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

Unique reference number SC066796 Inspection date 05/03/2014 Inspector Nicola McEvinney Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 13/06/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This local authority children's home is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to seven young people with emotional and 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.

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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.

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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 conducted in June 2013 when the home was judged to be good. A recommendation was raised at that visit which has been met.

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Progress

As part of the recruitment and selection process referees are contacted to verify references. This helps to ensure that only suitable people are employed.

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Progress

A number of young people have lived at the home for a significant period and are preparing to move on to the next stage of their lives. They have developed their confidence and self-esteem and have learnt a range of skills that are necessary to live independently. Some young people have benefitted from experiencing living in a ‘taster flat’ for a few nights where they are able to practice these skills. This helps them to make a successful transition to adulthood.

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Progress

Young people benefit from having all aspects of their identity promoted. In particular needs relating to ethnicity, heritage and sexuality are well provided for. The staff team reflect the ethnicity of young people accommodated which provides for good role models. Despite staff’s best efforts some young people are disengaging with their education provision. Staff work closely with schools to seek a solution to this and are negotiating a flexible approach with the aim of re-engaging the young people.

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Progress

The manager, who moved temporarily to manage this home, has now registered with Ofsted. He is an experienced manager who offers good leadership to the staff team who consider that they are well supported and have good training opportunities.

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Progress

Young people are safeguarded by the vigilance of the staff team in ensuring that they are protected. The incidence of young people going missing has significantly reduced which further promotes their safety. Young people say that they feel safe and that they consider that they are well cared for.

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Progress

There were no requirements or recommendations raised 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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