Children's Home run by Gateshead Council in Gateshead

Unique reference number SC036773 Inspection date 20/12/2011 Inspector Steve Pearson Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 09/08/2011 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated.

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About this inspection

The purpose of this inspection is to assure children and young people, parents, the public, local authorities and government of the quality and standard of the service provided. The inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000 to assess the effectiveness of the service and to consider how well it complies with the relevant regulations and meets the national minimum standards.

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About this inspection

The report details the progress made by the provider since the last full inspection, identifies any further strengths, any areas for improvement and makes judgements as outlined in the Inspection of children’s homes – framework for inspection (March 2011).

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The inspection judgements and what they mean

Good progress The children’s home has demonstrated continued improvement in quality of care and outcomes for children and young people and where appropriate has addressed all requirements and the large majority of recommendations that were raised at the previous inspection. Satisfactory progress The children’s home has maintained quality of care and outcomes for children and young people and where appropriate has addressed all requirements and the majority of recommendations that were raised at the previous inspection. Inadequate progress The children’s home has failed to address one or more requirements and/or has not met the majority of recommendations and/or the quality of care and outcomes for children and young people have declined since the last full inspection.

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Brief description of the service

The children's home is provided by a local authority and is registered with Ofsted to provide care and accommodation for up to five young people, aged between 12 and 17 years old. The home focuses on supporting young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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Progress

Since their previous inspection the service is judged to be making satisfactory progress.

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Progress

At the previous inspection on 9 August 2011, Ofsted made two recommendations and judged the overall effectiveness of the home as outstanding.

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Progress

The current inspection assessed whether the recommendations had been met. It also assessed what the young people, Registered Manager and staff said about any changes that had taken place. The records of young people's house meetings and quality monitoring reports were also assessed.

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Progress

Since the previous inspection, young people have continued to succeed in their education and employment. Young people who have left the home have also continued to do well.

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Progress

The staff hold regular house meetings with the young people. They record young people's suggestions and opinions and they pursue any necessary actions through to completion. The Registered Manager has also continued with their regular discussions with young people. As a result of consultations with young people, some significant improvements have developed. For example, the young people now can send free text messages to the home when they are out in the community. This helps to safeguard their welfare. In addition, the home has been redecorated. Two members of staff have special responsibility for encouraging young people to participate in developing how the home operates.

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Progress

Another useful improvement came from the response to a neighbour's complaint.

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Progress

The team of staff have taken part in two days of training about the promotion of equality and diversity. This has helped to achieve greater awareness of team roles and has helped to present a balanced view of gender issues to young people.

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Progress

The home has only partially met the two recommendations made at the previous inspection. The format of the external visitor's monthly visit report has been updated, but Ofsted has only been sent the first page of the two-page report. Additionally, these reports are not being sent to Ofsted in a timely manner. These shortfalls, therefore, make it more difficult for the regulator to monitor how the home is performing. Additionally, it is understood that business plans have been updated to reflect the necessary issues although the final version of the plan is awaiting publication.

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Progress

The Registered Manager continues to monitor the welfare of young people and is proactive in taking forward concerns about any individuals.

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Statutory Requirements

This section sets out the actions which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Children's Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The registered person(s) must comply with the given timescales.

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) supply Ofsted with a copy of the external visitor’s monthly monitoring report, specifically by the end of the month following the month in which the visit takes place. (Regulation 33 (5)) 31/01/2012

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

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Recommendations

 maintain a written development plan, reviewed annually, for the future of the home, either identifying any planned changes in the operation or resources of the service, or confirming the continuation of the home’s current operation and resource (NMS 15.2)  ensure that the external monthly visitor evaluates how the home is supporting children to enjoy and achieve; evaluates whether there is an effective approach to behaviour management and assesses the records of missing person’s reports. (Volume 5, statutory guidance, para 3.12)

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