Children's Home run by Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council in Dudley

Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC038500 1 SC038500 Registered provider: Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council

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Information about this children’s home

This home is owned by a local authority. It provides care and accommodation for up to four children who have experienced adverse childhood experiences that have led to associated trauma and complex behaviours.

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Information about this children’s home

We last visited this setting on 10 March 2022 to carry out a monitoring inspection. The report is published on the Ofsted website.

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This monitoring visit

Ofsted completed an interim inspection on 16 December 2021, following concerns raised with Ofsted about the quality of care provided to children. Following this inspection, Ofsted served two compliance notices in relation to the protection of children and the leadership and management of the home. In addition, a decision was made to suspend the home’s registration.

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This monitoring visit

On 24 January 2022, a monitoring visit took place to review the notice of suspension and to monitor progress in meeting the steps set out in the compliance notices.

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This monitoring visit

Inspectors found that managers had complied with the suspension notice. However, managers had failed to prioritise making the necessary improvements. Consequently, none of the compliance notices were found to be met. Compliance notices in relation to the protection of children and leadership and management of the home were issued again. The registration of the home remained suspended.

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This monitoring visit

The purpose of this visit, on 10 March 2022, was to monitor the home’s compliance with the notice of suspension. Additionally, it was to monitor the progress in meeting the actions set out in the compliance notices. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC038500 2 It was found that managers had complied with the suspension notice but had failed to make the necessary improvements and none of the compliance notices were found to be met. Compliance notices in relation to the protection of children and leadership and management of the home were reissued. The registration of the home remained suspended.

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This monitoring visit

On 20 April 2022, a further monitoring visit took place to review the notice of suspension and to monitor the progress in meeting the steps set out in the compliance notices. At the time of the monitoring visit, there were no children living in the home. The inspector found that managers had taken sufficient action to meet the steps set out in the two compliance notices.

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This monitoring visit

Impact risk assessments and the management of risk strategies have improved for children moving in to the home. Staff and managers can clearly show that they now have systems in place to ensure that risk to children is assessed. Documents show that all known risks are identified, and consideration given to the impact of the risks in relation to the location of the home. Managers have considered strategies needed to reduce risk and when assessment should be reviewed. For example, missing- from-care assessments provide a detailed protocol for staff to follow in the event of children going missing, and what support children need on returning home. This level of scrutiny ensures that children’s safety will be a high priority.

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This monitoring visit

Managers’ understanding and reflection of risk management has improved. For example, managers have reviewed and updated safeguarding policies and policies on internet safety to ensure that they set out how children will be kept safe. In addition, the home’s no-smoking policy is now detailed and provides guidance and advice for staff on how best to protect children and help them lead healthy lifestyles. This assures Ofsted that managers and staff have systems in place and clear guidance to implement effective action to safeguarding children.

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This monitoring visit

Since the last inspection, the manager and staff have undertaken work to explore the impact of poor safeguarding arrangements on children’s welfare. For example, all staff have worked hard to reflect on the shortfalls in the quality of care of children that had been identified during previous inspections. Consequently, staff have enhanced their knowledge and understanding of how to promote the safety and welfare of children.

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This monitoring visit

Staff and managers have completed training to effectively support children. This has included training to improve the staff’s understanding of safeguarding and responses to child trauma, equality and diversity, radicalisation and medication. In addition, staff can show their understanding of the training that they have received through reflective work and discussions. This provides staff with additional knowledge and skills on how to keep children safe.

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This monitoring visit

Managers have taken action to improve clear systems for the ongoing monitoring of the home and oversight of the care and safety of children. Managers demonstrated Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC038500 3 to the inspector how they will ensure that the care of children is safe and supporting the children’s overall progression. For example, the inspector found that systems for reviewing and updating risk assessments are in place. Additionally, senior members of staff have greater oversight of children’s overall welfare, such as ensuring that children’s education, health and environment are monitored. Good oversight of the operation of the home will ensure that children’s welfare and safety are not compromised.

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This monitoring visit

Staff receive regular supervision to help them understand their roles and responsibilities and to develop their practice to safeguard children. Managers use supervision effectively to monitor staff progress and professional development. Staff confirm that they are supported by managers and have a better understanding of their roles.

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This monitoring visit

Managers have identified shortfalls in support for staff. Consequently, staff have individually and collectively participated in ongoing reflective discussions and conversations about their practice. Staff have regular team meetings to develop an in-depth understanding of the different practice approaches to be used in the home. This has been an invaluable learning experience for staff to evaluate the quality standards and the home’s ethos in creating a positive culture for children and staff. This will enable staff to support children to make progress physically, socially and emotionally.

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This monitoring visit

Managers have continued to make improvements to the home environment. For example, the home has benefited from ongoing redecoration, and children’s bedrooms no longer have active door alarms. In addition, the games room has been redecorated and the laundry room refurbished. This improved environment will help children to feel valued and take pride in the home, and ensure that children live in a comfortable and appropriate environment.

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This monitoring visit

At the time of inspection, the responsible individual notified Ofsted that there was insufficient staff to be able to provide care for children. Furthermore, there is no manager in post. Ofsted were informed that there are no plans to reopen the home until staff are recruited and a manager is appointed.

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This monitoring visit

Following this visit, a notice to suspend the home’s registration remains in place. Ofsted will undertake a further unannounced visit to monitor the home’s progress. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC038500 4

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 16/12/2021 Interim Declined in effectiveness 26/10/2021 Full Requires improvement to be good 20/08/2019 Full Good 18/09/2018 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC038500 5

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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: Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Council House, Priory Road, Dudley DY1 1HF

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Inspector

Patrick McIntosh, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC038500 6 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.

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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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