Children's Home run by Leeds City Council in Leeds

Unique reference number SC033723 Inspection date 10/01/2013 Inspector Michael McCleave Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 21/06/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This is a purpose-built children’s home, which is operated by a local authority. The home provides medium- to long-term care for up to five young people with 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 children's home was judged to be adequate at the last full inspection when two recommendations for improvement were made. These related to staff supervision and ensuring that case records were appropriately maintained. The manager has taken steps to comply, demonstrating a capacity to improve.

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Progress

The young people continue to enjoy living at this children's home. They are confident that the staff keep them safe and, importantly, they feel safe. Staff demonstrate a positive approach to the care of the young people. There is a relaxed atmosphere and young people are able to approach any member of staff with any concerns or issues.

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Progress

All the young people are in full-time education and they are achieving positively in line with their abilities. The home has strong links with the local schools attended by the young people. This ensures that any issues are managed speedily. The staff are proud of the work that has gone into this area of the young people's lives. Education is valued as a means of preparing the young people for the time when they move towards independence and work.

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Progress

Since the last inspection the young people have successfully achieved their aim to have their own chickens. They have raised the finances to purchase a number of the birds and to pay for a chicken house that is set in the garden. The young people have learned much from this project, including, how to fund raise and purchase the necessary equipment; and, looking after the health and welfare of keeping animals, such as feeding them. The young people now enjoy having free range eggs available each day. Through their participation in this project, young people have an increased sense of responsibility and are more confident in their ability to achieve their aims.

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Progress

Work with young people who are preparing for independence is a strong feature at the home. Young people are fully involved in their transition plan. This means that they have ownership of the plan and learn about decision-making and responsibility.

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Progress

The management of the children's home is sound. Records are well maintained. However, some aspects of case recordings still report factually about the young people and their progress rather than being more evaluative about the progress and outcomes that young people achieve. The monitoring of records for accuracy is being appropriately carried out. The staff and management are positive about continually improving practice. This promotes the safety and well-being of the young people. This is a home that provides the young people with a stable caring environment that encourages them to enjoy life and to achieve their potential.

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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 information about the child is recorded clearly and in a way which will be helpful to the child when they access their files now or in the future. In particular be more evaluative about the progress and outcomes that young people achieve. (NMS22.5)

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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.

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