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 full inspection. At this interim inspection, Ofsted judges that it has improved effectiveness . The staff team has high expectations, wanting the very best for the young people in its care. The team is supporting young people with their emotional well-being and mental health, risk management, care planning, partnership working with professionals, and ensuring that continued family contact are all areas that have improved since the last inspection. Young people’s risk-taking behaviour has continued to reduce, particularly missing from care incidents. Staff are aware of child sexual exploitation risks and take appropriate action to safeguard those concerned. Young people have continued to have positive relationships with staff. As a result, they respond well to the clear boundaries and rules that keep them safe. Professionals report that the staff seek advice, consult with them frequently and

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

take prompt action to protect and keep young people safe. A professional said: ‘X is doing really well. X has come a long way, and has good relationships with staff.’ Young people are engaging in education. Their attendance has improved from their starting points. This could be further improved by setting achievable educational goals that take into account their emotional and mental needs. Investigations into a recent complaint were swiftly undertaken and records indicate clearly the action taken to resolve the matter. The complainant has been satisfied with the findings and conclusions. Young people benefit immensely from the use of comprehensive auditing systems and the manager’s oversight of care practice. This assists her greatly to monitor the quality of care that young people receive and ensures that their good progress does not falter. Recommendations regarding key working with young people and consultation are

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

met. The fitting of a self-closing device to the kitchen door provides an open feel to the home, while still maintaining fire safety precautions. Young people benefit from living in a home that is well presented to a good standard throughout. Since the last inspection, there have been further home improvements, with new furniture in the lounge. A young person said: ‘I like the new settees, the corner seat is mine.’

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Information about this children’s home

This is a privately owned children’s home. It provides care and accommodation for up to three young people who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

10/03/2016 Interim Sustained effectiveness

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Recent inspection history

17/02/2015 Interim Sustained effectiveness

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation:

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Recommendations

 For some children who have experienced severe trauma, have mental health difficulties, or have been excluded from or out of education for significant periods of time, it may be necessary to address and work through their past experiences and present needs before they can positively participate in learning activities and formal education. Staff in children’s homes will play a key role in supporting these children in line with their personal education plan, or EHC plan, and recommendations from education and health professionals. (‘Guide to the children’s home regulations quality standards,’ page 26, paragraph 5.3) In particular, set and record achievable educational goals that take account of the children’s emotional and mental health needs. This should be with the aim of increasing their educational attendance and attainment.

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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 that 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 0300 123 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, 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,

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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

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

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