Children's home run by Leicester City Council

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC039001 1 SC039001

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Registered provider: Leicester City Council

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home is operated by a local authority. The home provides care for up to seven children who may have social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of the inspection six children were living in the home.

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Information about this children’s home

The registered manager has been in post since September 2024.

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Inspection date: 13 November 2024

Enforcement action since last inspection: none

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Information about this inspection

At this inspection, the inspector evaluated:

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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: SC039001 2

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Findings from the inspection

This visit was undertaken to address specific concerns received by Ofsted.

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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.

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Findings from the inspection

At the last inspection, the home was undergoing significant renovation. This is now complete, and it is a comfortable home for children. The home is spacious, with areas for children to relax and socialise. Children personalise their own bedrooms, providing a sense of ownership and individuality. The manager has ensured that the damaged windows in the home have been repaired or replaced.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff complete safeguarding training that helps them to understand the children’s risks and vulnerabilities. These topics are explored in monthly team meetings. Alongside this, staff benefit from regular supervision that provides them with the opportunity to reflect on their practice and consolidate their learning.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff know the risks the children can be exposed to. Risk assessments are regularly reviewed, updated and shared with staff. This provides clarity and direction when any incidents occur, and staff follow these plans consistently. When there is an incident of concern, the managers and staff reflect on the plans and adjust them if required. One child’s risk assessment clearly demonstrated a reduction in risks over time, providing both the child and staff with a visible record of progress.

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Findings from the inspection

The use of physical intervention is only employed when necessary to protect the children or others around them. Such interventions are proportionate to the situation. All incidents are thoroughly recorded, reviewed and monitored by the leadership team. Importantly, the child’s perspective is always sought, and staff revisit these discussions, on several occasions where required, to ensure that the child’s voice is heard.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager and staff build trusting relationships with the children. This helps the children to have open discussions through regular key-work sessions and share their views and worries. Staff have been able to talk through a particular area of concern with a child to help develop their understanding and collaboratively consider strategies to help them improve their safety. As a result of these discussions, children have the stability they need, and this helps to keep them safe.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager responds to concerns around exploitation. For one child, the leadership team escalated their concerns to senior managers when the police did not provide sufficient detail to ensure the child’s safety. This proactive approach demonstrates the staff commitment to safeguarding children. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC039001 3 The manager has consistent oversight in the home. Regular reviews of staff recordings and all incidents enable reflective practice and provide opportunities for learning.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager is ambitious for children and encourages staff to share in this ambition. Staff say they are happy at work and feel supported by the leadership team. The manager is supported by two assistant managers and a senior leadership team, who are equally committed to the care and progress of children.

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Findings from the inspection

The three recommendations made at the full inspection in May 2024 are considered met. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC039001 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

21/05/2024 Full Good 03/05/2023 Full Requires improvement to be good 13/02/2023 Full Inadequate 21/11/2022 Full Inadequate Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC039001 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Leicester City Council

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Leicester City Council, City Hall, 115 Charles Street, Leicester LE1 1FZ

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Inspector

Caroline Coop, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC039001 6 and inspects 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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