Children's Home run by Care Today Parallel Parents in Leeds

Unique reference number SC403890 Inspection date 07/02/2012 Inspector Valerie Shephard Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 03/08/2011 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This children's home is one of a number that is owned and managed by a private organisation. It provides care and accommodation for up to four young people who have emotional or behavioural difficulties.

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The inspection judgements and what they mean

Good progress The children’s home has demonstrated continued improvement in quality of care and outcomes for children and young people and where appropriate has addressed all requirements and the large majority of recommendations that were raised at the previous inspection. Satisfactory progress The children’s home has maintained quality of care and outcomes for children and young people and where appropriate has addressed all requirements and the majority of recommendations that were raised at the previous inspection. Inadequate progress The children’s home has failed to address one or more requirements and/or has not met the majority of recommendations and/or the quality of care and outcomes for children and young people have declined since the last full inspection.

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Progress

Since their previous inspection the service is judged to be making good progress.

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Progress

This interim inspection has focused on the progress made by the home since the previous full inspection when the overall judgement was outstanding. The home has demonstrated continuous good progress in all areas, which improves the quality of care and outcomes for young people.

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Progress

Young people continue to make progress and achieve good outcomes as a result of the excellent care provided by staff. All are in receipt of education and are achieving well compared to their starting point at the time of placement. The majority of the young people have high aspirations in terms of their future goals; one young person hopes to go to university. There are ample opportunities for young people to engage in a range of activities. Staff particularly encourage participation in sport and assist young people to fulfil their interests in judo, boxing, swimming and football. One young person is performing at British championship level in his chosen sport and another is learning to drive. This young person commented that ‘staff have helped me to be positive about my future.’ Young people’s views are consistently gathered and used to inform the smooth operation and running of the home. Young people know they have a voice and that

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Progress

they are listened to. There are a number of examples of where consultation is effective. One example is where staff hold confidential sessions with young people to discuss issues such as sexual health and relationships. Another example is an improvement in the operation of the staff handover meetings. Better recording ensures that staff are clear about agreements made and are better able to provide consistent boundaries to young people.

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Progress

Staff meet young people’s cultural and ethnic needs well. Staff endeavour to educate themselves about different cultures to enable them to best meet young people’s diverse needs. Pictures representing the homelands of some of the young people are displayed on the walls, as well as greetings in different languages. Staff commented that while they are helping young people develop their skills in English, they are learning a little of the young people’s languages. This encourages a sharing of culture and also means that young people feel valued and respected. A recipe folder is available which includes local favourite dishes as well as those from other countries. All in the home have an input into the food bought and menus prepared. Staff assist young people to cook food which is familiar to them and reflects their ethnicity and culture. These initiatives help young people to develop a positive self- view and identity, and increase confidence in their skills.

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Progress

Young people are safe in the home, and feel they are safe. Staff are fully aware of safeguarding procedures and protocols. There have been no reports of bullying or physical restraints, and few incidents of young people missing from home. Staff have developed a helpful risk assessment tool which highlights potential triggers for young people. This provides staff with a clear view of a young person’s vulnerabilities; the aim of which is to reduce the risk of an escalation of difficult behaviour.

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Progress

The staff team are very open to new ideas and look to improve practice wherever possible. A number of initiatives have been developed which assist in the gathering of information and feedback from all parties involved in the young people. Staff use tracker plans to gather evidence of where young people have made progress and good outcomes have been achieved. There is good feedback and consultation with interested parties, such as police, neighbours and parents. Staff utilise this information to improve the running of the home for the benefit of the young people. Young people have feedback cards with telephone numbers and e-mail addresses for them to use if they wish to make a complaint. A social worker said ‘staff are very open to new ideas and go out of their way to support the young people in their care.’

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Progress

Management systems are in place which helps to ensure the home is monitored regularly and good standards of care are provided for young people. Regulation 33 visits and Regulation 34 reports are produced in accordance with regulations. The home has an up-to-date development plan which highlights the intended improvements for the coming months. This includes full redecoration of the home where young people will be encouraged to propose their views and ideas. The home is well maintained and furnished to a high standard. All young people personalise their own bedrooms and are encouraged to keep their personal spaces clean and tidy.

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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 to assess the effectiveness of the service and to consider how well it complies with the relevant regulations and meets the national minimum standards.

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About this inspection

The report details the progress made by the provider since the last full inspection, identifies any further strengths, any areas for improvement and makes judgements as outlined in the Inspection of children’s homes – framework for inspection (March 2011).

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