Children's Home run by Darlington Borough Council in Darlington

Unique reference number SC068000 Inspection date 23/03/2012 Inspector Stephen Graham Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 21/09/2011 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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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

This children's home is local authority managed and provides care and accommodation for up to three children with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties or learning disabilities.

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Progress

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

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Progress

The home was judged as good at the last inspection visit. Since that visit, the manager and staff team have worked effectively to further improve the service. The one action set and the two recommendations made at that inspection have each been implemented. One new recommendation is made regarding the completion of recommended staff training, following staffing changes at the home.

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Progress

To ensure that the home is well led and managed, monitoring visits are completed on behalf of the registered provider. The arrangements to complete these visits have been further improved to ensure that they take place at the required frequency. The staff team working at the home are well qualified overall and are experienced in working with children and young people. They are supported to access additional training opportunities. However, not all of the staff who work at the home hold a minimum level 3 qualification in social care.

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Progress

The staff team monitor the physical condition of the building to ensure that it remains homely and comfortable for the young people living there. Arrangements to complete any necessary repairs to the building have been improved to help ensure that repairs are completed fully and promptly. Prior to their admission to the home, young people receive an admissions pack. The manager has worked in partnership with young people to improve the presentation of the pack and to include photographs of the home. This helps young people to become more familiar with the building and how the service is provided in advance of their first visit.

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Progress

The manager and staff team consult very regularly with young people, their parents, carers, placing social workers and other specialist staff involved in their care. Consultation is completed using a combination of group meetings, surveys and individual discussions. These arrangements help to ensure that the wishes and feelings of young people and those involved in their care are taken into consideration. Detailed records are maintained by the manager and staff team which help to demonstrate how views and ideas received are incorporated into the day-to- day running of the home.

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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

 ensure that all care staff hold a minimum level 3 qualification in social care. (NMS 18.5)

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