Children's Home run by Wakefield Metropolitan District Council in Wakefield

Unique reference number SC066796 Inspection date 27/03/2012 Inspector Simon Morley Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 03/10/2011 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

The home, run by a local authority, is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to seven young people between the ages of 12 and 17 with emotional and behavioural difficulties. Placements are on a medium- to long-term basis. If young people cannot be reunited with their families they are supported to move into more independent living accommodation.

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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 full inspection in October 2011 the overall effectiveness of the home was judged to be satisfactory. The leadership and management arrangements have ensured all the required improvements highlighted at the last inspection have been made. In addition, staff have worked hard to improve the outcomes for young people living at the home. As a result, the home is judged to be making good progress at this interim inspection.

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Progress

Some new young people have moved into the home since the last inspection. The current group of young people are safe and settled in the home. This is an improvement as young people are now free from bullying and see the home as a 'good place to live'.

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Progress

The registered provider who is also the placing authority has improved the planning and admission process. This helps improve placement stability for young people by trying to ensure that only young people whose needs will be met move into the home.

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Progress

Monitoring by the registered provider has improved with a better focus on how well young people enjoy and achieve. The quality of monitoring is variable and there are plans to improve this further. Improved monitoring helps contribute overall to better outcomes for young people.

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Progress

Recruitment processes now include full and satisfactory checks made before staff work in the home to help ensure the safety and welfare of young people living there.

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Progress

Over time young people improve their attendance and progress at school and college. Staff also work hard to support young people develop their independence, for example, with driving lessons. The achievements young people make are helping them experience better outcomes with their transition to adulthood and independent living. The quality of staff support has also helped young people new to the home experience better outcomes in relation to health, safety, education, family contact and social skills.

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