Children's Home run by Duty of Care Limited in Durham

Unique reference number SC392549 Inspection date 28/03/2012 Inspector Deborah White Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 03/11/2011 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 registered to provide care and accommodation for three children with emotional and behavioural problems. The home is owned and operated by a private provider.

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Progress

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

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Progress

This home was judged as good at the previous inspection in November 2011. This interim inspection judges the home has made good progress demonstrating action is taken to address shortfalls and improve outcomes for children. A requirement and two recommendations identified at the last inspection are met. There are no new requirements or recommendations arising from this visit.

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Progress

Children continue to live in a homely environment that meets their needs. Children are included in decisions about the home such as colours for decorating and new furniture and fittings. The children have enjoyed improving the home’s garden to create a pleasant outdoor environment. The home have recently taken over a local allotment and children are learning about how to grow plants and fresh vegetables.

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Progress

Including children in the local community is strength at this home. Children have good relationships with local friends and neighbours and actively take part in local events. Access to a range of meaningful activities is also a positive feature. Healthy outdoor pursuits enable children to exercise and develop their social skills. Staff and children have recently joined in the Olympic challenge and are regularly walking, cycling and swimming to gain an award for fitness and healthy living.

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Progress

School attendance is good and children are achieving their potential. Children are happy with their contact arrangements and friends and family are made to feel welcome. The children get along very well together and are all included in the resident social group. Relationships with staff are good and children feel listened to.

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Progress

There is no bullying in the home and children feel safe and secure. Staff receive regular child protection training and know what to do if they feel a child is at risk. Children know to talk to staff if they have any worries and are engaged in regular key worker sessions to talk about how it is to live at the home.

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Progress

A new restraints log has been introduced to ensure all physical interventions are fully recorded to allow for robust monitoring. Staff receive regular training to safely restrain children. Children know under what grounds they can be restrained and know restraints are only used as a last resort. There have been no restraints since the last inspection, which shows children’s behaviour management is appropriate and effective.

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Progress

Monitoring at the home has improved and the manager is now regularly evaluating practice to identify any trends or patterns of behaviour. Regulation 33 reports are positive and feedback from parents is sought to ascertain their views about their child’s care and the operation of the home.

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Progress

Staff feel supported and describe the moral as good. The manager operates an open door policy and encourages feedback and ideas from staff and children to improve services to children. The provider promotes good outcomes for children and is supportive of the manager and staff team.

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