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

SC033502 Unique reference number 7 October 2009 Inspection date David Martin Inspector Random Type of Inspection

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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: SC033502

p.3

Brief description of the service

This children's home accommodates up to seven young people aged from 12 to 17 years.

p.4

Brief description of the service

The building is detached and set in its own grounds. Accommodation is spread over four floors. The bedrooms and shared bathrooms are on the upper floors. On the ground floor, there is a staff office, kitchen, dining room and lounge. To the rear of the home there is an enclosed garden, which incorporates a five-a-side football pitch and a floodlit games area. The home is located within a short distance of a number of schools and other youth, health and leisure facilities.

p.4

Summary

This unannounced interim inspection was undertaken to assess the home's performance against standards under the staying safe outcome area. There were no actions or recommendations made in the last inspection report.

p.4

Summary

The home continues to provide young people with a safe environment in which mutual respect and socially acceptable behaviour are strongly promoted. Safeguarding and bullying issues are managed well and young people's views about the service they receive are taken seriously. Young people present in the home made a positive contribution to the inspection. The overall quality rating is good. This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Young people's rights of privacy and confidentiality are upheld. The children's guide to the home expresses a commitment to this. It also sets out the protocol for room searches if they are deemed necessary. All records are held securely, ensuring that information about young people is protected.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people are provided with information about how to complain or to raise issues on a more informal basis. The system is effective and issues are resolved appropriately. Young people's concerns are taken seriously.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home has access to safeguarding procedures. Staff have completed safeguarding training and are confident about reporting any concerns. The home has developed strong risk assessments to protect young people from sexual abuse. On an individual basis young people have been referred to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service for therapeutic input and the Youth Offending Team for preventative work. These measures ensure that young people are protected from harm. 4 of 5 Inspection Report: SC033502 Incidents of bullying are dealt with promptly. Serious concerns are shared with external agencies to ensure that the strategies in place for managing bullying are reviewed and amended. The home actively promotes an anti-bullying culture.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home has a well established culture which strongly promotes mutual respect and socially acceptable behaviour. There are few incidents of restraint and the use of sanctions is limited. The staff have been trained in techniques to diffuse potential conflict. This contributes to the safety of young people.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The premises are safely maintained. New staff commence employment only after extensive vetting has been carried out. This protects young people from harm.

p.5

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.

p.5

Recommendations

There are no recommendations. 5 of 5 Inspection Report: SC033502

p.5