Children's home run by Pebbles Care Limited in Leeds

Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC379274 1 SC379274

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Pebbles Care Limited

Monitoring visit Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home is owned and operated by a private provider. The provider states in their statement of purpose that they provide care and accommodation for up to four children and young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. There is a manager in post and she became registered in February 2019.

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This monitoring visit

Owing to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, the home has not been inspected since April 2019. The purpose of this monitoring visit was to explore the children’s experiences, particularly given the date of the last inspection, and to address specific concerns raised by the independent visitor. These include staffing arrangements, safeguarding practice and the timeliness of repairs in the home.

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This monitoring visit

This monitoring visit was completed remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. One child was keen to be involved and helpfully provided a narrated video tour of the home and the garden. This provided a good overview of the fabric of the home. There were no concerns about the condition of the home. The provider now has their own maintenance person who completes repairs in a timely way. This gives children a sense that they are valued.

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This monitoring visit

The children live in a homely environment and enjoy a games/chill-out room that offers sensory stimulation and the opportunity to relax, and is stocked with toys, games and books. The staff celebrate the children’s achievements, which are displayed on the ‘Achievement wall’.

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This monitoring visit

Children are all enrolled at school, with one child home-schooled by staff during the pandemic restrictions. The children are keen to learn and enjoy the extra activities provided by staff, such as making their own bedroom furniture or cooking meals. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC379274 2 The many photographs around the home show the fun and exciting opportunities that children experience, including a sports car driving experience and sitting in an aeroplane cockpit. The children enjoy an annual holiday together with staff and day trips out. During the periods of COVID-19 restrictions, staff have been creative and have kept the children busy. One child said, ‘We go out and do things in the area. We like to explore together, taking our torches with us.’

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This monitoring visit

The staff continue to receive training during the pandemic period, and new starters complete an induction booklet with a strong emphasis on safeguarding practice. Staff have a good understanding of safeguarding processes. They feel supported by managers and are kept up to date about the children’s plans during their regular reflective supervision and staff meetings. The manager has met the requirement raised at the last inspection as staff have received their annual appraisals.

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This monitoring visit

The staff team’s joined-up approach of working with external professionals helps them to identify if children need extra clinical help. One parent spoke positively about the support provided by staff and of the progress made. This has led to a significant increase in the time the child spends with his family. The parent said, ‘Staff have been great at helping with building family time, offering support and encouragement every step of the way.’

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This monitoring visit

The home has been carrying several staff vacancies since October 2020. Children are unsettled due to the changes of staff. One child said, ‘Five staff have left.’ The managers and staff work extra hours to cover but this is having an impact on staff morale and is not sustainable over a longer term.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 08/04/2019 Full Good 29/05/2018 Full Good 07/02/2018 Full Good 16/03/2017 Interim Improved effectiveness Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC379274 3

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Statutory Requirements

This section sets out the actions that the registered person(s) must take to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the ‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’. The registered person(s) must comply within the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

The leadership and management standard is that the registered person enables, inspires and leads a culture in relation to the children’s home that—

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Requirement Due date

helps children aspire to fulfil their potential; and promotes their welfare.

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to—

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Requirement Due date

lead and manage the home in a way that is consistent with the approach and ethos, and delivers the outcomes, set out in the home’s statement of purpose;

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Requirement Due date

ensure that the home has sufficient staff to provide care for each child; and

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Requirement Due date

ensure that the home’s workforce provides continuity of care to each child. (Regulation 13 (1)(a)(b) (2)(d)(e)) 31/03/2021

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Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to monitor the action taken and the progress made by the children’s home since its last Ofsted inspection.

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Information about this inspection

This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC379274 4

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Pebbles Care Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 2 The Calls, Leeds LS2 7JU

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Inspector

Tina Ruffles, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC379274 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 looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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