Children's Home run by Leeds City Council in Leeds

Unique reference number SC066120 Inspection date 08/11/2012 Inspector David Martin Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 01/06/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This home is operated by a local authority and registered to provide care and accommodation for up to five children of either sex. Children and young people who use the home have special educational needs, physical disabilities and associated emotional and behavioural difficulties. Care is organised on a shared basis, with young people staying in the children's home for part of the week.

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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 service had its last full inspection in June 2012 and its overall effectiveness was judged to be adequate. Outcomes for young people and the quality of care were considered to be good. The home has taken positive action in relation to the four recommendations made as a result of the inspection. The details are set out below.

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Progress

First, the home has arranged for all staff to undertake safeguarding training which specifically addresses the needs of young people with a learning disability. The training will be provided by the Local Safeguarding Children Board in the near future. The arrangements demonstrate the home’s commitment to enhancing staff practice.

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Progress

Second, the home has improved its use of body maps to record injuries and marks observed on young people. The record of any injury now includes a clear account of action taken by the home. The information is also shared with professional colleagues as appropriate. The improvements enable the home to monitor injuries thoroughly and promote the safety and welfare of young people.

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Progress

Third, the home has implemented a number of strategies to assist staff in developing a broad understanding of the needs of young people with learning disabilities. Staff are actively researching relevant topics, and the home has consulted professional colleagues in order to draw on their expertise. This contributes to the professional development of staff.

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Progress

Fourth, Regulation 34 reports are being completed. They are evaluative and identify areas of progress, consolidation and further improvement. They provide a clear account of activity in the home, and as a result, are contributing to the development of the home.

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Progress

The home has made good progress in implementing the recommendations. However, the provider has identified a range of serious issues concerning staff practices. This includes the use of a non-approved moving and handling technique, failure to act in accordance with an agreed intervention strategy and not fully respecting the dignity of young people. The issues arose following an incident that occurred recently in the home. It is to the provider’s credit that prompt action is being taken to investigate. Further positive action is planned, but until such time as it is implemented, the home is unable to demonstrate that all staff are working in a way which is consistent with the Children’s Homes Regulations 2001 and associated national minimum standards.

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Progress

In addition, the provider did not notify Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of the incident in accordance with the requirements of Schedule 5 of the Children’s Homes Regulations 2001. Non-compliance in this instance does not enable Ofsted to form an early view on whether appropriate action was taken in response to an incident.

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Progress

As a result of this inspection, one requirement is made concerning notifiable events and one recommendation concerning the work undertaken by staff.

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Statutory Requirements

This section sets out the actions which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Children's Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The registered person(s) must comply with the given timescales.

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure that HMCI is notified without delay of any events listed under Schedule 5. (Regulation 30(1)) 03/12/2012

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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 that all staff’s work is consistent with the Regulations and National Minimum Standards. (NMS 21.3)

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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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