Children's Home run by Leicester City Council in Leicester

Unique reference number SC039025 Inspection date 21/02/2013 Inspector Joanne Vyas Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 17/10/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The home is run by the local authority and registered to provide care and accommodation for six young people of either sex. The home offers care and accommodation for young people who have 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 good progress .

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Progress

At the previous inspection in October 2012, the overall quality rating for this home was judged as good with two requirements and one recommendation made.

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Progress

The Registered Manager was asked to ensure the children's home is secure from unauthorised access. Staff follow good systems and processes which ensure the home’s security. The Registered Manager was also asked to ensure reports completed after monitoring visits from a senior member of the organisation are sent into Ofsted in a timely fashion. These reports are now received by Ofsted at the required times. Reports are detailed and provide a clear picture of the conduct of the home. They also provide suitable challenge to ensure the home continues to improve its services for the young people.

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Progress

The Registered Manager was also asked to ensure prompt and comprehensive feedback is given to young people when they make a complaint. Very few complaints are made formally at this home. However, when they are, complaints are responded to quickly ensuring an appropriate response which is satisfactory to the complainant. Young people are settled in this home. They are relaxed in the company of staff. They are making good progress with regards to their education and risk taking behaviours such as going missing from the home. Some young people go missing regularly. Staff follow good procedures and work closely with external agencies such as the police to ensure young people return safely. Staff build strong relationships with young people which helps them to feel safe and secure. Furthermore, the strength of these relationships has meant that young people only go missing for a number of hours rather than a number of days.

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Progress

Young people say that staff ask for their views and opinions. They particularly find the regular young people’s meetings useful stating that they can have their say. They say they like their bedrooms and have chosen the décor for them. They have also chosen the décor in communal areas although they are not keen on the new carpet in the lounge. They are clear about the rules of the home especially those with regards to smoking in their bedrooms. However, currently they are choosing to continue with this risky behaviour. Staff monitor closely and are about to introduce an incentive scheme with big rewards such as a holiday abroad to try and improve this situation. Young people are aware of this scheme and staff say they are already responding positively.

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Progress

Staff have robust systems in place to ensure they and young people are protected from the risk of fire. Staff receive fire safety training and are also going to complete training in using fire extinguishers. This has been recommended from a recent local authority fire inspection due to the risk of fire setting in the home.

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Progress

Young people from abroad who have difficulties with the English language are well supported with the use of an interpreter. Furthermore they are introduced to people from their cultural community to prevent feelings of isolation. Young people are supported to follow their religious and cultural beliefs. Staff are knowledgeable about different cultures and facilitate attendance at local places of worship such as churches or mosques.

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Progress

Staff are competent and qualified. They are a stable staff team who ensure that young people are at the centre of all practice. They are well supported by a strong leadership team who are motivated and enthusiastic. The Registered Manager is reflective which ensures the service continues to improve for young people.

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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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