Decision details

Request for the provisional Authority to Spend to build a new four bedroom residential home for children with complex needs.

Delegate approval of the Design and Cost Report (DCR) to Director of Childrens and Families.

The Director of Children and Families submitted a report that presented background information regarding the reasons for the proposal to build a new specialist children’s home for children with Autism and complex needs, and  alongside this, the report detailed the works which were proposed to be undertaken to deliver the home.

By way of introduction to the report, the Executive Member confirmed that the proposal was to provide a permanent home for four children with complex needs including learning disabilities and Autism, who were currently located outside of Leeds.

Members then discussed the ongoing work and aspirations of the Council regarding the provision of care for Children Looked After, with further detail being provided on the arrangements in place to monitor the wellbeing of those looked after children who were located in placements outside of Leeds.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the current project cost estimate of £1.858m for the construction work and associated fees to facilitate the build of the new specialist children’s home for children with Autism and complex needs, be noted;

(b)  That the approval of the ‘Authority to Procure’ (ATP) and the Design and Cost Report (DCR) be delegated to the Director of Childrens and Families;

(c)  That it be noted that the Chief Officer Social Work will be responsible for the appointment of all required staff to the new specialist children’s residential home.

A dedicated team comprising of colleagues with expert knowledge of the requirements for children with complex needs has been involved throughout the design process.    

Further consultation is planned and will take place over the coming months.

Ward members

Colleagues from Children and Families including:

Service delivery managers

Registered children’s home managers

Social workers

Head of service

Deputy Head of service