Children's home run by Wakefield Council 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 . There were no requirements or recommendations raised at the last inspection and no shortfalls have been identified at this inspection.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The experience for young people is excellent. They are happy and settled, and staff know them well. The home has a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Young people have a choice of which room they would like when they come to stay. They have the opportunity to be involved in organised activities, but they can also have time to themselves if they wish. Consequently, young people are happy and relaxed.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff are supportive of the young people’s families and spend time building strong relationships with them. They recognise that this supports young people. A family member commented, ‘I find it difficult to trust people with his care; I trust the staff at [Name of home] because it’s always the same staff members. I can phone them whenever I need to and he trusts them, he is happy. I think they are brilliant.’ Because of this, a previously isolated young person now has the opportunity for new experiences. Strong relationships are built with young people. Staff give them confidence to try new things and believe in themselves. Young people are completing their Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards and have enjoyed a special evening to celebrate their achievements. Another young person is celebrating his artwork with an exhibition.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff have produced an excellent additional version of the children’s guide that is mainly pictorial. This shows that they consider different formats of communication and encourage inclusion for all. This helps young people of all abilities to understand what the home does.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The registered manager empowers her staff team to take on responsibility and grow professionally. There is continuous training available and the team are encouraged to progress their learning. Staff turnover is minimal and there is very little sickness. Staff say they are happy and feel supported. They enjoy their jobs, and focus on the best outcomes for children and young people. The staff speak with genuine care, warmth and knowledge of the young people. They focus on making things better for them. Staff believe in what they do. They talk animatedly about the young people and are dedicated to their work. Staff are proud of what they do. This enables them to invest in young people and build good quality relationships with them.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The techniques used by staff are effective in helping young people to manage their emotional well-being. The use of de-escalation is evident; it reflects the training that staff have had and shows that they use their knowledge well. This helps young people to feel more secure; because of this, they are happier, and are relaxed and trusting of staff.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff have developed ‘healthy relationships’ sessions that include information for young people about knowing their bodies, good hygiene and keeping safe. This shows they recognise the changing needs of young people. One young person has risky behaviours; staff are extremely vigilant with regard to this. Subsequently, the young person has developed strategies to keep herself safe because of this.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Robust monitoring by the manager and by an independent visitor is in place, which leads to continuous improvements for the service. For example, the manager listens to parents and revises ways of communication to support them. This has resulted in the development of a regular newsletter. Improved communication between the home and parents means that young people receive a more consistent service. There is a strong theme of restorative practice running throughout the staff teams work. Solid social work methods that are used in key-worker sessions, supervision and team meetings mean that young people receive dependable care in a safe and nurturing environment.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff willingly go beyond expectations in order to promote the best outcomes for young people. They are constantly developing their learning and use any opportunity to improve practice. Because of this, young people receive a robust level of care that keeps them safe and protected.

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Information about this children’s home

This service is run by the local authority. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to seven children and young people at any one time, irrespective of gender, who have learning disabilities. Some children and young people also have physical disabilities and complex health needs. This service provides a short break and outreach service. The domiciliary care service was launched in October 2015 and is registered with the Care Quality Commission.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 05/12/2016 Full Outstanding 29/03/2016 Interim Improved effectiveness 19/01/2016 Full Outstanding 26/03/2016 Interim Improved 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 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 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 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

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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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