Children's Home run by Pebbles Care Limited in Leeds

Unique reference number SC417795 Inspection date 16/01/2013 Inspector Malcolm Stannard Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Date of last inspection 27/09/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.1

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.

p.2

Brief description of the service

This children's home is owned and managed by a private company. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for no more than four young people who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

p.3

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.

p.3

Progress

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

p.3

Progress

At the last inspection in September 2012, the overall effectiveness of the home was judged to be good. At that inspection one recommendation for improvement was made and appropriate action has been taken to fully address it. Young people at the home are making good progress in improving their health and fitness and developing their independence.

p.3

Progress

An enhanced monitoring and auditing process has been introduced which enables clear evidence of regular checking of the quality of recording to be available. All records are checked on a monthly basis by the manager and any shortcomings found are noted for action. Young people's case file audit sheets have also been introduced which are completed monthly. This enables any deficiencies in the content of files to be identified, recorded and highlighted for rectification by a key worker. This identification of any missing documents in young people's files means that they can be requested, allowing staff to have full information relating to the individual young people they work with.

p.3

Progress

Young people have been supported by staff at the home to improve their health and decrease any damaging behaviours. As a result, two young people have stopped smoking and some have achieved creditable weight loss. All the young people in the home attend a fitness programme at a local leisure centre. They are able to attend as many times a week as they wish and take part in activities such as swimming, Zumba and spinning. Young people spoken with said they enjoyed going to the centre and would go every night if they could.

p.3

Progress

Some young people have taken part in an art group facilitated by an external tutor for an extended period. Their work and the commitment they have shown to the subject have resulted in them achieving recognised awards.

p.4

Progress

Progress has been made by some young people in building their independence skills. Opportunities to purchase their own food and prepare and cook it are enabled by staff. Young people who have previously found it difficult to travel on public transport on their own to school or appointments have been supported to gradually increase the times they do so, while continuing to ensure a safe and protected environment for them. Considerable assistance is in place to identify and furnish accommodation for those young people for who it is appropriate and who will leave the home in the near future.

p.4

Progress

The manager at the home has completed a detailed progression and development plan for the provision. Some areas such as the enhancement of health and medication information and increased detailing of recruitment checks have already been implemented. Further development relating to the streamlining of care and education plans has recently commenced.

p.4

Progress

The home continues to provide a well maintained, resourced and homely provision. The majority of young people at the home have lived there for some time and there is a settled and calm ethos. The manager and staff know the young people well, recognise their needs and address these in an individual and positive manner.

p.4

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.

p.5

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.

p.5