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

SC065552 Unique reference number 28 January 2010 Inspection date David Martin Inspector Random Type of Inspection

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24 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: SC065552

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Brief description of the service

This children's home is registered to provide care and accommodation for eight young people of either gender between the ages of eight years and 14 years. The home is a purpose-built property with communal space and offices on the ground floor and bedrooms upstairs.

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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

The home continues to ensure that young people are looked after in a safe and secure environment. Complaints and safeguarding issues are dealt with effectively. Positive behaviour is well promoted through the establishment of a culture of praise and reward. The use of physical intervention is relatively high but this is a reflection of the age and challenging nature of the young people. 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

There were no actions or recommendations 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 privacy and dignity of young people is respected. Bedrooms and bathrooms are lockable and there is access to a private telephone. Records are held securely and staff have completed data protection training. 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 have clear information about raising their concerns or making a complaint. Two informal complaints have been resolved effectively. The staff are trained in safeguarding and are confident about reporting any issues that arise. The home strongly promotes an anti-bullying culture and has run a successful project with the young people to raise their awareness of the effects of bullying. The young people have played a part in deciding what action should be taken in the event of bullying occurring. These steps help protect young people from harm.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home actively promotes good, socially acceptable behaviour. Unauthorised absence from the home is rare. An effective reward and praise system has been introduced and the use of sanctions has been reduced to almost none. The staff have been trained in using safe methods of restraint and techniques for diffusing potential confrontation.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is a relatively high use of physical intervention but the incidents are of short duration and minimal holds are used. The level is a reflection of the challenging and aggressive behaviour of some of the young people. Keyworker sessions are used to address behavioural issues on an 4 of 5 Inspection Report: SC065552 individual basis. The home's approach ensures the young people have opportunities to reflect on the impact of negative behaviour.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The premises are maintained in good order. 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: SC065552

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