Children’s home judged Good by inspectors
An improving children's home managed by the City of Wolverhampton Council has been judged to be Good by Ofsted.
Social Care Inspector Karol Keenan visited Upper Pendeford Farm last month and found that children 'enjoy their time' when they come to the home for 'short breaks'.
They are able to take part in a wide range of activities which 'help children to build good relationships with staff, and add to the fun times that children have when they visit’.
Short breaks are focused 'on both enjoyment, and children's personal development'. Children value the group work sessions offered at the home which they say 'help build their life skills'.
Staff and managers have 'good relationships with parents and professionals'. Parents 'appreciate the support their children receive' and 'have confidence in the staff caring for their children'.
Staff develop relationships with children that help them to talk about when they feel unsafe or are being exploited, and staff follow 'clear protocols' when children disclose abuse.
Since the previous inspection, when Upper Pendeford Farm was found to require improvement, the registered manager and senior managers 'have led the development of the home with determination' and are 'clear about their commitment to continue to make improvements so they can support more children'.
Young people said the opportunities and incentives they have at the home are helping them in other areas of their lives. As a result, Mr Keenan concluded that the home 'is fulfilling its stated aims and objectives.'
Ofsted judged the overall experiences and progress of children and young people, how well children and young people are helped and protected, and the effectiveness of leaders and managers, to all be Good.
Upper Pendeford Farm provides short breaks and crisis care for up to six children aged between 10 and 17 whose experiences in childhood lead them to present complex behaviours.
Councillor Beverley Momenabadi, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: "This is a positive report which demonstrates the improvements which have been made at Upper Pendeford Farm.
"It provides a home away from home for children and young people with emotional or behavioural difficulties and I am pleased that not only Ofsted, but also the children, young people and their families, speak highly of the important support it provides.
"We acknowledge that there is still more to do, but we, and the team at Upper Pendeford Farm, are focused on continuing to improve the support it provides to vulnerable children and young people.”
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