England's children's homes faced some tough times in 2011, with a number of councils announcing closures and many providers struggling to fill beds. These five improvements could make a positive difference, says Jonathan Stanley.
by Jonathan Stanley, Independent Children's Homes Association, policy and practice consultant
Good residential child care thrives in an effective and supportive context. In recent years the sector has been meeting its objectives. These five challenges will help to ensure that every young person growing up in a children's home has stability, security and continuity.
1. Challenge people with Ofsted evidence on the quality of care and lobby for a change in inspections
The number of good and outstanding children's homes has been sustained and the key to improving the very small number of failing homes is precise and robust advice. We should lobby for the return of Ofsted's 'improvement function', where inspectors advise on practice rather than just evaluate.
2. Challenge talk of children's homes as 'institutional'
Most homes are now 'family sized' so we must bust the myth that children's homes are 'institutional'. Ofsted's new inspection framework focuses more on the quality of children's lives and outcomes. This means that inspection reports will allow children's voices to be heard and should boost providers' self-esteem.
3. Challenge every move that places cash over care
We need child-centred commissioning. Ofsted diplomatically notes powerful financial pressures on providers. It looks for transformational difference, yet many councils now focus on the bottom line rather than visionary development or even investing to save money over the long term.
4. Challenge inappropriate placements for young people
Every placement should be the most 'appropriate placement' if care planning guidance is to be meaningful. The most appropriate placement should never be trumped by the 'best value' one.
5. Challenge multiple placement moves for young people
We need to cut the number of young people with five or more serial placements.
Great post. This is really helpful to teachers as well as the parents to teach their children and to help them develop some skills.