Children's home run by Hennessy Living Group Limited in Kirklees

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged requires improvement 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

Since the previous inspection the management of the home has changed. A new manager is in place and is in the process of becoming registered. An operational manager has also been appointed to oversee this home and the other home provided by the company. Together, they have undertaken a comprehensive review of the home’s systems and practices, which has led to an improvement in the experience and progress of young people.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There have been a number of notifications to Ofsted since the last inspection. These have included allegations and complaints about inappropriate staff practice. Managers have been rigorous in taking prompt action to safeguard young people and undertake investigations in collaboration with police and other agencies. The new management team has established a culture where staff have clear routes for raising any concerns they may have.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

All the statutory requirements and recommendations made at the previous inspection have been addressed in full. The home’s managers have worked in partnership with placing authorities to advocate more effectively on behalf of young people. There is clear evidence of the tenacity of managers in promoting the rights of young people to the provision of appropriate services by the local authority and health professionals. As a result of this work, one young person is now receiving a higher quality of education, with the input of a skilled and experienced tutor, and supported by a structured in-house timetable of stimulating and educative activities. He is also progressing towards having more time in the community, with appropriate staff supervision.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The recording of physical restraint has been completely reviewed and revised. This provides much greater accountability of the practice, evidencing that both young people and staff have the opportunity to discuss each incident. As a result, young people are safeguarded more effectively. The frequency of the need to use restraint has levelled off since the previous inspection. This indicates the quality of relationships between staff and young people, and the skills of the staff team in de- escalating challenging behaviour. Managers have reviewed staff recruitment records. The previous inspection identified significant issues with the quality of some vetting checks. All such checks have been revisited. For example, good vetting checks ensure proper verification of references. As a result, the suitability of all employees to work with children is assured. Additionally, recruitment practice has been overhauled to make it more

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

A number of new staff have been appointed, all with previous relevant experience of working with children. Managers have set a benchmark of staff qualification which is over and above the minimum statutory requirement, and are funding the necessary courses of study. This admirable commitment to ongoing staff development means that staff will have the necessary skills and resilience in working with some very challenging young people, promoting their welfare and keeping them safe. Support for staff via formal supervision has also been improved. It takes place regularly and is focused on the needs of young people, with further plans in place to make it even more effective.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Some young people have complex health conditions which are challenging for staff to manage. Through patience and consistency in following the care plan, staff have been able to bring about improvement, enhancing the dignity and comfort of the young person. Staff work closely with health professionals, though they are also comfortable in challenging their views if they feel that treatment regimes do not meet a young person’s social and developmental needs. Staff have consulted with a dietician to help one young person develop healthier eating habits, and this has started to bring about positive change.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Managers have good plans in place to bring about further improvement for the benefit of young people. Refurbishment of the premises is under way. The home is applying for accreditation by external bodies to confirm its performance in respect of anti-bullying, and giving young people a voice. Managers have researched national examples of good practice to make their monitoring more effective. Also, a new version of young people’s placement plans is being piloted, to ensure that programmes of care are more responsive to need, and bring about more sustainable change.

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Information about this children’s home

The home accommodates up to five children or young people who have learning disabilities and physical disabilities, two of whom may be placed under short-break arrangements. The home is run by a private company.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 04/10/2016 Full Requires improvement 19/01/2016 Interim Improved effectiveness 02/12/2015 Full Inadequate 20/10/2015 Full Inadequate

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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 whom 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

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Information about this inspection

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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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