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

SC033492 Unique reference number 10 November 2009 Inspection date David Martin Inspector Random Type of 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: SC033492

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Brief description of the service

This home is situated in a small rural housing estate. It backs onto fields to the rear and has a garden with a greenhouse and seating areas. The home is close to a number of schools and other appropriate health and leisure facilities.

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Brief description of the service

The building is on two floors and has 12 single bedrooms currently in use for two separately housed groups of young people. There are separate entrances provided for each of the two groups which are split based on age and need, with one area accommodating four children and the other eight. There are lounges with television, video and music equipment. There are additional communal areas for art and craftwork.

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Summary

This interim inspection was carried out with the purpose of assessing the home's performance against national minimum standards in staying safe. There were no actions or recommendations made at the time of the last inspection.

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Summary

The home actively promotes the safety and wellbeing of children. Staff understanding of safeguarding issues is very good. The home has completed excellent projects with the children on bullying and keeping themselves safe. Case records strongly reflect the individual needs of children and detail 24 hour management plans ensuring the consistent delivery of care and support. 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 outstanding. Young people's privacy and dignity is respected. They have their own bedrooms which are lockable. Similarly, toilets and bathrooms are lockable. Young people are encouraged to dress appropriately. All records are maintained securely and staff understand the policies concerning confidentiality. These measures ensure that information about children is protected.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children are given information about how to complain and share their concerns. However, there have been no complaints in the period since the last inspection. The staff actively promote an anti-bullying culture within the home. This has involved the young people in an excellent anti-bullying project.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There have been no safeguarding issues concerning the children since the last inspection. Staff have completed safeguarding training, are aware of the safeguarding procedures and are confident about reporting child protection matters. The young people have also completed a 4 of 5 Inspection Report: SC033492 project on staying safe and taking risks. There are strong arrangements in place to ensure the children are protected from harm.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home is committed to providing the children with a therapeutic and nurturing environment in which they can express their feelings safely and securely. The home has a relatively low use of sanctions. There are a small number of incidents where children are held by staff in order to manage aggressive and disruptive behaviour. Minimal holds are used and are of short duration. All staff have completed training which provides them with skills and techniques to respond positively to challenging behaviour.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home has developed comprehensive management plans and individual development plans for each young person which ensures that the staff response to certain behaviours is constructive and consistent. The young people benefit from the home's positive approach.

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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: SC033492

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