Children's home run by Kirklees Council in Kirklees

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged good at the full inspection. At this interim inspection, Ofsted judge that it has sustained effectiveness .

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people continue to make progress at the home. The improvements to their lives are highly individualised and reflects their complex social and medical needs. Over time and through continued visits to the home, young people grow in confidence and are appropriately encouraged to develop their social and independence skills.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

One parent commented, ‘He is really improving, he never used to join in, but now he is having tea with them. He always wanted to eat separately. They try him with different foods now. They are helping him come out of himself.’ Another parent said, ‘He is so vulnerable, but he is safe there. He can self-stimulate by biting his hands and rocking, but they don’t let him do that. It is good for him. If I wasn’t confident, they wouldn’t have him.’ Other examples of progress also include one young person sleeping independently in a non-specialised bed, young people assisting with simple self-care and laundry tasks and tolerating social spaces such as themes parks.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

At the previous inspection, a recommendation was made for staff to increase the opportunities offered to young people for community-based activities. Although young people are encouraged to experience new activities, these remain on the whole, home based and therefore this recommendation has not been met.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people new to the home are given carefully organised transitions that are flexible with regards to their needs. For example, one social worker commented upon how the staff had significantly extended introductions for a young person. This was in order to reduce any distress experienced through visiting an unfamiliar setting. Young people who have left the home have done so in a planned manner, with staff taking a full and active part in the process. This ensures that young people continue to have their needs met and new services understand as fully as possible their communication patterns and needs.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Due to the vulnerabilities of the young people, their safety is a high priority for the staff. There is suitable supervision and security measures in place to ensure that young people do not go missing nor are exposed to adults who may harm them. Recruitment processes are robust and any complaints or allegations are dealt with promptly and in accordance with procedures. Physical restraint is rarely used and only relied upon to prevent injury or harm to the young person or others, and when verbal de-escalation has not been successful. However, some physical restraint records have not had the due oversight demanded by regulation and are not evaluated by an independent manager that has not been involved in the measure. In response to the requirement made at the previous inspection, risk assessments are now updated and reviewed by staff.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Since the previous inspection, an acting manager has been appointed. She took up post in December 2015. The registered manager has not worked or had oversight of the home since October 2015. As a result, the previous requirement relating to the quality of care review has not been met. The implementation of the newly developed process has been delayed and the report has not been submitted to Ofsted within the required timescales. The acting manager is in the process of improving this system, but until complete, comprehensive management oversight remains compromised.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The acting manager and staff work well with other agencies in promoting young people’s welfare and ensuring they have access to the services required. These agencies include schools, children’s social workers, adult services and learning disability nurses. One social worker commented, ‘I get prompt information and if there are any changes then they let me know straight away. If the home wasn’t there he would really miss it. They normally put him with the same young people and I like this about the home.’

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

A requirement relating to staff receiving regular supervision has now been met. Staff say they are well supported and that there is an open and listening culture within the home that is promoted by the acting manager. A requirement regarding documents relating to progress and outcomes for young people has only been partially met. New streamlined formats have been developed and progress is clear and unambiguous. However, not all young people’s case files have benefitted yet from this change.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people accessing the home enjoy a reasonably well maintained environment. Outdoor play areas are well equipped and bedrooms are decorated in such a way that is welcoming and child-focused. Some aspects of the furnishings however require some attention such as the young people’s settees. These are significantly worn and tatty looking.

p.3

Information about this children's home

The home is owned and run by a local authority. The home provides short breaks for children with learning and physical disabilities and sensory impairment.

p.4

Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

p.4

Recent inspection history

20/02/2015 Interim Sustained effectiveness

p.4

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 (England) Regulations 2015 and the Guide to the children's homes regulations including the quality standards. The registered person(s) must comply with the given timescales.

p.5

Requirement Due date

The registered person must keep under review and revise the placement plan as necessary (Regulation 18 (7)) 30/04/2016

p.5

Requirement Due date

13 The leadership and management standard 13 (2) In order to meet the leadership and management standard, with particular reference to the system used by the manager being robust and shortfalls identified being followed up, the registered provider must: (h) use monitoring and review systems to make continuous improvements in the quality of care provided in the home. 01/04/2016

p.5

Requirement Due date

The registered person must complete a review of the quality of care provided for children ("a quality of care review") at least every 6 months. The registered person must supply to HMCI a copy of the quality of care review report within 28 days of the date on which the quality of care review is completed (Regulation 45(1)(4)(a)) 01/04/2016

p.5

Requirement Due date

The registered person must ensure that within 48 hours of the use of the measure, the registered person, or a person who is authorised to do so ("the authorised person") – has spoken to the user about the measure; and has signed to say it is accurate; and within 5 days of the use of the measure, the registered person or authorised person adds to the record that they have spoken to the child about the measure (Regulation 35(3)(b)(i)(ii)(c)) 31/03/2016

p.5

Requirement Due date

9 The enjoyment and achievement standard 9. In order to meet the enjoyment and achievement standard, with particular reference to children being offered a wide range of activities outside the home (where appropriate), the registered provider must ensure that- (2) (a) staff help each child to- (ii) participate in activities that the child enjoys and which meet and expand the child's interests and preferences; and 30/04/2016 (iii) make a positive contribution to the home and the wider community.

p.5

Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):  For children's homes to be nurturing and supportive environments that meet the needs of their children, they will in most cases, be homely, domestic environments. (The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 15 paragraph 3.9) With particular reference to the recovering or replacement of settees.

p.6

What the inspection judgements mean

At the interim inspection we make a judgement on whether the home has improved in effectiveness, sustained effectiveness, or declined in effectiveness since the previous full inspection. This is in line with the Inspection of children's homes: framework for inspection.

p.7

Information about this inspection

Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children and young people living in the children's home. Inspectors considered the quality of work and the difference adults make to the lives of children and young people. They read case files, watched how professional staff work with children, young people and each other and discussed the effectiveness of help and care given to children and young people. Wherever possible, they talked to children, young people and their families. In addition the inspectors have tried to understand what the children's home knows about how well it is performing, how well it is doing and what difference it is making for the children and young people who it is trying to help, protect and look after. This inspection focused on the effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of children and young people since the most recent full inspection.

p.7

Information about this inspection

This 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 Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the Guide to the children's homes regulations including the quality standards. the guidance raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted, which is available from Ofsted's website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted . If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.7

Information about this inspection

achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, workbased learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It inspects services for looked after children and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team,

p.8

Information about this inspection

The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.8

Information about this inspection

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.8

Information about this inspection

Store Street Manchester M1 2WD T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

p.8