Children's Home run by Wakefield Metropolitan District Council in Wakefield

SC066796 Unique reference number 17 June 2009 Inspection date David Martin Inspector Random Type of Inspection

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23 September 2008 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: SC066796

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Brief description of the service

This children's home provides care and accommodation for up to six young people between the ages of 12 to 17 on a medium to long term basis. The home is purpose-built, with the ground floor of the home compromising of two offices, games and study room, lounge and kitchen. On the first floor there are young people's en-suite bedrooms. An enclosed garden surrounds the home and there is a secure car park to the front of the home.

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Summary

This unannounced, interim inspection was undertaken to assess the home's performance against key standards under the staying safe outcome. In addition a check was made of progress the home has made in meeting actions and recommendations from the last key inspection.

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Summary

Overall, the home provides young people with a safe and secure environment and is meeting the individual needs of young people in a planned way. The home has strong safeguarding procedures in place which contributes to the protection of young people. The home has responded very positively to previous actions and recommendations and the details are set out in the section below. 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

The home has responded very positively to previous actions and recommendations and as a result has significantly enhanced its ability to meet the individual needs of young people. It has reviewed its statement of purpose and is currently operating in accordance with values. The home's activity is evaluated through quality monitoring processes and is now being used to help promote improvements. Risk assessments have been completed and now actively help to protect young people from harm. Daily Living plans have been reviewed and improved to ensure that the home is able to respond to young people's identified needs in a planned and consistent way.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. There are good arrangement in place to ensure that the privacy of young people is respected. Staff have a good understanding of issues of confidentiality and the protection of information. The building is designed to enhance the privacy of young people. Bedrooms provide en suite bathrooms and young people have their own keys.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Complaints are investigated and resolved appropriately. The young people are provided with a good range of information about who they can raise their concerns with. This ensures that they can share their worries and concerns. 4 of 5 Inspection Report: SC066796 The home has strong arrangements in place to ensure that any safeguarding issues are reported promptly. Staff have a good understanding of child protection and are aware that information cannot be kept secret. There is a low level of unauthorised absence. The home is aware that young people may bully others and has taken steps to ensure that its anti-bullying message is actively promoted. Anti-bullying risk assessments are in place. Overall these measures help to protect young people from harm.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The records show a low level of sanctions and no incidents that have required the use of physical intervention. Staff have completed training that provides them with the skills to manage anti-social behaviour in non-confrontational ways. Positive behaviour is promoted through high levels of engagement with the young people and the provision of a wide range of activities and learning opportunities. Young people benefit from the home's approach.

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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: SC066796

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