Children's Home run by Kirklees Council in Kirklees

Unique reference number SC033326 Inspection date 19/12/2011 Inspector Michael McCleave Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 30/06/2011 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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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 to assess the effectiveness of the service and to consider how well it complies with the relevant regulations and meets the national minimum standards.

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About this inspection

The report details the progress made by the provider since the last full inspection, identifies any further strengths, any areas for improvement and makes judgements as outlined in the Inspection of children’s homes – framework for inspection (March 2011).

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The inspection judgements and what they mean

Good progress The children’s home has demonstrated continued improvement in quality of care and outcomes for children and young people and where appropriate has addressed all requirements and the large majority of recommendations that were raised at the previous inspection. Satisfactory progress The children’s home has maintained quality of care and outcomes for children and young people and where appropriate has addressed all requirements and the majority of recommendations that were raised at the previous inspection. Inadequate progress The children’s home has failed to address one or more requirements and/or has not met the majority of recommendations and/or the quality of care and outcomes for children and young people have declined since the last full inspection.

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Brief description of the service

This is a local authority managed children's home providing six residential placements for young people aged between 10 and 17 years.

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Brief description of the service

One of the main aims of the setting is to support young people to reach their full potential and to prepare them for independence.

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Progress

Since their previous inspection the service is judged to be making good progress.

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Progress

The home has made good progress towards completing the recommendations made at the last inspection. These related to the education of the young people and the monitoring of records by the manager. A more robust system involving other professionals has been developed. The aim is to plan and implement an educational programme for those young people not in full- time education. This has resulted in a more coordinated approach to this issue. In respect of the second recommendation, the home has developed a management monitoring system that provides monthly information highlighting any deficiencies in records that require management attention.

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Progress

The quality of care for the young people remains very good. Staff have developed a trusting relationship with young people and it is evident that there is a relaxed atmosphere at the home. Where difficulties or tensions occur staff respond to these in a calm considerate manner. Restraint is not a regular feature at the home and the young people respond well to the non-confrontational approach from staff. Visiting professionals to the home comment very favourably on the positive way staff care for the young people. An important aspect at the home is the encouragement given to the young people to have an input into the life of the home. Young people’s meetings are regularly held and they are able to influence decisions that affect them. This promotes their self confidence and a sense of ownership in the life of the home.

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Progress

An emerging strong feature is the proactive way staff are managing school refusal by young people. Positive links have been established with professionals from the education services to develop personalised plans for each young person. This has resulted in much improved outcomes whereby young people are cooperating with their education plans. They are clearly benefitting from this approach and are attending individual education settings in line with the arrangements agreed with the them. For some young people this has been a significant improvement from a previously very low starting point with regards to school attendance. This proactive approach is having a beneficial impact on young people who now have an opportunity to develop skills that will be important when seeking employment in the future. Staff are supported by the management team in carrying out their caring tasks. This is reflected in the culture of team work established at the home. The day-to-day

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Progress

operations are monitored effectively by the management team. However, some records do not have appropriate signatures in place although this does not have any direct impact on the care of the young people.

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Progress

There is a positive approach among staff to encourage the young people to show respect for individual differences. Cultural and religious events are celebrated at the home. The staff team is represented by individuals from different ethnic groups and this adds to the richness of the life at the home. This additionally promotes an understanding and respect for differences among individuals at the home and in in the local community.

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Progress

Safeguarding is taken seriously and young people are confident that staff will ensure that they are protected.

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Progress

Young people are well cared for. They have an opportunity to achieve their potential due to the strong support and guidance of the staff. This is summed up by young people themselves on how they feel about living at this home, 'this the best children's home I have been in', 'I really like living here'.

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