Children's Home run by City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council in Bradford

Unique reference number SC059635 Inspection date 20/01/2012 Inspector David Martin Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype

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Date of last inspection 23/06/2011 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 children's home is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to eight young people of either sex, aged from 12 to 18 years, who may be experiencing a range of social, emotional and behavioural problems. The home offers a supportive living environment on a medium- to long-term basis.

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Progress

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

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Progress

At the last inspection, the overall effectiveness of this home was judged to be outstanding. It also achieved outstanding ratings for outcomes for young people, for its quality of care and for equality and diversity. It was noted that the home was performing strongly in a number of areas, including the positive relationships between young people and staff and in the excellent support that young people receive from a stable and experienced staff team.

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Progress

One recommendation was made as a result of the last inspection. This concerned the lack of information in the children's guide as to how young people contact their independent reviewing officer and the Children's Rights Director. The home has responded positively and, as a temporary measure, a sheet containing this information has been added to the guide. This ensures that young people can voice their concerns to independent organisations. The recommendation has prompted the home to initiate a full revision of the guide, with input from young people currently in placement to ensure that it accurately describes the service.

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Progress

Since the last inspection, the number of incidents requiring the use of physical intervention increased considerably for a short period. The majority of incidents relate to a small number of young people and reflects the level of challenging behaviour of young people placed in the home recently. The staff have responded very positively to ensure that all young people are safe from harm. Where appropriate, alternative placements have been identified and the level of disruptive and anti-social behaviour has decreased accordingly.

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Progress

The home has received one complaint from the young people about the level of aggressive behaviour in the home. The matter was formally investigated and has been resolved to the satisfaction of the complainants.

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Progress

Young people are very positive about their placements and their relationships with staff. One young person said that: 'its lovely in the home and it feels safe'. They added that with the help of staff: 'I have really turned myself round'. Young people in the home interact with staff in a good humoured way. The staff feel that they have come through the recent challenges well and have an irrepressible enthusiasm for the future and high aspirations for the young people.

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Progress

There have been a small number of young people going missing from the home. This has raised concerns that some young people have placed themselves at risk and are particularly vulnerable to sexual exploitation. In response, the home has worked effectively with the police, other agencies and the young people to minimise the risks and to keep young people safe from harm.

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Progress

Overall, the home continues to be run to a high standard. No requirements or recommendations are made as a result of this inspection.

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