Children's Home run by City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council in Bradford

SC059635 Unique reference number 26 January 2010 Inspection date David Martin Inspector Random Type of Inspection

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29 September 2009 Date of last inspection .

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This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated.

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You can obtain copies of The Children Act 2004, Every Child Matters and The National Minimum Standards for Children's Services from: The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Cripins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop

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About this inspection

The purpose of this inspection is to assure children and young people, parents, the public, local authorities and government of the quality and standard of the service provided. The inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcome for children set out in the Children Act 2004 and relevant National Minimum Standards for the establishment.

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The inspection judgements and what they mean

this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is strong Good: this aspect of the provision is sound Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is not good enough Inadequate: 3 of 5 Inspection Report: SC059635

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Brief description of the service

This children's home is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to eight young people of either sex, aged 12 to 18 years, who may be experiencing a range of social, emotional, and behavioural problems. The home offers a supportive living environment on a medium to long-term basis. There are communal rooms on the ground floor and individual bedrooms upstairs. The home is situated in a suburban area but close to local amenities.

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Summary

This unannounced inspection was carried out to assess the home's performance against national minimum standards under the staying safe outcome area.

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Summary

There are strong arrangements in place to ensure that young people are safe and protected from harm. The staff are skilled in promoting positive behaviour and diffusing the potential for confrontation. Overall, the home continues to be well run and provides young people with a safe and secure environment. The overall quality rating is good. This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection.

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Improvements since the last inspection

No actions or requirements were made as a result of the last inspection.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The young people's privacy and dignity are respected. Bedrooms and bathrooms are lockable and young people have their own keys. There is access to a private telephone. Young people are encouraged to be appropriately dressed at all times. All staff have completed data protection training and understand issues of confidentiality and the safekeeping of records. This ensures that information about young people is protected.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The young people can raise complaints and concerns both formally and informally. Issues that have been brought to the attention of the home have been resolved appropriately. The young people are also advised to contact the local children's rights service and other external agencies for further help. The staff are trained in safeguarding and are confident about reporting any issues that arise. The home promotes an anti-bullying culture and any incidents of bullying are addressed as and when they occur. The home has good systems in place to protect young people from harm.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home has individual risk assessments to manage incidents of unauthorised absence from the home. A missing person's protocol has been drawn up with the police. This assists in the process of ensuring young people are safe. 4 of 5 Inspection Report: SC059635 There is minimal use of sanctions and there have been no incidents of restraint in the period since the last inspection. The staff have been trained in using safe methods of physical intervention and techniques for diffusing potential confrontation. Keyworker sessions are used to help young people reflect on the impact of their behaviour. The home's approach actively promotes socially acceptable behaviour.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The premises are maintained safely throughout. New staff are employed following a robust selection process and thorough vetting. This ensures that staff are suitable to work with young people and contributes to their overall safety and well being.

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions, which must be taken so that the registered person meets the Care Standards Act 2000, The Childrens Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider must comply with the given timescales.

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Recommendations

There are no recommendations. 5 of 5 Inspection Report: SC059635

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