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

Unique reference number SC038500 Inspection date 19/03/2013 Inspector Pete Hylton Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 26/10/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This home is operated by the local authority. The home can accommodate up to four children and young people.

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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

This home was last inspected in October 2012 and was judged to be outstanding. No recommendations were made.

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Progress

An experienced and highly motivated Registered Manager has continued to make improvements since the last inspection. An improved reward system, where young people are able to save their rewards towards desired items, has been well received by young people. A young person commented ‘the new rewards system is really good.’ Furthermore, young people were consulted with about this system. They know that their views, wishes and feelings underpin decisions made in the home. Regular meetings with young people, both individually and in group settings, ensure that issues are discussed and resolved. A young person commented ‘staff respect me.’ The staff team place the needs of young people at the forefront of their practice. A social worker commented ‘young people are listened to and respected, the staff are excellent.’

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Progress

Senior care staff have completed additional management skills training. As a result, they are now further equipped to provide support and guidance to the staff team. All staff are regularly supervised, well trained and able to share their opinions, worries and ideas for improvement. This results in a motivated, well supported and enthusiastic staff team. In addition to the mandatory training, staff have recently undertaken internet safety training. This further contributes to the safety of young people as the staff team are alert to signs of cyber bullying and know how to take appropriate action. Young people benefit from a stable staff team as this provides familiarity, routine and consistency. As a result, the emotional resilience and security of young people is promoted and they are able to form meaningful and appropriate relationships with staff. A young person commented that the best thing about the

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Progress

Young people continue to make good progress at the home. Comments from young people include; ‘my behaviour has improved’, ‘more social now with people’ and ‘school is going well.’ Young people are supported in preparing for their next placement and experience positive transitions. The staff team work closely with foster carers, social workers and new placements to ensure that the needs of young people are always identified and met. Young people are supported in attending education and in some cases, make excellent progress. Where young people are experiencing difficulties, the home works closely with education providers to ensure appropriate support is given. This results in a home where education is keenly promoted and young people are encouraged to achieve to their potential. The proactive staff team ensure that all young people regularly attend school and are supported with completing homework and reading at the home.

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Progress

Restraint is used appropriately and recorded thoroughly. The views of young people are actively sought and recorded. As a result, young people are encouraged to discuss their feelings, worries and concerns. Sanctions, where used, are fair, proportionate and appropriate to the young person’s age and understanding. Complaints from young people are rare and where they do occur, are sensitively and appropriately handled. A young person commented that there is ‘always a member of staff I can talk to if I am worried.’ There have been no serious incidents at the home since the last inspection and no young people have gone missing.

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Progress

Areas of the home have been further improved through redecoration and the purchasing of additional recreational items. This has enhanced the environment for young people. All areas of the home are regularly checked to ensure the safety of young people. This ensures that all parts of the home accessed by young people are safe and do not present hazards to their wellbeing. Young people live in a home that is pleasantly decorated, well-appointed and homely. Regular fire drills ensure all young people and staff know the home’s fire procedures. This is underpinned by regular training for all staff. However, fire drills have only taken place during daylight hours since the last inspection. This means that the ability of young people and staff to safely evacuate in evening times is untested. This has had no demonstrable impact on young people and a recommendation has been made.

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

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Recommendations

 ensure that there is an emergency escape plan that all staff and children are familiar with and have practiced so that they know what to do in an emergency. (NMS 10.9)

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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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