Children's Home run by Care Today Parallel Parents in Leeds

Unique reference number SC403890 Inspection date 15/10/2013 Inspector Michael McCleave Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 13/06/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This children's home is one of a number that is owned and managed by a private organisation. It provides care and accommodation for up to four young people who have 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 satisfactory progress .

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Progress

At the previous full inspection in June 2013, the home was judged to be good.

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Progress

This home has recently experienced change with a new manager being appointed. Nevertheless, the main focus of caring for the young people remains the primary task. The young people benefit from staff who are committed to their welfare.

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Progress

Staff work positively to ensure that the young people achieve good outcomes socially and educationally. For most of the young people their educational achievements are good compared to their starting points when they initially moved into the home. Some young people however, are not cooperating with their educational plans. In these cases, staff work in partnership with the social workers and education service to ensure that these young people are provided with alternative educational provision to meet their needs.

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Progress

The young people live in a safe environment and staff have a clear understanding of their safeguarding responsibilities. Staff work actively to promote the safety of the young people. Some however, continue to place themselves at risk of harm through inappropriate contact with adults in the community. Action is being taken by staff working closely with the statutory services to keep these young people safe.

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Progress

The young people enjoy good relationships with the staff. One young person said of the staff, 'I know they do their best for us,' and another commented, 'I like the staff here; they care about me, we get to do lots of activities.'

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Progress

The staff continue to provide the young people with individualised care in line with their plans and these are reviewed regularly to ensure that progress is monitored. The manager has set up a monthly discussion forum for the young people to be informed about changes being introduced. This promotes their involvement in the life of the home. It is a good example of equality and diversity.

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Progress

The management oversight at the home is being improved. This is a period of change for the staff with a new manager in post. Systems are being reviewed and more effective ways of working are being developed by the manager. Staff are supported by the manager to carry out their complex tasks with each young person.

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Progress

At the last inspection one recommendation was made relating to the need to enhance the quality assurance oversight of records by the manager. This has improved; although some records do not always have the signatures of staff. This makes the verification and authentication of these records difficult. The areas requiring improvement have been identified by the new manager and strategies are being implemented to bring about change in the overall operation of the home.

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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 children are protected from abuse and other forms of significant harm. (NMS 4.1)  ensure the system to monitor the quality and adequacy of record keeping is effective and take action when needed. (NMS 22.1)

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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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