Children's Home run by Leeds City Council in Leeds

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home received a judgment of Good at the full inspection. At this interim inspection, Ofsted judge that it has improved effectiveness.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Two requirements resulted from the full inspection; the home has successfully addressed both of these. One recommendation results from this inspection.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The statement of purpose now gives clear guidance on the home’s admissions policy. It has successfully admitted one young person since the last inspection. Improved procedures have supported good behaviour.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

A formal programme of life story work is lacking. This will support young people in making sense of their previous history and allow for more effective key working.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The registered manager is due to commence her level five qualification in March 2016. She successfully leads a team of highly motivated permanent staff members. The home continues to explore new and inventive areas of practice, for example, supporting strong relationships with extended family members. This helps to promote excellent staff relationships with young people.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Feedback from professionals and young people remains positive. One professional refers to, ‘the immense commitment and dedication shown by the staff team.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff access a wide range of training and value regular supervision and appraisal. This develops their understanding of young people’s behaviour and promotes a learning culture in the home. One staff member comments, ‘It has really opened up my eyes, I now understand a lot more, this is the best job I have ever had.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There is a strong safeguarding culture in the home. High staffing levels, regular case recording and strong management oversight support this. In-depth, individualised crisis management plans assist in supporting young people and promoting consistent staff responses. Behaviour is good in the home and restraint use is limited. When incidents occur, staff encourage young people to reflect and apologise. Consequently, young people learn how to self-regulate. Young people engage well in education. Staff liaise effectively to support and incentivise achievement. One staff member comments, ‘They really tap into the ethos of the home, where everyone pulls in the same direction.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

All of the young people are in the care of the host local authority. This allows for close proximity to family and friends and for support from specialist support services such as child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS). Staff are able to gain priority access to these services, hence a reduced waiting time. Young people feel helped and fully supported as a result.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff support safe contact in the home with parents and friends who are regular visitors. Staff press allocated social workers to agree overnight contact with friends and family where appropriate. This helps to lower incidents of unauthorised absence from the home and reduces any stigma that young people may feel.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people participate well in their care planning process. All presently sit on the local children in care council and are encouraged to contribute towards meetings and drafting plans. This ensures transparency and representation of wishes and feelings.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people learn new experiences and skills. Staff promote the value of teamwork and healthy living by offering camping trips. Young people recently climbed a local mountain. Regular key work sessions focus on developing independence skills such as cooking and budgeting. This supports raised self- esteem.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff advocate regularly on behalf of young people. They alert independent reviewing officers as to possible drift or delay issues. Recently, a request for a family group conference explored a possible placement with extended family. Young people receive the best possible service as a result.

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Information about this children's home

The local authority owns and operates this children’s home. It provide medium to long-term care for up to five young people with emotional and or behavioural difficulties. 

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

25/02/2015 Interim Sustained effectiveness

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Recent inspection history

14/01/2014 Interim Satisfactory progress

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):  Introduce an album of pictures and mementos of time in the placement. This will help the development of life story work for young people and a greater understanding of their history. (The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 16, paragraph 3.14)

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What the inspection judgements mean

At the interim inspection 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

Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children and young people living in the children's home. Inspectors considered the quality of work and the difference adults make to the lives of children and young people. They read case files, watched how professional staff work with children, young people and each other and discussed the effectiveness of help and care given to children and young people. Wherever possible, they talked to children, young people and their families. In addition the inspectors have tried to understand what the children's home knows about how well it is performing, how well it is doing and what difference it is making for the children and young people who it is trying to help, protect and look after. This inspection focused on the effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of children and young people since the most recent full inspection.

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Information about this inspection

This 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 Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the Guide to the children's homes regulations including the quality standards. the guidance raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted, which is available from Ofsted's website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted . If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Information about this inspection

achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, workbased learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It inspects services for looked after children and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team,

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Information about this inspection

The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

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Information about this inspection

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Information about this inspection

Store Street Manchester M1 2WD T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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