Children's Home run by Leeds City Council in Leeds

Inspection report for children’s home: 2804278 1 Registered provider: Leeds City Council

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Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home is run by a local authority. It offers care for up to four children who experience autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Children may have other associated difficulties, such as sensory impairment or learning disabilities.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of this inspection, three children were living in the home. Two children were seen during the inspection.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in October 2024.

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Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

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good

How well children and young people are helped and protected good

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good

The effectiveness of leaders and managers good

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good

The children’s home provides effective services that meet the requirements for good.

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good

Date of last inspection: not previously inspected

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good

Overall judgement at last inspection: not applicable

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: not applicable Inspection report for children’s home: 2804278 2

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The home is decorated to a high standard. Children’s bedrooms are personalised with children’s toys and photos of their families. Staff understand the children’s complex needs, and consider these fully when they are planning the children’s daily activities. This gives the children the opportunity to explore and enjoy different environments and experiences safely.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff work together to achieve the best outcomes for children. Staff are attentive and actively engage with children to build trusting relationships. Staff support children to develop tolerance and resilience, both in the home and in the wider community. As a result, children are increasingly able to manage relationships with one another more positively.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff support children’s emotional well-being through the love and nurture that is common practice in the home. Staff know the children well and know when to offer a hug to help children to cope when they are struggling. The nurturing approach in this home allows for children to feel at ease and comfortable with each other and the adults who care for them.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are supported to maintain good physical and mental health. Staff work closely with health professionals to monitor any health conditions and ensure that children receive the right support. For one child, this means that their quality of life is improving.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff support the children to achieve good attendance at school. The manager takes appropriate action to ensure that when there are barriers to learning, the right plans are put in place to better support the children.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children benefit from a well-planned and personalised introduction to the home. Staff visit children in advance and take them out on activities, helping to build trusting relationships. This thorough approach supports a smooth transition into the home. Children’s individual needs, risks and vulnerabilities are carefully assessed during these visits, ensuring that staff are prepared to meet the children’s needs from the point when they move in.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Children’s risk assessments provide a clear overview of their needs and behaviours. This enables staff to manage risks effectively. Behaviour management plans are detailed and outline individualised strategies for staff to use in response to each child’s presenting behaviours. As a result, staff are well equipped to support children safely and consistently. Inspection report for children’s home: 2804278 3 Children do not go missing from the home because of the level of staff supervision that they require. However, staff are clear on what they must do if a child was to go missing.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

The children’s personal care is carried out respectfully, so the children’s dignity is maintained. The staff actively engage and talk to the children when they are delivering any form of care. This provides the children with clear reasoning, reassurance and the opportunity for them to have control in their care.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Physical interventions are low level and used appropriately. Records are detailed and include the antecedents to the behaviour, as well as the de-escalation strategies used by staff. However, management oversight of these records and staff conversations with staff following incidents are inconsistent. In addition, staff did not speak with children following interventions due to assumptions about children’s cognitive abilities. However, this practice has now improved. A social story has been introduced to help staff gather children’s views in a way that meets their individual needs.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager continues to embed a culture of high aspirations for the children and the staff. The manager is supported well by a deputy manager who shares her ethos. Together, they have a hands-on approach and lead by example. This way of working ensures that the staff are consistent in their practice and encourages the nurturing practice that prevails throughout the home.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager and deputy work closely together to make sure that children receive consistent care from staff. The managers have an excellent understanding of the children’s needs, and they share their knowledge and experience with the staff. Managers create a low-stress, high-nurturing and supportive environment that enables the children to make good progress both socially and academically.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff have received the provider’s mandatory training, such as training on first aid, physical intervention, safeguarding and ASD. Furthermore, staff complete specialist training to meet the children’s individual needs. This means the staff have up-to date information around specific health needs.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff receive regular supervision sessions that support their well-being and promote their professional development. Training needs are identified and encouraged, which helps staff grow in confidence and competency in their roles. However, supervision records do not consistently reflect on children’s progress or areas where they may need additional support. This is a missed opportunity to further develop staff practice and enhance the quality of care provided to children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staffing levels in the home are stable, and there are currently no concerns. Staff willingly cover gaps in the rota to ensure continuity of care for children. This supports consistent relationships and a stable environment. An ongoing recruitment drive is in place to fill the remaining vacancy. Inspection report for children’s home: 2804278 4

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that all physical interventions receive thorough management oversight. Staff and children should be given the opportunity to share their views following each intervention to support reflection and learning. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 46, paragraph 9.36 and page 50, paragraph 9.60)  The registered person should ensure that staff supervision sessions provide opportunities for staff to reflect on their practice and the individual needs of the children in their care. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 53, paragraph 10.8 and page 61, paragraph 13.2)

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Information about this inspection

Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children and young people, using the social care common inspection framework. This 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’. Inspection report for children’s home: 2804278 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Merrion House, Merion centre, Leeds LS2 8LX

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Inspector

Gemma McDonnell, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2804278 6 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 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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