Children's Home run by Leicester City Council in Leicester

Unique reference number SC039056 Inspection date 25/02/2013 Inspector Martha Nethaway Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Date of last inspection 23/10/2012 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 local authority owned children's home is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to nine children and young people. The home caters for children with learning difficulties, physical disabilities, complex health needs and challenging behaviours allied to their learning difficulties.

p.3

Brief description of the service

The home is registered to care for up to five children under short break arrangements and up to four children under other arrangements.

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 October 2012 the overall quality rating for the home was judged as good. It is judged as making good progress as a result of this interim visit.

p.3

Progress

Since the last inspection, the Registered Manager retired at the end of December 2012. The home has appointed a new manager in January 2013 who is currently applying to Ofsted to complete their registration process.

p.3

Progress

Disabled children and young people continue to benefit from well-structured short breaks. The partnership approach of working with families and carers is an integral part of the practice at the home. Consequently, children and young people’s assessed needs are clearly identified and met.

p.3

Progress

The quality of children and young people’s care is good. Staff consistently work with children and young people to ensure they get the correct support. Care plans and risk assessments are well monitored and updated as circumstances change. Children and young people’s multiple and complex needs are well considered. On the whole, children and young people are enjoying their overnight break away from home. One social worker commented, ‘I have visited this child frequently during her stays and she presents as very happy, as I have observed her laughing, smiling and having established good relationships with staff.’

p.3

Progress

The home continues to strive to improve the quality of care and outcomes for children and young people. There are good examples where children and young people are assisted through the befriending and buddying scheme and the effective use of the children’s rights officer. This results in the voice of the child being heard and actively supported; proactive action is taken which upholds children and young people’s rights and entitlements.

p.4

Progress

Consultation and participation is good. Children and young people are contributing to decisions about the home, for example making a new play and activity room. They also enjoyed celebrating calendar events such as Halloween, Eid and Diwali. Consequently, children and young people learn more about cultural practices which helps them to understand the world around them.

p.4

Progress

The home continues to be well maintained. Since the last inspection, improvements such as painting the corridors, dining rooms and installing new flooring has enhanced the environment further. As a result there is a homely environment for children and young people.

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