Children's Home run by Wakefield Council in Wakefield

SC062573 Unique reference number 3 June 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: SC062573

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Brief description of the service

This children's home provides care and accommodation on a planned, long-term basis for six young people of either sex, from 12 years old up to 17 years old. The home is purpose-built in its own grounds. It is suitably located for access to all local amenities and it is convenient for public transport. The home has a lounge, games room, and kitchen and dining room on the ground floor. The main offices are also located on the ground floor. The waking night room is located upstairs and all six bedrooms are en-suite.

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Summary

This unannounced interim inspection was undertaken to assess how well the home is performing under national minimum standards relating the staying safe outcome area. In addition, a check was made on the progress the home has made in meeting recommendations made at the last inspection.

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Summary

The home is protecting young people well and has good measures in place to ensure that young people are safe. It has taken positive action in relation to all previous recommendations. 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

In line with recommendations made at the last inspection staff have completed training in fire safety and the safe administration of medication. The home has also introduced individual risk assessments for each young person to protect them from bullying. The positive response to previous recommendations has enhanced the home's overall ability to keep young people safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The staff respect the privacy of young people and there are proper arrangements in place to make sure that confidential records are safe and secure. Staff have a good understanding of data protection. The young people are able to make private telephone calls and there are rooms available to hold meetings where they cannot be overheard.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people are provided with good information as to how they can complain and raise concerns with external agencies. There has been one complaint since the last inspection. It has been investigated in line with procedures and, in this instance, was not upheld. As a matter of good practice the young person who made the complaint was informed of the outcome. The home is open about young people's right to complain and this contributes to there overall safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home has access to the Local Safeguarding Children Board website and reporting procedures. This ensures that any child protection matters can be dealt with promptly and in line with expectations. The staff have completed child protection training and demonstrate a good 4 of 5 Inspection Report: SC062573 understanding as to how they report any concerns. Young people are protected by the current arrangements. There are effective measures in place to protect young people from bullying.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is an unauthorised absence policy which the home is following. Where a young person is regularly missing from the home, the staff liaise with partner agencies to plan for them to be found and returned safely. This helps to protect young people.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The staff have completed training and are skilled in managing challenging and anti-social behaviour using a variety of techniques. Physical intervention is not used. The main sanction that is used is the imposition of financial reparations. However, there is strong evidence to indicate that this is not always effective in reducing negative behaviour.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The premises are safely maintained and in line with a recommendations in the last inspection report; the staff have completed training in the safe administration of medicines and undertaken fire safety training. These measures contribute to the overall safety of young people.

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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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure that any measure of control, including the imposition of a financial sanction, is appropriate to the age, understanding and individual needs of young people (NMS 22). 5 of 5 Inspection Report: SC062573

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