use them to ensure that staff understand Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2523036 3 OFSTED USE ONLY

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This monitoring visit

home rules and boundaries, their responsibilities, and expectations in relation to professional curiosity, safeguarding, reporting, recording and on-call arrangements.

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This monitoring visit

The home is warm, welcoming and well maintained. The child’s bedroom has recently been redecorated, and they are looking forward to getting new flooring. They take pride in keeping their bedroom clean and tidy, with support and encouragement from staff.

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This monitoring visit

The child continues to be settled in the home and has positive relationships with the manager and staff team. They are looking forward to starting their preferred college course in September.

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This monitoring visit

The provider has taken effective action to reduce risks and safeguard the child. The concerns that led to the compliance notices being issued are no longer evident. The provider has met the requirements raised at the last full inspection, and no further requirements or recommendations were identified. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2523036 4 OFSTED USE ONLY

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

02/06/2026 Full Inadequate 11/11/2025 Full Requires improvement to be good 11/02/2025 Full Good 12/09/2023 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2523036 5 OFSTED USE ONLY

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Unit 2, Metropolitan Business Park, Preston New Road, Blackpool FY3 9LT

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Inspector

Renée Sims, Social Care Regulatory Inspector Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2523036 6 OFSTED USE ONLY

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Inspector

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 looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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