Children's Home run by Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council in Dudley

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

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

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There have been six new young people admitted to the home and three young people have moved on since the last full inspection. Some young people have made a successful transition into independence. Other young people have had their placements ended on an emergency basis due to external influences, criminalisation and mental health issues.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The child-centred registered manager continues to ensure that young people consistently receive good-quality care that is tailored to their individual needs. As a result, young people continue to make steady progress in comparison with their starting points. Since the last inspection, the team has worked hard to maintain high standards of care.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people continue to build trusting relationships with staff and this enables staff to help to keep them safe. Behaviour management strategies are largely effective by incorporating a social learning approach. There have been no incidents of restraint since the last inspection.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff continue to place a high value on education, and work collaboratively with young people and schools to overcome barriers to engagement. While some young people’s attendance and engagement in school is good, other young people struggle to engage. Staff are proactive in working with schools to try to provide the support that young people may need to re-engage.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff consistently refer safeguarding incidents to the relevant professionals and work collaboratively to manage risks effectively. The registered manager actively challenges other agencies when safeguarding concerns arise. This action ensures that young people are better protected from harm.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Some young people misuse substances and go missing. Staff respond well to all incidents and work effectively and creatively with other agencies. Strong relationships with families, the police and local authorities and substance abuse services are used to protect young people from harm. Young people are consistently offered specialist support and return interviews after being missing. This allows staff the opportunity to review risk within future plans effectively.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people’s health needs are promoted and reviewed. For example, staff ensure that young people have access to child and adolescent mental health services. Staff utilise the support of clinical services to develop understanding and respond to individual need; this is with specific reference to supporting young people who are at risk of self-harm.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Partnership working with other agencies remains vital in helping young people to make good levels of progress educationally, socially and emotionally.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people understand how decisions are made and the degree to which they are able to influence them. Key-working sessions have a clear focus on the young person’s specific needs, including, when required, covering sensitive topics such as healthy relationships, substance misuse, and sexual health and exploitation.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff support young people to develop social skills and relationships, and to enjoy healthy living. Good-quality daily experiences help young people to make progress during their time at the home. Staff encourage young people to prepare for adulthood by acquiring life skills. This includes doing their own washing, cooking and budgeting. These experiences allow young people to increase their self- esteem, confidence and sense of personal identity.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There have been no shortfalls identified at this inspection.

p.3

Information about this children’s home

This home is one of four local authority homes. It is registered for up to four young people who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties, and is situated in an urban area.

p.4

Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 27/09/2016 Full Good 08/03/2016 Interim Improved effectiveness 16/9/2015 Full Good 19/02/2015 Interim Sustained effectiveness

p.4

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.5

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.5

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.5

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, work- based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It inspects services for children looked after 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.6

Information about this inspection

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

p.6

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.6

Information about this inspection

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

p.6