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

Unique reference number SC063978 Inspection date 31/01/2013 Inspector Angela Whiteley Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 18/12/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This local authority children's home provides care and accommodation for eight young people who may be experiencing a range of social, emotional and behavioural problems.

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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 full inspection in December 2012, the overall judgement of the home was good. Since then the service has demonstrated continued improvement in the quality of care and outcomes for young people. The manager has addressed the three requirements and five recommendations made at the last inspection.

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Progress

Notifications received by Ofsted since the last inspection have prompted some safeguarding concerns. This inspection was brought forward as a result. Satisfactory safeguarding processes are in place.

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Progress

Young people benefit from consistent practice that allows their lives to improve. They benefit from the effective application of policies and procedures and have comprehensive risk assessments, which help staff to safeguard and promote young people’s welfare. Staff are proactive in communicating with placing authorities and other professionals to highlight safeguarding concerns. They ensure care plans are reviewed where individual needs have changed and advocate strongly where alternative provision is in the best interest of young people. The staff team are committed and motivated and fully understand their role. They deliver a strong, child-focused service that helps young people fulfil their aspirations and achieve their potential. Staff receive appropriate training to develop their knowledge and skills and confirm they feel well supported at the home. They recognise particular vulnerabilities relating to the diverse needs of young people and

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Progress

take appropriate action to address them. They are not deterred when young people place themselves at risk of harm and take appropriate action to ensure their safety and welfare. Staff are clear about their responsibilities regarding young people smoking. Young people are encouraged to access a range of health support services, which promote their health. For example, they receive advice and support to help them quit smoking and have specialist fire awareness training to promote safety.

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Progress

Some young people are new in placement. They settle quickly with high standards of care and make good progress relative to the time they have lived there. As a result, young people are achieving positive outcomes in many aspects of their lives. This includes emotional resilience, education, health, family contact, behaviour management and preparation for independence and adult life. Placements are stable and young people learn to take responsibility for their behaviour. They respond positively to a range of incentives and rewards and are accepting of agreed sanctions. They have good relationships with staff and as a result, incidents requiring physical restraint are rarely needed. The manager is reviewing behaviour management recording to ensure all relevant information is recorded correctly. Any missing from home incidents are dealt with promptly. The home has strengthened its links with external agencies. They have a proactive working relationship with the

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Progress

police and other professionals who offer effective support to staff and young people who become involved in risk taking behaviours.

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Progress

The Registered Manager is proactive in chasing placing authorities for missing documents to ensure young people’s files contain all the required information. This ensures young people have access to accurate records about their care history and that staff are able to support their current and emerging needs. Pathway plans are in place for ‘eligible’ care leavers to prepare them for their transition to adult life. Placements are subject to frequent review, in particular emergency placements. These are managed through timely decision-making meetings, which ensure young people are fully informed about their care plan.

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Progress

A number of other changes are in place, which improve outcomes for young people. The home has reviewed its Statement of Purpose and children’s guide, to ensure all relevant information is correct. Changes to the report format relating to visits made under Regulation 33 have been made between inspections. This new format better captures data and allows a more robust evaluation of the information to take place. The Registered Manager has amended the home’s admission book to ensure addresses are recorded in full when young people are admitted and discharged. This means the home has accurate formal records of young people’s time in care. A review of the recruitment process now provides a more robust approach, which ensures vulnerable young people are protected from harm.

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Progress

The home fulfils its aims and objectives. The Registered Manager demonstrates an enthusiastic, organised and proactive approach to managing the home. Robust quality assurance systems are in place. They monitor the management of the home, quality of care, young people’s welfare and progress and the home’s records. Any area of weakness identified is dealt with promptly by the Registered Manager, which ensures the standards within the home continue to improve.

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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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