Children's home run by Leeds City Council in Leeds

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC033370 1 SC033370

p.1

Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

p.1

Information about this children’s home

This home is run by the local authority. The home provides care for up to five children who may need support with social and emotional difficulties.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

A new manager has been appointed and is awaiting registration with Ofsted.

p.1

Inspection date: 12 February 2024

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

p.1

Inspection date: 12 February 2024

Enforcement action since last inspection: none

p.1

Information about this inspection

At this inspection, the inspector evaluated:

p.1

Information about this inspection

 the care of children  the safety of children  the effectiveness of leaders and managers. The inspector has looked closely at the experiences and progress of children, using the social care common inspection framework. This assurance inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000 to assess the effectiveness of the service, how it meets the core functions of the service as set out in legislation, 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’. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC033370 2

p.1

Findings from the inspection

We did not identify any serious or widespread concerns in relation to the care or protection of children at this assurance inspection.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

The relationships forged between the children and staff is a key strength at this home. Children spoken with during the inspection confirmed this, with one child saying, ‘Staff are great here; they are firm, fair and friendly. I know that they care and want me to do well.’

p.2

Findings from the inspection

Education outcomes and progress for children are mixed. Some children do well and have clear aspirations for their future, whereas others are disengaged from education. The manager and staff understand their responsibilities in promoting education. However, the work undertaken to overcome these barriers has not yet had the desired outcome. Over time, lack of engagement in education is likely to hinder children’s future life chances.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

Care plans are well written, with clear objectives designed to help children to progress and achieve. Staff provide children with care and support in line with their written plans. This promotes children’s overall development.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

Staff encourage and support children to participate in a wide range of interests and activities. Staff recognise the importance of these activities in increasing children’s confidence and self-esteem.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

The home itself is warm and cosy and has ample space for children to spend time together or relax in their own rooms. The overall state of repair and the quality of the decor, furnishings, fixtures and equipment are of a good standard. This helps to ensure that the home offers a pleasant environment for children to live in.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

The children are vulnerable to various risks, including exploitation. However, staff are clear about the action needed should risks arise. When children experience unsettled periods, staff show compassion and try to understand children’s struggles. Over time, some children have begun to trust the staff who care for them. This helps them to talk more openly about their feelings, worries and concerns.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

Children’s individual risk assessments provide staff with the necessary guidance that they need to promote children’s safety and well-being. The regular review of children’s risks ensures that staff are aware of any changes to agreed risk- management strategies. This helps to ensure that staff know what action to take to promote children’s welfare and well-being.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

Overall, missing-from-home incidents have reduced since the last inspection. However, when a child does go missing from the home, staff respond appropriately to ensure that the child returns to the home safe and well. Missing-from-home Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC033370 3 protocols have been updated and reviewed for each child. This ensures that staff remain clear about what action to take when these incidents occur.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

Regular and purposeful direct-work sessions are carried out around specific risks. These include risks associated with exploitation, smoking, drinking alcohol and substance misuse. This open approach from staff, along with access to specialist services, is helping to educate children on the importance of looking after their personal safety.

p.3

Findings from the inspection

Since the last inspection, a new manager and deputy manager have been appointed. They work well as a team, and they have a clear vision of how to ensure that children have the best possible opportunities to achieve.

p.3

Findings from the inspection

The new manager has begun to make changes to the day-to-day operation of the home. As a result, staff morale has improved, the quality of recording is better and daily communication through purposeful handovers has helped to ensure that children’s daily routines are understood and followed by staff.

p.3

Findings from the inspection

The requirements made at the last inspection have been suitably addressed. Steps have been taken to ensure that children’s risks are well understood, and that staff are armed with the skills and knowledge needed to care for the children.

p.3

Findings from the inspection

Children are cared for by a stable, motivated, competent and dedicated staff team. This helps to ensure that children benefit from consistent and predictable care from adults they know well.

p.3

Findings from the inspection

Staff meet weekly as a team. These meetings are well structured and meaningful. The manager uses these meetings as an opportunity to reflect on, and enhance, practice. Because of this, staff are better equipped to manage challenges when they arise. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC033370 4

p.3

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

18/07/2023 Full Requires improvement to be good 16/08/2022 Full Good 15/06/2021 Full Good 30/10/2019 Full Requires improvement to be good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC033370 5

p.4

Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure that children who are not participating in education because they have been excluded or are not on a school roll for some other reason, are supported to sustain or regain their confidence in education and be engaged in suitable structured activities. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 28, paragraph 5.15) Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC033370 6

p.5

Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Civic Hall, Calverley Street, Leeds LS1 1UR

p.6

Inspector

Ceri Evans, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC033370 7 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.

p.6

Inspector

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.7

Inspector

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

p.7

Inspector

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.7

Inspector

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

p.7