Children's Home run by Leeds City Council in Leeds

Assurance visit report: SC066120 1 SC066120

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Information about this children’s home

A local authority operates and runs this home. The home provides care for young people who have complex needs and who plan to live in a long-term residential setting. The manager has been in post for over two years.

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Information about this children’s home

Previous inspection date: 3 October 2018

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Information about this children’s home

Previous inspection judgement: Outstanding

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Information about this visit

Due to COVID-19 (coronavirus), Ofsted suspended all routine inspections in March 2020. As part of a phased return to routine inspection, we are undertaking assurance visits to children’s social care services that are inspected under the social care common inspection framework (SCCIF).

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Information about this visit

At these visits, inspectors evaluate the extent to which:

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Information about this visit

 children are well cared for  children are safe  leaders and managers are exercising strong leadership.

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Information about this visit

This visit was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000, following the published guidance for assurance visits.

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Information about this visit

Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills is leading Ofsted’s work into how England’s social care system has delivered child-centred practice and care within the context of the restrictions placed on society during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Findings from the visit

We identified no serious or widespread concerns in relation to the care or protection of children at this assurance visit. Assurance visit report: SC066120 2

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The care of children

Children and young people have trusting relationships with the staff. They benefit from being cared for by a consistent team of staff who understand the children’s and young people’s care needs well. As a result, children and young people are settled and happy.

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The care of children

Staff have supported the children and young people to keep in touch with their families during lockdown. Staff have been resourceful and creative, making good use of technology to ensure that children and young people remain in contact with their families.

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The care of children

Staff have been resourceful in providing the children and young people with positive activities during lockdown. This has enabled the children and young people to continue to have fun and achieve.

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The care of children

Staff help children and young people to understand COVID-19 and the changes made in the home to keep them safe. Staff have encouraged children and young people to communicate their wishes and feelings. This has helped children and young people to feel safe during the pandemic.

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The care of children

Children and young people have been able to access education when possible and are kept engaged by staff. Good daily routines and structure means that children and young people have continued to make good progress throughout lockdown.

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The care of children

Children and young people participate in monthly house meetings. They are encouraged by staff to share their views about what they would like to do in a relaxed way . The children and young people access direct work, formally and informally, using communication tools. This enables them to have a voice and supports them in ensuring that their needs are met.

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The safety of children

Staff understand and manage risk well. This helps to better protect children and young people from harm.

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The safety of children

The team of staff demonstrate a high level of skill and understanding, which enables them to meet the complex needs of children and young people effectively. Staff know children and young people extremely well and offer a high level of support. As a result, children and young people are better protected from harm.

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The safety of children

Staff implement positive health and safety routines in line with government guidelines. This has helped to keep everyone better protected in the home.

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The safety of children

The children and young people have comprehensive risk assessments and behaviour management plans in place. These are reviewed regularly by the manager and Assurance visit report: SC066120 3 senior practitioners. This means that staff are aware of any changes to children and young people’s risks and vulnerabilities.

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Leaders and managers

The manager has a wealth of knowledge and experience and has been in post for over two years. She has good support from the senior practitioners and a consistent and experienced staff team.

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Leaders and managers

The manager has ensured that all plans and risk assessments are checked and reviewed, in line with COVID-19 government guidelines. The manager has ensured that staff are fully aware of these changes and able to implement them in practice.

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Leaders and managers

The manager ensures that senior practitioners and staff receive ongoing training, supervision and development opportunities. This has enabled the staff to remain fully supported during COVID-19.

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Leaders and managers

The manager has worked with the independent visitor to ensure that any actions from the regulation 44 visits are implemented promptly. This has helped to ensure that practice remains effective.

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Leaders and managers

The manager has ensured that the staff team has remained consistent. This means that children and young people have received consistent care throughout the pandemic.

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Leaders and managers

The manager has kept positive links with other services that support the holistic care needs of the children and young people. The manager has built positive relationships with families to ensure that all the children and young people have continued to have family time where possible and appropriate. Assurance visit report: SC066120 4

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Merion House, 7th Floor West, Merrion Centre, Leeds LS2 8TU

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Inspector

Noel Cooper, Social Care Inspector Assurance visit report: SC066120 5 to 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, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: http://www.gov.uk/ofsted

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