Children's Home run by Leicester City Council in Leicester

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2713112 1 Registered provider: Leicester City Council

p.1

Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

p.1

Information about this children’s home

This home is owned and operated by a local authority. It provides care for one child with learning disabilities.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

The manager is registered with Ofsted and is suitably experienced and qualified.

p.1

Inspection date: 28 January 2025

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

p.1

Inspection date: 28 January 2025

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: 2713112 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

At the time of the last inspection, the home was judged to require improvement overall. Leaders and managers have now ensured that the systems in the home are strengthening, and progress is being made.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

Managers’ oversight of the home is strengthening. When concerns around health and safety are identified, and there is delay in taking action, managers escalate these concerns appropriately. Additionally, deputy managers attend handover meetings between staff shifts, where they can provide a good oversight of information-sharing between staff.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

Managers have changed the way staff record information about the child. Staff now make electronic records. These are overseen more effectively by managers and any improvements are identified sooner.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

Staff prioritise children’s education. The child’s education takes place in the home. Staff and education colleagues work collaboratively, and they agree on targets for the child. Wherever needed, staff support the child with education.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

The child is encouraged to follow a healthy lifestyle and is supported to choose a balanced weekly menu. Staff undertake exercise sessions with the child, including yoga and other sporting activities. When the child needs close monitoring with a video camera because of their health condition, managers ensure that this monitoring is agreed with stakeholders.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

Staff have ensured that the child maintains positive relationships with their family. They have supported the child to attend a family wedding, which is highly significant for themselves and their family.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

Staff understand the need for the child to become part of the community. They are enjoying swimming and going to an adventure park. Staff work hard to make sure that activities are positive and successful. For instance, they purchased a whistle so that the child can be part of finishing their own swimming session.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

Managers have ensured that the child is looked after by a consistent team of staff. This reduces anxiety for the child and develops relationships between the child and staff based on trust.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

The child continues to develop their communication skills. They were using a pictorial communication system and now use more verbal language to make their views, wishes and feelings known. This means that they are now more likely to ask staff to move away if too close, which reduces anxious behaviour and incidents. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2713112 3 The use of physical intervention is rare. Staff know to use consequences and any form of intervention as a last resort, once they have tried all other less restrictive approaches. Staff are well trained and supported in this area of care.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

Managers have ensured that there is a safe process in place for administering medication. Robust and effective audits mean that errors are minimal.

p.3

Findings from the inspection

The child lives in an environment that is specifically developed around their care needs. However, the child’s bedroom door is cracked around the frame and handle.

p.3

Findings from the inspection

At the last inspection, five statutory requirements were made. At this inspection, all the requirements had been fully met. One recommendation was made at this inspection. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2713112 4

p.3

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

07/05/2024 Full Requires improvement to be good 14/08/2023 Full Outstanding Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2713112 5

p.4

Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure that the home is a nurturing and supportive environment that meets children’s needs. In most cases, children’s homes are homely, domestic environments. (‘Guide to Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 15, paragraph 3.9) Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2713112 6

p.5

Children’s home details

Registered provider: Leicester City Council

p.6

Children’s home details

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

p.6

Inspector

Simon Hunter, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2713112 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