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

Unique reference number SC033502 Inspection date 08/01/2013 Inspector Monica Hargreaves Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 12/07/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This children's home is run by a local authority. It provides care and accommodation for up to seven young people who have experienced emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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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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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 the home was judged to be good. Two previous recommendations related to information in the young person's guide and to the young people's knowledge of their placement plans. The manager demonstrates commitment to continuous improvement of the service and has met both previous recommendations.

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Progress

The young person's guide to the service now includes details of their Independent Reviewing Officer so they can contact them independently if they wish. Young people confirmed that they have this information and that they know how to get in touch with their Reviewing Officer between their reviews. Young people report that they understand the content of their placement plan and that they talk to staff about their goals and targets. They are encouraged to read and sign their plans and they also take part in their reviews. They attend house meetings where they talk about the running of the home. These arrangements ensure that young people are fully involved in the decisions that are made about their day-to-day care and longer term plans. Young people continue to make good overall progress. They are well cared for by a consistent and competent team of staff who have a good understanding of their individual needs. Staff have maintained the quality of care and young people

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Progress

themselves report that staff look after them well and that they feel safe in the home. Young people say that there is no bullying. One young person commented: 'We usually get on okay. The older ones kind of look out for the younger ones a bit'.

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Progress

Young people have positive relationships with staff which help them to feel settled in their home and to achieve positive outcomes. Staff work hard to help young people learn to manage conflict and difficulty in a positive way. Generally, young people behave well towards one another and staff. When their behaviour becomes challenging, staff respond in a positive way, defusing situations to minimise the likelihood of restraint. Consequently, there are few incidents of physical intervention, which contributes to young people's sense of safety in the home.

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Progress

All young people have identified education placements and they attend school or college very regularly. This helps to maximise their opportunity to achieve and therefore improves their chances in later life. Young people prepare for leaving care by developing their life skills in the home. At an appropriate age, they also experience a more independent life in a 'taster' flat. This gives them the opportunity to see how well they can manage. One young person said: 'I'm anxious, but it will be good because I know that staff will help me if I have problems'.

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Progress

The home continues to be managed effectively. The manager and staff regularly consult with young people and their families and the manager actively monitors the quality of care provided in the home. The information that is gathered through this process is used to drive forward improvements in the home for the benefit of young people.

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Progress

No requirements or recommendations have been made at this inspection.

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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.

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