Children's home run by Wakefield Council in Wakefield

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

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

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The requirement made at the last inspection in relation to the managers’ quality of care review is not due until 31 May 2016. This requirement therefore remains in place. Supervision records evidence the manager’s supervision. However, staff do not always have regular formal supervision sessions. This recommendation is repeated.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There is an established, dedicated staff team comprising of health care support and residential care workers. They provide a warm and inviting environment for the children and young people who have short breaks. High staffing levels ensure the close supervision of the children and young people at all times. This provides them with safe and nurturing care. Their generic and complex health needs are well met.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The managers and staff team have a very good understanding of the children and young peoples’ physical, behavioural, emotional and social needs. This enables them to consider the needs of each individual child when matching their compatibility with others. This includes looking at who the children and young people are friends with to make their stay an even more enjoyable experience. This also extends to managing the environment to deal with a child’s behaviour, not only to keep them safe but to work on improving some of their obsessive behaviours.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home provides a safe, comfortable, child focused and well-resourced environment. To enhance children and young people’s short break experience, there are many individual rooms which offer stimulation, as well as calm areas where children and young people enjoy spending their time. This extends to the large garden which surrounds the home. New equipment that is on order, such as a rising bed is intended to provide comfort to those children and young people who need it. Children and young people have a choice of bedrooms to stay in and they can choose their bedding. The bedroom doors would benefit from photos of the children and young people, which would add the personal touch to their stays. A recommendation has been raised to promote this practice.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Children and young people have the opportunity to attend many outside activities. Not only does this help improve their health and life skills; but also assists in the development of their social skills. For some children and young people this provides them with the chance to have new experiences and opportunities, which enriches their lives.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home is committed to improving the skills of the children and young people. The staff team look at their individual starting points, recognise their potential and work on any area of a child’s development that warrants attention. They record the achievements, no matter how small. For example, a child who struggled going out, ‘Travelled on the bus to and from (Name of the area) and tolerated three large shops.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The staff team develop good working relationships with parents as part of the child’s multi-agency support plan. This is achieved through the provision of advice and support to families. One young person’s short break care has reduced as a result of the progress he has made. This in turn has enabled his parent to build her own self-esteem and confidence.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Managers recognise the importance of gaining the confidence of parents and carers. When talking about her daughter, one parent spoke of how, ‘All staff know her so well and care about her. You can tell they care and are compassionate’. Another parent described the staff team, ‘Like an extension of your own family’.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Families report the importance of their children’s short breaks with many positive accounts of the children and young people enjoying their stays. One father reported, ‘As soon as he is told he is coming he is all smiles’. The many photographs around the home reflect this view.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home is committed to using a wide range of communication techniques. Staff have received training in British Sign Language and Makaton. Pictorial aides such as cards or photographs are also used. The children and young people have designated keyworkers as the home recognises the importance of stability. The knowledgeable staff team fully understand each young person’s communication methods. This ensures that the children and young people are able to express their wishes and feelings.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The managers and staff have excellent partnership working with many different professionals. A social worker said that the keyworker, ‘attends the ‘children in need’ meetings, provides a report, and clearly knows the child well.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager has clear and decisive plans to continue to develop the multi-skilled staff team and she aspires to offer outreach work with families. One staff member said, ‘I feel fully supported. There is a good management team and opportunities for personal development.’

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Information about this children's home

This service provides short breaks care for up to seven children and young people with learning disabilities and complex health care needs. It is operated by a local authority. In addition to meeting the children and young people's social care needs, the home also provides nursing input and is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

25/03/2015 Interim Improved effectiveness

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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 (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.

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Requirement Due date

In order to complete a quality of care review the registered person must establish and maintain a system for monitoring, reviewing and evaluating the quality of care provided for children. They system referred to in paragraph (2) must provide for ascertaining and considering the opinions of children, their parents, placing authorities and staff. (Regulation 45(2(a)(5)) 31/05/2016

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):  A record of supervision should be kept for staff, including the manager. (The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 61, paragraph, 13.3)

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Recommendations

 The design of the home should include any necessary adaptation to meet the needs of children with disabilities or specific health issues. In particular, personalise children's rooms by attaching the child's photograph on bedroom doors for the duration of their short breaks stay. (The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 17, paragraph, 3.24)

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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

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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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