Children's Home run by Durham County Council in Durham

Unique reference number SC035235 Inspection date 12/03/2014 Inspector Bill Drumm Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 26/11/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The children's home provides care and accommodation for up to three young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. The provider is 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.

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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 November 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. Several young people seen at the time of the inspection were happy, 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 each young person who is eligible has an up to date and comprehensive pathway plan to aid their transition into adulthood. The home's manager has discussed pathway planning with staff in team meetings and individually during supervision. As a direct result of this, one staff member has taken on the role of pathway planning coordinator within the home. The coordinator is responsible for identifying what daily living skills young people already have and what they need to learn. The coordinator then prepares a learning package for each young person based on their level of understanding and academic ability. This helps to prepare them for independent living and adulthood.

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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 an independent children’s home provider in a neighbouring authority. Management and staff from both homes have met in order to share ideas and good practice. This helps the home to continue developing its service and to provide new and exciting opportunities to young people. The home’s manager has also revised the format for the home’s development plan. The development plan now includes specific timescales for reviewing progress and achievements. This helps to ensure all staff knows what the strengths and weaknesses of the home are and how it can continue to improve.

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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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