Children's home run by Wakefield Council in Wakefield

The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

children and young people since the most recent full inspection. This home was judged outstanding at the full inspection. At this interim inspection, Ofsted judges that it has improved effectiveness . This proactive, creative and flexible service continues to progress from strength to strength. The management and staff team combined provide an invaluable service to children, young people and families. A nurturing and enabling culture empowers staff to learn from each other and develop good child-focused practice. Consequently, their positive influences ensure that children and young people enjoy their short breaks. A parent said, ‘He sometimes says he doesn’t want to go, but when he is there he is alright. He loves it.’ A social worker said, ‘Oh gosh, I think things are going very well. She was supported in a time of great need.’ Since the last inspection, one young person who turned 18 years old had a leaving

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The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

party of his choice, which gave those present an opportunity to say goodbye. Another young person’s short breaks ended due to his increasingly aggressive behaviour that was impacting on other children and young people. In response to this concern, the team has acted ‘outside of the box’ by providing time limited outreach support with a dedicated team chosen by the young person. A leaving party will follow as he transitions into adulthood, which again provides a positive ending. The social worker said, ‘The outreach has worked really well. He picked his staff and activities; he wanted to go to the cinema and circus. He is really happy. He liked his time at (Name of the service).’ This arrangement meets the young person’s needs without rejection. Both are also an exemplar of how young people’s wishes and feelings are listened to and acted on. New children and young people are introduced to short breaks at their own pace.

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The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

As well as the good communication with professionals, home visits take place and families are encouraged to visit the service. Parents express satisfaction with the facilities, which rid them of any potential anxieties and fears. The domiciliary service continues to develop. It provides a valuable service to children, young people and families in the community with no negative impact on the short breaks service. Children and young people have many reasons to feel proud about their achievements. They include improved behaviours and joining in activities. Getting involved in the Duke of Edinburgh’s award also challenges and helps them to grow in confidence. Some young people are developing independence skills, such as making their own breakfast and packing their bag, undertaking their own personal care and putting up with the behaviours of others without getting distressed. Children’s and young people’s access to activities enriches their stays and provides

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The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

educational and fun opportunities that they may not experience at home. A parent said, ‘We wanted him to spend time with other young people outside of school to establish friendships and [as] an opportunity to mix with other young people.’ Children’s and young people’s safety and welfare are paramount to their sense of safety and the related theory continues to be threaded through practice. The risk management systems, such as the team’s good knowledge of the children and young people, individual risk assessments, intensive supervision and the secure premises prevent any incidents of going missing. No child or young person is at risk of child sexual exploitation. There are no safeguarding concerns, complaints or allegations made against staff. Parents and social workers are happy that children and young people are safe. A parent said, ‘We know he is safe and has opportunities to do different things.’ A social worker said, ‘I absolutely do. We have

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The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

good open communication.’ Physical intervention is exceptionally rare and it is only ever used as a protective measure. Effective behaviour management strategies that incorporate good routines and boundaries help children and young people to reduce their challenging behaviours. As a result, no child or young person has been physically restrained since the last inspection. A member of staff described the manager’s review and debrief of restraints as being, ‘Second to none.’ A social worker said, ‘(Name of the child’s) behaviour has settled down significantly.’ Weekly visits from a dedicated occupational therapist support staff in the development of behavioural strategies. This helps to divert negative and potentially harmful behaviours through practical and sensory alternatives. The behaviour management training that is offered to parents is due to be reviewed to establish what works and what needs to change.

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The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

The staff team continues to work effectively with education providers and health professionals to promote children’s and young people’s holistic needs. Staff regularly attend key education and health meetings. Their interventions support parents to ensure that children and young people gain access to the right services helping them to prosper. The management and staff team members continue to develop their expertise and knowledge through the communication mechanisms. The new developments are team efforts that everyone owns. Developments include transport briefings that inform the assigned driver about children’s and young people’s needs and reviewing the care plans that link to the quality care standards and clearly show the individual goals, achievements and targets met. A review of medication practice has revealed no errors since the last inspection. A medical workbook devised by one of the managers is due to be implemented in May 2016. This will

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The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

act as a refresher to the staff team and ensure robust practice in this important area. The one recommendation raised at the last inspection regarding internal management monitoring has been met. No further requirements or recommendations have been raised at this inspection.

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Information about this children's home

This service is run by the local authority. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to seven children and young people at any one time, of either gender, with learning disabilities. Some children and young people also have physical disabilities and complex health needs. This service provides a short break and outreach service. The domiciliary care service was launched in October 2015 and is registered with the Care Quality Commission.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

26/03/2015 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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