TWO children’s homes in the district have been found to require improvement following Ofsted inspections.

The homes were moved from Bradford Council control in April, and are now run by Bradford Children and Families Trust.

In Ofsted’s first inspection since the change, one home, which is not named was rated ‘requires improvement to be good’ overall, although one area – the effectiveness of leaders and managers - was classed as ‘inadequate’.

This was however a step up from an overall rating of ‘inadequate’ at the previous inspection before it was transferred.

The home itself is a short break setting and provides care for up to six children with physical or learning disabilities and/or a sensory impairment.

The report said there were “significant shortfalls in the leadership and management of the home”.

It did add, however: “There has been a lot of progress in terms of children’s experiences since the last full inspection. Children now enjoy the time they spend at this home. They receive individualised care from staff who know them well.”

“However, children’s outcomes are not always recorded and reviewed. One child’s targets have not been reviewed for over a year. The opportunity to fully understand children’s progress and be ambitious for them is lost.”

The report went on to say that staff work hard to ensure the children are not defined by their disability and that staff genuinely care about the children.

Meanwhile, the second home, which is also not named, but provides care for up to four children with social and/or emotional difficulties, was rated ‘requires improvement to be good’ in all areas.

As the home had re-registered under the trust, there was no previous judgement for comparison, but the report said: “Children’s experiences of living in this home are mixed.

It added: “The children currently living at the home have not yet settled in, and staff have not been able to establish and sustain positive relationships with them.

“As a result, the home is experiencing a period of instability, with some children experiencing heightened levels of anxiety.”

The inspector found that the dynamics between the children have not always been well managed by some staff, adding that inconsistencies in approach by staff have contributed to this.

The inspector did praise effective liaison with education professionals, that tutoring was available to those who were struggling, and that staff also encouraged children to engage in a variety of activities.

A spokesperson for the Trust said: "Bradford Children and Families Trust strives to ensure a high quality of care in our children’s homes and that the children in them do well in all areas of their lives.

"We work closely, openly, and honestly with our colleagues in Ofsted to develop practice and ensure children are well cared for.

"We aim for all children’s homes to be good or outstanding and are committed to addressing any concerns raised by Ofsted and our own internal monitoring systems.

"We have put in place a new senior management team who are working hard to ensure our children’s homes improve, and any concerns raised are addressed promptly.”

The Trust came into force earlier this year to take over the running of children’s and social care services from the Council.