Children's home run by City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council in Bradford

Inspection report for children’s home: SC431696 1 SC431696 Registered provider: City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council Interim inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

p.1

Information about this children’s home

The home is operated by the local authority. It is registered to provide care under short-break arrangements for up to 10 children who have learning and/or physical disabilities, some with complex and/or life-limiting conditions.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

An application was made to vary the home’s registration on 19 July 2021, to provide permanent placements for up to three children who need full-time care and support.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in 2011. She has significant experience and knowledge of working with children with complex health needs.

p.1

Inspection date: 31 January 2022

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

p.1

Inspection date: 31 January 2022

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: SC431696 2

p.1

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged requires improvement to be good at the last full inspection.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

At this interim inspection, Ofsted judged that it has improved effectiveness.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, staffing shortfalls at the home have meant that the short-breaks service was restricted. This is being reviewed on a weekly basis to ensure that the provider limits the impact on children and families, who benefit immensely from this valuable resource.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

One child has moved on from this home in a planned way. The manager used her knowledge of the child’s needs to advocate for them to return to the care of their family. Staff worked in partnership with social care, health professionals and family members to ensure that the family was able to meet the complex health needs of the child at home. Staff ensured that the family had access to specialist equipment and training to provide the child with continuity of care. The child continues to access short breaks as part of their long-term care plan. This means that the child will still have access to the vast array of activities they enjoyed during their extended stay at the home. This also means that the family will have regular and planned breaks to support the reunification home.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Three children moved into the home prior to the last inspection. These children were placed in an emergency and in an unplanned way. Despite this, all three children have made progress since moving into the home. They now have strong relationships with the staff and take part in enjoyable, fun activities and feel a part of their home.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager’s retrospective impact risk assessments conclude that the children are appropriately placed together. One child stated that living in the home was ‘good’ and that they get to do activities. Staff report that the home is calmer, and children are more settled since their arrival at the home.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Children have not been involved in any serious incidents since the inspection in August 2021. Staff have managed children’s behaviour effectively in the home, leading to a reduction in physical interventions. Children are therefore having more positive experiences living in this home.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There have been two incidents of physical intervention since the last inspection. Both were managed well by the staff. Staff and the child involved were supported with a debrief, and there was management oversight of the interventions. Staff also discussed these interventions in team meetings. This means that staff are reviewing and reflecting on their practice routinely to better protect the children. Inspection report for children’s home: SC431696 3 Children are making progress. One child who previously would not engage in any activities now enjoys trampolining, going for walks and go-karting. Another child is now being supported with developing their social skills and to better self-regulate. This child is now able to go shopping and to restaurants. Staff supported the child with managing this sensitively, to help reduce the child’s anxieties. Another child is now spending more time in the communal areas of the home rather than in his

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

bedroom. This enables the child to interact better with staff and use the interactive screen in the lounge.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

All the children have experienced an increase in family time since the last inspection. Staff have ensured that communication with families is open and that they are updated about the children’s progress. Staff support the children to visit their family members in the community or within their family home. Extra visits were put in place at Christmas for families, which allowed them to exchange gifts during the festive period. Staff feel proud of the achievements that children make and celebrate these.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Children were consulted about how the home environment could be improved. This led to the children having their bedrooms personalised with sensory lights, pictures, photos, beanbags and bedding of their choice.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The children who access short breaks also have improved bedrooms which are personalised for their visits to the home. As a result of this, the home environment is much improved and the children have access to sensory rooms, a music room and improved outdoor spaces which allow the children to play freely and safely.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager has responded well to the requirements from the full inspection. Staff have now received training to help them meet the complex health and behavioural needs of the children. Staff describe feeling more skilled and confident in meeting the children’s needs.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager communicates and works effectively with others. She and staff at the home attend six-weekly care planning meetings, with a range of professionals including paediatricians, psychiatrists, child and adolescent mental health services, specialist nurses, schools and social workers. This means that children’s health, disability and risks are understood and reduced. Two recent safeguarding concerns were addressed effectively in line with safeguarding procedures.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Professionals and parents report that the manager and staff are passionate and knowledgeable about the children and that they work effectively in partnership.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Social workers report that the manager advocates well for children and escalates matters as required to ensure appropriate decision-making for children’s care, health and educational needs.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager has a good understanding of the strengths and areas for improvement in the home. She uses the information from the independent visitors to make timely improvements. She also has improved management oversight within the home. Inspection report for children’s home: SC431696 4 However, gaps linked to the manager’s supervision indicate a lack of regular oversight of the management of the home. Inspection report for children’s home: SC431696 5

p.3

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

10/08/2021 Full Requires improvement to be good 24/09/2019 Full Good 19/06/2018 Full Good 17/10/2017 Full Outstanding Inspection report for children’s home: SC431696 6

p.5

Recommendation

 The registered person must have systems in place so that all staff, including the manager, receive supervision of their practice from an appropriately qualified and experienced professional, which allows them to reflect on their practice and the needs of the children assigned to their care. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations, including the quality standards’, page 61, paragraph 13.2)

p.6

Information about this inspection

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.6

Information about this inspection

Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children and young people, using the ‘Social care common inspection framework’. This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000 to assess the effectiveness of the service, how it meets the core functions of the service as set out in legislation, 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’. Inspection report for children’s home: SC431696 7

p.6

Children’s home details

Registered provider: City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council

p.7

Children’s home details

Registered provider address: City Hall, Centenary Square, Bradford, West Yorkshire BD1 1HY

p.7

Inspector

Noel Cooper, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: SC431696 8 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 children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

p.7

Inspector

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, 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, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.8

Inspector

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.8

Inspector

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.8