Children's Home run by Leeds City Council in Leeds

SC033657 Unique reference number 11 January 2010 Inspection date Nicola McEvinney Inspector Random Type of Inspection

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This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated.

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You can obtain copies of The Children Act 2004, Every Child Matters and The National Minimum Standards for Children's Services from: The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Cripins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop

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About this inspection

The purpose of this inspection is to assure children and young people, parents, the public, local authorities and government of the quality and standard of the service provided. The inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcome for children set out in the Children Act 2004 and relevant National Minimum Standards for the establishment.

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The inspection judgements and what they mean

this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is strong Good: this aspect of the provision is sound Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is not good enough Inadequate: 3 of 5 Inspection Report: SC033657

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Brief description of the service

This children's home provides care and accommodation for five young people, male and female between the ages of 15 and 17 years. The home provides medium to long term care for young people who are being prepared towards independence. It is a detached house located on a housing estate within easy reach of the city centre and with easy access to local community and leisure facilities.

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Summary

The purpose of this unannounced interim inspection was to check that the recommendation made at the last inspection has been met and to ensure that young people are kept safe.

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Summary

This is a well managed children's home where young people are cared for by a competent and committed staff team. Young people confirm that they trust the staff and are well looked after.

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Summary

There were no requirements or recommendations made at this inspection. The overall quality rating is good. This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The one recommendation made at the last inspection related to young people not having a telephone. A telephone has now been provided.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Young people's information is kept securely to ensure confidentiality is maintained. A telephone is sited in the dining room and young people confirm that they are able to take calls in private.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people confirm that they know how to make a complaint, and have an awareness of the role of children's rights. However, individuals are very complimentary about the care they receive from the staff looking after them. The home maintains a 'grumbles' book recording any complaint young people may have, these are dealt with appropriately.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff have a good awareness of safeguarding issues and have received appropriate training. There is a good relationship with the local police who are proactive in taking steps to address issues of sexual exploitation. Young people confirm that staff talk to them about keeping themselves safe and they are able to speak to staff about circumstances where they do not feel safe outside the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people spoke positively about how, as a group they get on well together, insisting there was no bullying behaviour. 4 of 5 Inspection Report: SC033657 Staff are proactive in encouraging young people to return to the home at night. Young people are aware of the action staff will take if they are late and feel confident to use taxis to return to the home safely if necessary.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people confirm that staff treat them fairly and try and help them to maintain control when they are at risk of becoming out of control. There has not been any use of physical restraint. Incentives are used to promote good behaviour and when young people do receive a sanction they have the opportunity to earn this back. Individual crisis management plans are in place identifying behaviours with strategies in place to ensure a consistent approach.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Risk assessments are in place for each individual, the premises and activities identifying the risk with strategies in place. Fire records are in good order with drills held at night ensuring all know what action to take in the event of a fire. Staff discuss health and safety issues with individuals. This is particularly pertinent for those young people who are coming to the end of their placement preparing them for when they live independently.

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions, which must be taken so that the registered person meets the Care Standards Act 2000, The Childrens Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider must comply with the given timescales.

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Recommendations

There are no recommendations. 5 of 5 Inspection Report: SC033657

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