Children's Home run by Durham County Council in Durham

Unique reference number SC034686 Inspection date 15/01/2013 Inspector Bill Drumm Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 23/07/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The home provides care and accommodation for up to 5 young people who have emotional and behavioural difficulties. It is provided by a local authority.

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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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Progress

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

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Progress

At the last inspection in July 2012, the overall effectiveness rating of the home was good. The home has made good progress since the last inspection. Young people are polite and have a relaxed, friendly manner with both staff and visitors.

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Progress

Three recommendations were made at the last inspection. All of these matters have been fully addressed. One recommendation was to ensure that any young person who has been held or restrained is afforded the opportunity to be debriefed by a person who has not been involved in the restraint incident. The home's manager has, through team meetings and individual supervision sessions, reminded staff of the procedure to follow when a hold or restraint is necessary. In addition, the local authority has implemented a full review of the documentation used for recording restraints to ensure that all essential information is retained. This means that the opinions and feelings of young people are both listened to and fully recorded.

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Progress

Another recommendation was made ensure that the independent visitor to the home interviews, with their consent, staff working there in order to form an opinion of the standard of care provided. The local authority has reviewed the documentation used to record the content of these visits and has provided training for all staff involved. Records show that staff are regularly consulted about the running of the home and that their opinions a borne in mind about the quality of care within the home.

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Progress

The final recommendation was to ensure that a written copy of all incidents of young people going missing from the home and the use of any measures of control or restraint is retained on their personal files. The home's manager has reviewed each young person's file and has ensured that this information is recorded. In addition, staff have been reminded of the importance of accurate record keeping. This means that a complete record of the young person's stay at the home is retained on their individual files.

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Progress

In addition to the above, the home has made further improvements that enhance the quality of the care provided to young people. The home is undergoing a full refurbishment. Fixtures and fittings within the bathrooms have been replaced and plans are in place to redecorate and replace furniture in the remainder of the home. This will help to ensure that the home remains a nice place for young people to live and grow up in. All staff and two young people have received training in child sexual exploitation. Staff are fully aware of the signs to look out for if they believe a young person is at risk of sexual exploitation. In addition, young people themselves are better placed to keep themselves safe. Since the last inspection, two young people have successfully moved from the home and into independent living. The young people remain in contact with staff at the home and visit at regular intervals. This

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Progress

helps to provide support to young people who may need it and reduces their feelings of isolation.

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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.

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