Children's Home run by Leeds City Council in Leeds

Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 1223201 1 Registered provider: Leeds 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. It provides care for up to four children who may experience social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of the inspection, two children were living in the home.

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Information about this children’s home

This inspection was led by two managers who have been supporting the home. One of the managers is applying to register with Ofsted.

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This monitoring visit

The home was inspected on 20 and 21 August 2025 and was judged inadequate due to significant shortfalls in leadership and management and the protection of children. As a result, compliance notices were issued under regulation 12 (the protection of children standard) and regulation 13 (the leadership and management standard). This monitoring visit was to assess progress on the steps in both compliance notices.

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This monitoring visit

One child was available and was spoken with during the visit, and one child was at school. The child spoke positively about the improvements and changes in the home. These positive changes have helped children to feel safer in the home. One child said, 'I do not lock my door anymore as it is fine now, everything feels safe.’

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This monitoring visit

Since the last inspection, improvements have been made to the home’s interior, with clear plans for continued development. The overall atmosphere is calmer and more positive, contributing to a more welcoming environment. Seasonal decorations, including those for Halloween, have been added. Children have been actively involved in choosing the home’s colour scheme, helping to create a sense of ownership and belonging. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 1223201 2 Staff speak positively about the recent changes in the home. They have been supported to reflect on the findings of the last inspection, which has helped strengthen team relationships and improve overall effectiveness. Staff members who have returned to work said they are happy to be back. They describe the atmosphere in the home as being more positive, and the home as a place where they feel motivated and valued.

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This monitoring visit

Fire evacuation training has been reviewed and updated. All staff have received retraining in this area. Practice fire drills have been repeated to ensure that learning is embedded. Children have been involved in this training, taking part in skills sessions to help them understand the dangers of fire and build their confidence in the home’s fire safety procedures.

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This monitoring visit

Children’s risk assessments have been strengthened. Known risks are clearly identified, outlining specific triggers as well as effective strategies to support each child. Mindfulness and breathing exercises have been recognised as helpful tools for staff. Managers actively practise these techniques with the staff to ensure they are equipped to provide consistent care to the children.

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This monitoring visit

One child’s pathway plan has been reviewed and improved following challenge from the managers. Leaders and managers acknowledge that further development is needed in this area, and they have established a clear focus on supporting children both to move on and to settle into the home successfully. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 1223201 3

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

20/08/2025 Full Inadequate 10/09/2024 Full Good 08/11/2023 Full Good 14/03/2023 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 1223201 4

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Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure that when a placing authority or another relevant person does not provide the input and services needed to meet a child’s needs during their time in the home, the home must challenge them to meet the child’s needs (see regulations 5(c)). In particular, pathways plans for those children preparing for adulthood, should include all relevant information and plans to help them with this stage in their life. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations including, the quality standards’, page 12, paragraph 2.8)

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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: 1223201 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Merrion House, Merrion Centre, Leeds LS2 8LX

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Inspector

Jo Birtwhistle, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 1223201 6 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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