Children's Home run by Wakefield Council in Wakefield

Unique reference number SC062573 Inspection date 13/01/2014 Inspector Nicola McEvinney Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 20/06/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The home is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to seven young people, of both genders with emotional and behavioural difficulties. The main aims are to support young people to move back home with their families or successfully move to independent living.

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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

The purpose of this interim inspection was to assess the progress made since the last full inspection held in June 2013; when the home was judged to be adequate. A number of recommendations and requirements were raised at that time, which the home has worked hard to address.

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Progress

Young people have benefitted from having new medication procedures introduced, ensuring medication is administered as prescribed. There is rigorous monitoring of the medication records ensuring a clear record is maintained.

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Progress

Young people have enjoyed participating in a course to help them develop their independence skills. Each young person has an independence file to record their independence activities, for example, shopping, making appointments and meal preparation. In conjunction with the leaving care team they have produced a recipe book full of healthy and nutritious meals that the young people have prepared. Over recent weeks there have been very few sanctions but when they arise young people are encouraged to make comments. All the young people consider staff treat them fairly.

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Progress

Young people are safeguarded by the robust recruitment procedures which include contacting referees to verify the reference they have given. This ensures that only suitable people are employed.

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Progress

The home is going through a period of stability which is reflected in the warm relationships young people have with the staff team. All young people are engaged in either college or school and are attending well. Some individuals are seeking employment and staff are proactive in their support. Young people say that ‘staff are joyful.’ Both staff and young people spoke enthusiastically about their Christmas spent at the home, saying it was the ‘best ever’. Young people consider that they are safe and are well cared for.

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Progress

Staff speak highly of the management team; they consider that they are empowered to take initiatives and have good supervision and training opportunities. They have a good understanding of their safeguarding responsibilities particularly around whistleblowing. This ensures that young people are cared for safely.

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Progress

All the young people return to the home when expected, there have not been any incidences of them going missing; this is a significant improvement. However, some young people do not return to the home until late evening and have missed the evening meal and only have a light snack, such as toast on their return. This compromises their well-being by not eating healthily.

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Statutory Requirements

This section sets out the actions which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Children's Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The registered person(s) must comply with the given timescales.

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure young people are provided with food which is suitable for their needs and meets their reasonable preferences. (Regulation 13(1)(a)(iii)) 01/02/2014

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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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