Children's Home run by Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council in Dudley

Unique reference number SC039897 Inspection date 17/01/2012 Inspector Pete Hylton Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 27/09/2011 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 local authority owned children's home can accommodate up to four young people.

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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 was judged to be outstanding at the last inspection. Four requirements and four recommendations were made. These have all been addressed and fully met.

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Progress

Outcomes for young people continue to be excellent. All young people remain in educational placements and are making excellent progress. The home supports all young people in attending and achieving. Where young people experience difficulties with their education, the staff support and advocate for them. The care provided to young people remains outstanding.

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Progress

Relationships with family and friends continue to be thoroughly promoted. There have been further improvements in young people developing and maintaining these relationships. For example, overnight stays have taken place away from the home and family members regularly visit for meals and time with young people. Young people continue to be supported with their moves to adulthood and in developing their independence skills. Staff have developed a structured programme of independence which will further help young people develop the necessary skills.

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Progress

The home has continued to promote community events. Most notably, the staff and young people made cakes and sold these in aid of charity. All young people benefit from an environment that is warm, relaxed and caring. The individual needs of young people continue to be sensitively and appropriately identified and met.

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Progress

The home has improved its system for recording young people's views where sanctions are given. Young people now write their comments on the records. This ensures that the views of young people are considered and monitored. Furthermore, key workers ensure that the effectiveness of sanctions is discussed with young people in regular key work sessions. This has led to improvements in monitoring behaviour of the young people. The manager commented that she now has a 'better understanding of the effectiveness of sanctions.'

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Progress

There has been one episode of restraint and 14 sanctions since the last inspection. These were all thoroughly, appropriately and accurately recorded. Where specific incidents have occurred, the manager has ensured that the regulator is informed without delay. The safety of young people continues to be paramount and the home continues to have an excellent relationship with the local police. A police officer commented that they 'have an excellent relationship with the young people and the staff.' Positive behaviour continues to be well promoted in the home and all young people are consulted about rewards and sanctions. This has led to a reduction in sanctions and an improved rewards system. Young people are listened to and their views inform the running of the home.

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Progress

Regular monitoring in line with the regulations ensures that the home is meeting regulations, standards and its Statement of Purpose. The manager now involves her senior staff in regularly monitoring the home. The home's development plan has been rewritten and now reflects identified areas to improve. Furthermore, the plan also outlines team development and this is regularly discussed at team meetings. The home ensures that information is kept confidential and that young people are not able to overhear or see confidential information at any time.

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Progress

There have been notable improvements in the recording systems used in the home. Recent training for all staff means that all staff working with young people have a better awareness of incident recording. A new electronic record system enables staff to make clear and concise records on the progress of young people. Furthermore, this system provides the manager with an overview of records made in the home and enables her to monitor these closely. This means that errors in recording are quickly identified and all records are clear, comprehensive and accurate. The manager has ensured that all staff are aware of when to notify the regulator. This means that all events are now notified where necessary.

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