Children's Home run by Kirklees Council in Kirklees

Unique reference number SC033326 Inspection date 09/02/2011 Inspector Michael McCleave Type of inspection Random

p.1

Date of last inspection 28/04/2010 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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 Crispins, 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.

p.3

About this inspection

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 outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004 and the relevant National Minimum Standards for the service.

p.3

The inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

p.3

Brief description of the service

This children's home provides six medium to long term placements for young people aged between 10 and 17 years. The accommodation consists of six single bedrooms and spacious communal areas for eating, studying and relaxing. Young people have access to a computer to enable them to keep in contact with family and friends using the internet.

p.4

Brief description of the service

The home is in a residential area and is close to a shopping area and public transport. One of the main aims of the setting is to support young people to reach their full potential and to prepare them for independence.

p.4

Summary

This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection.

p.4

Summary

This interim inspection looked at the progress the setting has made with the recommendations made at the last inspection. These related to improvements to the accommodation. Being healthy, enjoying and achieving, positive contribution, economic wellbeing and organisation were not looked at.

p.4

Summary

Staff are fully aware of their responsibilities to ensure that the safety and well-being of the young people is maintained. The young people feel safe living at this home and there is currently a trusting relationship between the staff and young people. There are appropriate safeguarding procedures in place and staff have a clear understanding of their responsibilities.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

The manager was asked to improve the quality of the furnishings and decoration at the home. The manager has taken appropriate steps to provide the young people with a pleasant living environment.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff promote the rights of the young people to have private time away from adults in the home. They have single bedrooms where they can be alone if they choose and have their own keys. All confidential records are kept in secure conditions to ensure that confidentiality is maintained. This promotes the safety of the young people.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Although there is a complaints procedure in place, any issues expressed by young people is generally dealt with informally by staff. The young people are regularly consulted about their feelings and staff are alert to situations whereby a complaint may need to be initiated. Young people know how to access the complaints process and they can be supported by the children's rights service if required.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Effective systems are in place for ensuring that the young people are safe. Staff are appropriately trained in safeguarding and they demonstrate a clear awareness of their responsibilities for the safety of the young people. Previous incidents demonstrate the effective role of staff in recognising and responding to child protection concerns. Young people confirm that they feel safe living at this home.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff are always alert to any negative behaviour between the young people and they are aware that bullying can be an issue among the young people. Staff monitor any indications of bullying activity and use the restorative practice approach to manage these situations. This is very good practice.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Systems are in place to ensure that appropriate actions are initiated if a young person was absent without authority. Staff are aware of the need to notify the appropriate agencies within agreed timescales as indicated in the risk assessments of each young person. A protocol with the police additionally promotes the safety of the young people.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Behaviour management at the home is based on trust and dialogue with the young people. Staff support this policy and they work to create a calm atmosphere in order to encourage socially acceptable behaviour among the young people. Restraint is not a common occurrence at this home. However, one entry in the restraint log did not contain the signature of the member of staff who recorded the information.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home has appropriate risk assessments in place, to ensure the safety of the young people and staff. All required checks of safety appliances have been carried out and fire drills are regularly practised. All activities outside of the home are risk assessed and staff demonstrate an excellent approach to their responsibilities to keep the young people safe.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home follows the council's recruitment and selection policy. This ensures that candidates for work are not permitted to take up a post in the home, until all required clearance checks have been satisfied. The council has an innovative staff appointment process, in which young people are invited to take an active part in the appointment of staff. Their views are considered in the final selection of the person to be appointed to a post in the home. This is very good practice and a good demonstration of equality and diversity.

p.5

Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s):

p.6

Recommendations

 ensure the record of any restraint by an adult has the signature of the person authorised by the manager to make the record. (NMS 22.9)

p.6