Children's Home run by Leeds City Council in Leeds

Unique reference number SC066120 Inspector Monica Hargreaves Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Registered person Leeds City Council Registered person address Leeds City Council, Department of Education 110 Merrion Centre LEEDS LS2 8DT Responsible individual Stephen Banks Walker Registered manager William Martin Nealon Date of last inspection 11/09/2014 2 of 6 Inspection date 06/02/2015

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Previous inspection good Enforcement action since last inspection none

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This inspection

This home was judged good at the last full inspection. At this interim inspection Ofsted judge that it has improved effectiveness .

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This inspection

Young people receive a high standard of care and consequently they make very good progress during their stays at the home. Staff are enthusiastic about their work and have an excellent knowledge of the young people they look after. They value them as individuals and have high aspirations for them. Parents and professionals make many positive comments about the home and how young people are helped to progress. One parent reported to the home, 'I saw a vast improvement in (name) communication skills and independence. Words cannot express the gratitude we feel for the way you have taken care of (name)' and a professional commented, '(Name) has made huge progress in this home.'

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This inspection

Young people are extremely well supported to achieve their individual targets. These may be small steps, but are significant for young people with very complex needs. For example, young people's communication skills improve and some young people learn to vocalise simple words. They learn how to do practical tasks such as helping with their laundry, clearing their place at the table and making simple snacks and drinks. This helps to develop their sense of independence.

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This inspection

Some young people's behaviour can be extremely challenging when they first arrive in the home. Staff work, together, very effectively with the young people to help them to learn to behave in ways that are socially acceptable. Over time young people's behaviour improves. This supports their overall progress.

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This inspection

Young people enjoy activities both in and out of the home. For example, trips to the coast, parks and other places of interest; baking; using the computer; playing music; and spending time in the ball pool and the sensory room. Since the last inspection, some young people have been involved in 'Take Over' month. This is a project run in the local authority, where young people are encouraged to take on the role of a worker in the home for a day in order to develop their confidence and skills. This 3 of 6 enabled a young person to plan a day as the home's manager and direct staff at a team meeting. The young person commented, 'I really enjoyed being manager for a day and want to do it again soon'.

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This inspection

Parents retain overall responsibility for the education of their children. Staff work closely with families and schools to support young people's daily attendance at school when they are in the home. This enables the young people to achieve. Staff ensure that a copy of the young people's education plans are kept in the home;they also attend education reviews. Consequently, the staff understand the goals young people are working towards and how to help them to achieve them. Young people's health needs are met very well when they stay at the home.

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This inspection

Young people enjoy their time in the home. They respond very well to staff and are cared for safely. They are appropriately supervised so that they are not able to leave the home without the knowledge of staff. Young people do not bully one another.

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This inspection

Staff ensure that young people are extremely well supported when they move into and out of the service. Since the last inspection, one young person has left the home. Their transition to adult services was managed very sensitively, and over a number of weeks, to ensure that it went smoothly for the young person and their family.

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This inspection

There have been a number of improvements since the last inspection. The lounge has been redecorated and refurbished. This is now a very homely and comfortable space where young people can relax with staff and watch television or listen to music. The recording systems have also been developed in order to better capture the work that staff do with young people in key work sessions and general consultation. These key records are produced in a format of symbols, photographs and simple language that support the young people's involvement in their own plans and what is happening in the home. Staff are working closely with the Voice and Influence team to further develop ways of ensuring that young people are able to express their wishes and feelings.

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This inspection

The home is managed very effectively. The manager has an excellent oversight of the work of the staff team and the progress young people make. An independent visitor monitors the quality of care in the home and makes recommendations to improve practice. The manager takes action on any issue that is identified.

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This inspection

Staff feel well supported and report that the team works together very well. Professionals and families say that the manager and staff communicate very well with them. This ensures that there is consistency in the care given to young people, which in turn supports their progress.

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This inspection

One recommendation was made at the previous inspection. This related to an aspect of the manager's monitoring reports and this has been fully addressed. 4 of 6 No requirements or recommendations have been made as a result of this inspection. 5 of 6

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Information about this children’s home

This home is operated by a local authority and registered to provide care and accommodation for up to five children. Children and young people who use the home have special educational needs, physical disabilities and associated emotional and behavioural difficulties. Care is mainly organised on a shared basis, with children and young people staying in the home for part of the week. Occasionally children and young people can stay for longer depending on their needs.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

11/09/2014 Full good 30/12/2013 Interim good progress 16/05/2013 Full good 08/11/2012 Interim satisfactory progress Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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.

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What inspection judgements mean

At the interim inspections we make a judgement on whether the home has improved in effectiveness, sustained effectiveness, or declined in effectiveness since the previous full inspection. This is in line with the Inspection of children’s homes: framework for inspection.

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Information 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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Information about this inspection

The report details the main strengths, any areas for improvement, including any breaches of regulation, and any failure to meet national minimum standards. The judgements included in the report are made against the framework of inspection for children's homes.

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