Children's Home run by Kirklees Council in Kirklees

SC033367 Unique reference number 21 September 2009 Inspection date Michael McCleave 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 6 Inspection Report: SC033367

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Brief description of the service

The home can accommodate six young people aged 10 to 17 years. It is a home for children who are vulnerable, and for different reasons are unable to live with their families. The home is a purpose built two storey detached house run by the local authority.

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Brief description of the service

The first floor of the house has individual children's bedrooms with hand wash basins, bathroom, toilets and shower room. The ground floor has a lounge, kitchen with dining area, utility room, computer room, staff office and manager's office. A conservatory at the rear of the house provides an additional lounge area. There is an enclosed grassed garden to the rear and front of the house. To the side of the house is driveway with car parking for several cars. The home is approximately 10 minutes bus ride from the town centre. There are general shops at the end of the road and the home is on a bus route. A secondary school is in walking distance and leisure facilities, such as the cinema and swimming baths are a bus ride away.

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Summary

This interim inspection looked at the progress the setting has made with the recommendations made at the last inspection. These were related to the update the Statement of Purpose and to clarify procedures concerning young people having access to their records. Being Healthy, Enjoying and Achieving, Positive Contribution, Economic Wellbeing and Organisation were not looked at. The safety of the young people is managed by a team of staff, who are aware of their responsibilities to ensure safeguarding is at the forefront of their work. The young people are confident in the way staff look after them, and say that they feel safe living at this home. 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 manager was asked to update the Statement of Purpose and to include the names and qualifications of staff. In addition, to ensure that young people could read and make comments in their case records. The Statement of Purpose is still being updated. Appropriate steps have been taken to confirm when young people have read their records. The recommendation concerning the Statement of Purpose remains outstanding.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The young people, are able to enjoy private time away from staff in the social areas of the home, or in their own bedrooms. Sensitive information is handled correctly and these are maintained in secure conditions. This ensures that the young people are safeguarded.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Although the home has a complaints procedure that is well known to the young people, most complaints or concerns are dealt with using the restorative approach. This involves the staff and young people in discussion in order to arrive at a satisfactory outcome. Young people are 4 of 6 Inspection Report: SC033367 nevertheless aware of how to access the formal complaints procedure if this is their decision. All formal complaints are dealt with in an appropriate way by the manager.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The safety and well being of the young people is seen by staff as a priority. All staff have received appropriate training in child protection awareness. This means that the young people are protected by staff who have a clear understanding of their responsibilities to keep them safe. Recent action taken by staff in response to a safeguarding concern, demonstrated their clear understanding of procedures. Young people say that they feel safe living at the home. The manager has established good professional links with the safeguarding team. This further enhances the safety of the young people.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is an acknowledgement by staff, that bullying can take place given the mix of young people. However, staff are alert to this, and where appropriate, will use the restorative approach to involve young people in dealing with such situations. This has proved particularly successful and young people said, "we all get involved to sort out the problem if someone is being bullied". The incidence of unauthorised absences at the home is low, and most incidents involve young people not returning home at agreed times during evenings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Behaviour management is based on maintaining a harmonious atmosphere at the home and on mutual respect between the young people and the staff. Where difficult situations arise, staff involve the young people in discussion about appropriate behaviour rather than resort to restraint. This is good practice. Young people say that staff treat them fairly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The safety of staff and young people in the home is managed through ensuring that all domestic and fire appliances are properly checked. All exit doors have good quality security locks and closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras are strategically located in the grounds to monitor visitors approaching the building.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people have their safety further promoted through a rigorous recruitment system. The basis of the system in operation at the home is that no applicant for work is permitted to commence duties until all appropriate checks have been completed. In addition all visitors to the home have their movements monitored by staff on duty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is a good approach taken at this home to protect young people, and to ensure that their wellbeing is promoted.

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Organisation

The organisation is not judged. 5 of 6 Inspection Report: SC033367

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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 the statement of purpose is updated to include the names and qualifications of the staff. (NMS 1.2) 6 of 6 Inspection Report: SC033367

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