Children's Home run by Catholic Care (Diocese of Leeds) in Leeds

Unique reference number SC001531 Inspection date 28/08/2012 Inspector Fiona Parker Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 30/05/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The home is run by a charitable organisation and is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to five boys. The home provides care for young people with emotional and 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 satisfactory progress .

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Progress

This home was judged inadequate at the previous full inspection in May 2012. This interim inspection judges the home is making satisfactory progress and has taken action to address the eight requirements and two recommendations. One recommendation for staff to improve the consistency of practice is made as a result of this inspection.

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Progress

Since the previous inspection there are improvements in monitoring the quality of care, which as a result, now better identifies any practice or recording shortfalls requiring attention. This ensures practice is accountable and the care children receive improves. The technical support in the home has improved and now better supports the manager and staff team in their roles and communications. The Statement of Purpose suitably informs interested parties on how young people will be cared for, this is now updated with the method of interventions and how door alarms are used in the home.

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Progress

The staff team have undertaken training in managing young people's behaviours and employing safe interventions. Although the position is to not use physical interventions, the staff team are now trained to understand and undertake interventions safely. This ensures young people are protected during times of crisis. Young people are consulted on the consequences for negative behaviours, therefore feel these are fair and reasonable. The staff team are starting to use restorative approaches to working with young people and such approaches have been successful in resolving complaints in the community. However on occasion staff are not consistent in their messages to young people, for example on what is a healthy breakfast. This is unhelpful and confusing for young people.

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Progress

Young people are kept safe and are not frequently absent from the home. Staff work within local safeguarding protocols to ensure any risk-taking behaviours are subject to multi-agency assessment. Young people report they mainly get on with each other and enjoy positive relationships with most staff members. One young person said 'I am happy with everything, I feel safe and I feel listened to.' Young people have good attendance at school and recent examination results show young people achieve their potential to further their educational plans. Young people say they are enjoying varied summer activities, such as holidays in Europe and camping trips. This promotes their physical health, skills, interests and broadens their experiences.

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

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Recommendations

 ensure all staff understand, share and implement the home's ethos, philosophy and approach to caring for children. (NMS 3.4)

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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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