Children's Home run by Darlington Borough Council in Darlington

Unique reference number SC068000 Inspection date 24/01/2013 Inspector Deborah White Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 31/05/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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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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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

The overall outcome judgement from the previous full inspection in May 2012 was good. The home has continued to progress, which has improved services to and outcomes for children and young people.

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Progress

Two recommendations from the previous inspection are met. The home has a good development plan in place that is based on monitoring outcomes and consultation with children; parents and social workers. All permanent care staff have a minimum relevant level 3 qualification in caring for children and young people. As a result, staff have a sound knowledge base that underpins good childcare practice.

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Progress

All children and young people are progressing and have good outcomes. Educational achievements are excellent. All children and young people are in full time education with 100% attendance. Each child and young person is reaching their maximum potential and view school and education as a positive activity.

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Progress

Children and young people are happy living at the home. They feel consulted and listened to. Staff are approachable and put children and young people first. A young person said, ‘I like it here and I am happy here. You can talk to all the staff, they are there for you.’ Activities are varied and age appropriate. This provides children and young people good social skills and inclusion in their local community.

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Progress

Children and young people live in a home that meets their needs. The home is comfortable, homely and decorated and furnished to a high standard. Each child and young person has their own bedroom that they have personalised to reflect their individuality.

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Progress

The Registered Manager and staff team are committed to providing high quality care. Leaders and managers have monitoring systems in place that continually explore children and young people’s needs, wishes and development. Children and young people respond positively to the ethos of the home, which is to nurture; encourage; reward and support.

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Progress

There are no new requirements or recommendations arising from this inspection.

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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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