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 .

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff at the home continue to provide exceptionally high standards of care. Safeguarding responses during a period of increases in absent and missing episodes have been innovative. The staff team have gone ‘over and above’ in their efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of one young person when he goes missing, through close liaison with the police and family members, and regular visits to known areas within the local vicinity.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Since the last inspection there has been a further admission to the home. Careful consideration was given prior to placement, with the completion of an impact assessment to ensure appropriate matching. This assessment, alongside a well- planned introduction, resulted in minimal disruption. The admission has seen the young people engaging in activities, such as cooking meals and generally ‘chilling out’ together, within the home.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Forming meaningful relationships with parents and extended family members, and working in partnership with them, continues to be a priority. The manager and the staff team view this as critical in keeping young people safe. It helps to develop and repair relationships that have been broken, and acknowledges the role that families play as the young person progresses towards independence. The efforts made by staff in nurturing family relationships was, for one young person, instrumental in him returning to the area he grew up in.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

For one young person the plan to return home to his parents has not been an easy journey. The impact of this has resulted in a decline in his educational attainment and attendance, and overall disengagement. This has been quickly addressed by the staff team and the placing local authority, through close communication. Due to the quality of the relationships staff have with the young person, and in accordance with his wishes and feelings, the plan has been put on hold. This demonstrates the home’s commitment to individualised care planning, ensuring that the young person’s voice is heard.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff have been proactive in ensuring that, for one young person, a flexible and creative educational and life skills programme is in place to encourage engagement. This has been achieved due to staff members establishing good relationships with the range of educational provisions in the local area, ensuring that plans are in place to allow the young person to ‘drop in’ when he feels ready.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff are adept at being forward-thinking and imaginative in their motivation to engage with young people. This has seen one member of staff using an internet café to undertake key-work sessions, using the internet to promote engagement, perform some life-skill exercises and identify possible activities. A staff member now hopes to engage a young person in an all-night fishing expedition.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home continues to be effectively managed. Young people benefit from a stable and committed staff team underpinned by a manager who is clearly motivated to adapt and improve the quality of care and outcomes for the young people. Professional development remains ongoing, with one member of staff successfully completing their level 3 diploma.

p.3

Information about this children’s home

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

p.4

Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 31/01/2017 Full Outstanding 29/02/2016 Interim Sustained effectiveness 25/08/2015 Full Outstanding 28/01/2015 Interim Improved 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 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.

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 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,

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

p.6