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 outstanding at the full inspection. At this interim inspection Ofsted judges that it has improved effectiveness .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people continue to make remarkable and measurable progress in all aspects of their lives: in education, emotional and social well-being, and the transition to independence.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The transition to independence for one young person has seen the staff and manager ‘go above and beyond’ in their support and dedication. Daily contact, combined with welfare checks, ensures that the young person is not becoming socially isolated and remains on the right pathway to successful integration into adulthood. Although there are a few occasions on which deadlines for returning home on time are not adhered to, there have been no missing from home episodes or risks of child sexual exploitation.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Regular communication with the multidisciplinary team of professionals for young people keeps relevant individuals informed. Personalised care plans are monitored and updated to reflect their changing needs. Individual risks and vulnerabilities are clearly understood. The handover meetings between staff and the rigorous monitoring arrangements continue to ensure that young people enjoy high standards of care.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The young person’s voice, wishes and feelings are a theme that runs through all aspects of the day-to-day life of the home. Young people are regularly consulted and contribute to their weekly planner, menus and choice of activities. Participation is viewed as a means of promoting a sense of responsibility in the choices that they make. One young person now volunteers at a charity shop and, as part of his learning experience, helps out at a riding school for children with disabilities, with the view of ‘helping other people who do not have much’.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The importance of education and work experience is a key strength of the home. A bespoke educational programme is in place for one young person. This provides a combination of core subjects undertaken at college, home tuition and work experience. This tailored provision has seen a reduction in fixed exclusions and a marked improvement in attendance, resulting in the young person now being trusted to travel independently. Staff are mindful of what triggers anxieties that result in negative behaviours. For one young person, the re-introduction of contact with parents has been managed sensitively and with a full understanding of the trauma that this could cause. The challenge of balancing the young person’s need for maintaining family relationships is underpinned by a highly structured but flexible approach.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The staff team is highly dedicated and the young people have grown up in the care of the same staff group. The atmosphere is relaxed and cheerful, and young people experience a nurturing and caring environment. This is echoed by the comments made by one young person: ‘I intend staying here until I am 18 years and then I am moving next door.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager is instrumental in maintaining the smooth running of the home and clearly knows what works well. Staff have access to continuous learning and development opportunities, and they enjoy regular supervision. The manager is confident in her ability to challenge other professionals appropriately in achieving improved outcomes for young people.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The recommendation made at the last inspection is met, with the manager including the young person’s view in the recording of complaints.

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Information about this children’s home

This is a private children’s home. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for two children who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 14/12/2016 Full Outstanding 10/12/2015 Full Outstanding 05/08/2015 Interim Sustained effectiveness 04/03/2015 Interim Sustained 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 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 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

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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