Children's home run by Dove Adolescent Services Limited in Wakefield

Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC355755 1 SC355755

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Dove Adolescent Services Limited

Monitoring visit Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This is a privately run children’s home that provides care and accommodation for up to two children who may have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager has been registered at this home since July 2020.

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This monitoring visit

Due to the restrictions in place relating to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, this monitoring visit was carried out off site. The visit was to explore potential breaches of regulations, following information being shared with Ofsted in notifications that indicated a potential risk of harm to the children. The visit included a review of documents and discussions with the manager, staff members, a parent and social workers.

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This monitoring visit

The home has not had a full inspection since April 2019.

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This monitoring visit

Staff have trusting relationships with the children. The staff nurture children and provide them with positive attention. The staff have a good understanding of the children’s vulnerabilities and needs. This is helping the children to feel safe. One child rated feeling safe at the home as ‘five out of five’.

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This monitoring visit

Children’s outcomes have improved as a result of living at the home. There has been a reduction in incidents of self-harm, improved relations with family members, and an increased engagement with learning. One child who was not in education before living at the home now aspires to finish school and work towards her chosen career.

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This monitoring visit

The individualised care plans and risk assessments set out the care and support provided to the children. These records provide staff with a clear overview of the children’s needs and the strategies needed to reduce the risk of harm. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC355755 2 Staff talk with the children to help them develop strategies to manage their emotions and difficult feelings. When children become upset, staff respond with clear boundaries and support. This is supporting the children to learn about safe and acceptable behaviours and helps to reduce the risk of harm for children.

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This monitoring visit

Family time has continued throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. When able, staff have supported children to meet with their family face to face, in line with the local restrictions. This has helped the children to maintain their relationships with those people who are important to them.

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This monitoring visit

When a child moved in to the home at short notice, the staff supported the child to feel at ease. The child already living at the home was also supported to prepare for the new arrival. The manager was quick to evaluate the risks associated with placing the children together and identified strategies for the staff to follow to make this a positive transition for both children. The new child’s social worker said, ‘Staff made her feel welcome. They personalised the bedroom on the same evening to help her feel welcome at the home.’

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This monitoring visit

Staff are supported to understand the therapeutic needs of children through clinical consultations. The good working relationships with the clinical team means that the care provided to the children is responsive to their daily needs.

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This monitoring visit

The registered manager provides strong leadership. Staff feel supported and are aware of their roles and responsibilities. The manager provides good oversight of day-to-day care and is a visible leader in the home. Staff also have regular supervision and training.

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This monitoring visit

The manager and the staff are respected and valued by the children’s social workers. Both social workers commented that the care and support that the team has provided has made a difference to their children’s lives. One social worker said, ‘They have helped her to regulate her emotions better.’

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This monitoring visit

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 24/04/2019 Full Good 23/10/2018 Full Good 13/06/2017 Full Good 06/03/2017 Interim Sustained effectiveness Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC355755 3

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Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to monitor the action taken and the progress made by the children’s home since its last Ofsted inspection.

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Information about this inspection

This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000.

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Dove Adolescent Services Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 170 Southgate, Pontefract, West Yorkshire WF8 1QJ

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Barbara Whittaker

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Inspector

Aaron Mcloughlin, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC355755 4 to 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, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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