Children's Home run by Leicester City Council in Leicester

Unique reference number SC039056 Inspector Catherine Honey Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Registered person Leicester City Council Registered person address New Walk Centre Welford Place LEICESTER LE1 6ZG Responsible individual Michael David Evans Registered manager Susan Patricia Aldridge Date of last inspection 03/12/2014 2 of 5 Inspection date 19/03/2015

p.1

Previous inspection good Enforcement action since last inspection none

p.2

This inspection

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

p.2

This inspection

Outcomes for children and young people who live at the home permanently or have short breaks are very positive. Young people continue to receive a very good standard of individualised care from a committed and caring staff team. A social worker said, ‘I can’t thank staff enough for the care they offer my young person. The changes are remarkable. My young person’s self-esteem and confidence have really come on.’

p.2

This inspection

The management of this home is very effective. Since the last inspection, the Registered Manager has gained an additional level 5 qualification in Leadership and Management which means the home is led by a well-qualified manager who has an up-to-date understanding of how to run and manage a children's home effectively. The management team continue to seek ways to improve the quality of care and experiences for children and young people. Since the last inspection, there has been an increased focus on identifying targets for young people and measuring their progress. New initiatives, such as this, help improve quality of care and demonstrate a home that is constantly evaluating its practice to consider areas for development and improvement for the benefit of young people. A staff member stated, ‘We strive to be nurturing, caring and child centred.’

p.2

This inspection

Positive relationships with parents, as well as strong relationships with a wide range of professionals, ensure that children and young people receive consistency of care. This helps ensure they receive the most appropriate support to meet their complex individual needs. A parent stated, ‘It’s surpassed my expectations. I don’t worry about my child as much when he’s there. Staff understand me, they are friendly. They are willing to be flexible. They understand my child means the world to me.’ This provides children and young people with the best opportunity to reach their full potential. 3 of 5 Children and young people are safe and happy living in or visiting the home. There are high staffing levels which enable staff to supervise all of the children and young people, and help decrease the risk of them coming to any harm. Complex behaviour displayed by some young people is well-managed. Positive behaviour and

p.2

This inspection

achievements are celebrated. At the last inspection, a recommendation was made in relation to the outcome of informal complaints being recorded. This recommendation is met. One informal complaint has been made since the last inspection. This has been investigated and responded to fully. Staff and managers are open to feedback, using it to help improve practice.

p.3

This inspection

Internal and external quality assurance systems continue to be effective. They identify strengths and areas for development in the home. Regular consultation with young people and parents demonstrates how the manager continues to seek ways to make even further improvements to the service. However, the physical design and construction of a lounge and dining area in one part of the home no longer meets young people's needs due to a lack of space, which prevents young people from accessing this area of the home independently in wheelchairs. The home had work planned to improve this area but this has been postponed. Consequently, young people live in and visit a home, where not all areas are designed to suitably meet their needs. 4 of 5

p.3

Information about this children’s home

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.4

Information about this children’s home

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

p.4

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

03/12/2014 Full good 03/03/2014 Interim satisfactory progress 09/10/2013 Full good 25/02/2013 Interim good progress

p.4

Statutory Requirements

This section sets out the actions which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Children's Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The registered person(s) must comply with the given timescales.

p.4

Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure that all parts of the children’s home used by children are adapted as necessary, in order to meet the needs arising from the disability of any disabled child accommodated in the home so as to enable him to live as normal a life as possible. (Regulation 31 (2) (f)) 30/04/2015 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.4

Reg. Requirement Due date

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.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5