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 outstanding at the full inspection. At this interim inspection, Ofsted judges that it has sustained effectiveness . Since the full inspection, there have been no new young people admitted and one young person has been discharged. The registered manager continues to lead a stable staff team that remains child focused, attentive and caring. Young people continue to thrive and make progress because of the exceptional care they receive. For some young people, this progress means that they are now preparing to move on to new placements. Staff are diligent in their planning for these pending transitions, working closely with young people and new providers to ensure that the needs of the young people are understood and that the required support is in place to enable a successful transition. Young people continue to attend bespoke educational placements and have excellent attendance. Staff place a high value on education and work

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

collaboratively with schools to understand and respond to barriers to engagement. For some young people, this has resulted in remarkable changes in both their engagement and their academic progress. Staff understand the need for young people to feel reassured, cared for and, most importantly, wanted. Staff achieve this by offering young people lots of positive attention, praise and encouragement. Staff understand young people’s individual vulnerabilities and triggers that can place them at risk. Young people do not go missing from the home and are protected from child sexual exploitation. Safeguarding incidents are consistently referred to the relevant professionals, and staff work collaboratively with key agencies to manage risks. Strong relationships with local authorities are utilised to protect young people from harm. Staff are intuitive, alert and responsive to the needs of young people and, as a

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

result, they are able to recognise trigger signs quickly and take the necessary steps to de-escalate situations when possible. Incidents of restraint only take place when necessary. Records of such incidents are completed well, supporting the safety of young people and staff. Young people’s self-esteem and confidence are promoted through a wide range of varied and focused activities, both in and outside the home. 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. A parent recently commented, ‘Over the last three years, I have seen such wonderful progress in my daughter’s health and well-being. She has so many experiences that we as a family could not give.’ The registered manager continues to have a comprehensive understanding of the home and uses monitoring systems effectively to ensure that young people are

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

safe and making sustained progress. Recent developments mean that feedback from parents, young people and key partners will further support the quality of care review to enhance best practice. The registered manager is not afraid to challenge others if their practice is not of the expected standard or is not in the best interests of the young people in his care. There were no requirements or recommendations made during this inspection.

p.3

Information about this children’s home

This home is one of four local authority homes and is situated within an urban area. It is registered for up to seven young people who have learning disabilities.

p.4

Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

p.4

Recent inspection history

21/03/2016 CH - Interim Sustained effectiveness

p.4

Recent inspection history

17/03/2015 CH - 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 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 0300 123 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

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

p.6