Children's Home run by South Tyneside Council in South Tyneside

Unique reference number SC032701 Inspection date 28/02/2014 Inspector Bill Drumm Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 02/10/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This home provides care and accommodation for up to nine children who experience emotional and behavioural difficulties. The home is provided by the 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.

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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.

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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 October 2013, the overall effectiveness rating of the home was good. The home has made good progress since the last inspection. Young people remain well-cared for and safe. Young people seen at the time of the inspection appeared very happy. They were relaxed and confident talking with both staff and visitors.

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Progress

One recommendation was made at the last inspection and this has been fully met. The recommendation was to ensure that recruitment records for newly appointed relief staff are retained in the home and that their appointment follows good recruitment practice. The home’s manager has reviewed the policies and procedures for recruiting new staff. Comprehensive information is now retained within the home and all relevant checks on references received and any gaps in employment are made. This helps to ensure that young people are protected from abuse and exploitation.

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Progress

Additionally the home has made further progress in a number of areas. The home’s manager has developed informal links with other children’s homes providers within the region. The purpose of these meetings is to share information and good practice as well as keeping abreast of new developments. Sharing information in this manner helps staff continue to develop their practice and helps to improve the service provided to young people.

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Progress

Staff at the home has also liaised with young people to agree a formal approach to using restorative techniques instead of punitive measures such as sanctions to promote positive behaviour. As a direct consequence of this the number of negative incidents within the home has reduced and young people are taking greater responsibility for their actions.

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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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