Children's Home run by Leicester City Council in Leicester

Unique reference number SC039038 Inspection date 05/03/2013 Inspector Catherine Honey Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 07/12/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This children's home provides residential care for seven young people with learning difficulties. It is owned and managed by the local authority.

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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 home's last inspection in December 2012, the overall effectiveness judgement was good with outstanding judgements in safeguarding children and young people and leadership and management. Three recommendations were raised at that inspection. The home has successfully addressed all previous areas for improvement and has continued to develop. As a result of this inspection, one recommendation is made.

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Progress

The Statement of Purpose has been revised to ensure it fully reflects the services and facilities available to young people. It now gives information on the needs of young people the home can expect to meet and gives information about the impact of any young people over the age of 18 who live at the home. In addition, a risk assessment now demonstrates how consideration has been given to any potential impact of young adults living with young people under the age of 18.

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Progress

Young people continue to make good progress while living at this home. They have been making particularly good progress with their communication skills and independence. The staff team have high aspirations for young people and continue to support them with a positive approach to learning and independence. All young people are engaged in education or further education and continue to make good progress. Young people who are aged over 18 are provided with good quality guidance and support to make carefully considered choices about their future and options available to them.

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Progress

There is an ethos of positive behaviour throughout the home. Young people respond well to the relaxed and calm atmosphere in the home. They do not engage in risk taking behaviours and are respectful of the home’s rules to ensure their safety and wellbeing. Young people are proactively supported to manage feelings of anxiety and/or anger. As a result, there are very few incidents of challenging behaviour, very little use of sanctions and no use of restraint.

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Progress

Health outcomes for young people have improved. Meals provided for young people are healthy and nutritious. Where young people have specific dietary requirements, these are incorporated into the meal planner which young people are also involved in devising. Communication between professionals about health outcomes for young people has improved meaning young people receive consistent care and support.

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Progress

The house continues to be decorated and maintained to a good standard. Further improvements, made since last inspection, have enhanced the outside area with the on-going installation of sensory equipment. This will provide more opportunities for young people to engage in activities that suit their needs within the home environment.

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Progress

A shortfall was found in the home's children's guide which does not clearly give young people information on how to contact their independent reviewing officer, the Children's Rights Director or how to secure access to an independent advocate. This means this information is not available for new admissions to the home or anyone else who may wish to use the guide such as parents. The guide is currently being revised.

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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 the children's guide includes a summary of what the home sets out to do for children, how they can find out their rights, how a child can contact their independent reviewing officer, the Children’s Rights Director, and how to secure access to an independent advocate. (NMS 13.5)

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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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