Children's home run by Dove Adolescent Services Limited in Wakefield

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged Good at the last full inspection. At this interim inspection, Ofsted judge that it has improved effectiveness .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people have made significant progress since the last inspection, especially concerning their health and their education. They eat healthy and varied foods and are learning about healthy options and menu planning. There is also an element of healthy competition between the young people with ‘bake-off’ nights and cooking competitions. Good work on sexual health and relationships assist young people in maintaining healthy relationships with others.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Engagement in therapeutic support is helping young people build their confidence and self-esteem. Their independence skills are improving, making their own health appointments, attending the dentist, budgeting and completing the weekly food shop. This provides vital skills for their future.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people’s education attendance and attainment has significantly improved. Bespoke packages of learning support young people to achieve. One young person has achieved very high marks in recent academic tests and is now looking at college placements to further her education. The registered manager said: ‘She is really focussed on her education.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Behaviour in the home has generally improved as young people mature and do not engage in negative situations. There have been some instances of absence from the home and poor behaviour in the community, as young people explore new friendship groups outside of the home. Staff are quick to engage with these peers and those adults involved with them to reduce negative influences and encourage friendships that are more positive.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Incidents of absence are extremely well managed, ensuring young people return swiftly. Staff work in partnership with others, holding strategy meetings to ensure young people are as safe as possible.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff are near completion of their mandatory qualifications and are enthusiastically engaged in their learning. Some staff have the opportunity to develop their skills by supporting another home in the capacity of a deputy manager. They are working alongside a new manager, to support them and to build their own knowledge and skills of a more senior role.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The registered manager continues to develop her own knowledge and shares her learning with the staff team, through the delivery of training workshops and in team meetings, and through contributing to the organisation’s monthly newsletter. This ensures learning is effectively disseminated, leading to an improved service and better outcomes for young people.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There were no requirements or recommendations made at the last inspection. No shortfalls have been identified because of this inspection.

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Information about this children's home

This is a privately owned children's home. It is registered to provide accommodation for up to four children and young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties. When young people need additional support to move into independent living they can stay at the home after they are 18.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

27/01/2015 Interim Improved effectiveness

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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.

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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.

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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 .

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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,

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Information about this inspection

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

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Information about this inspection

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

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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

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