Children's Home run by Newcastle City Council in Newcastle upon Tyne

Unique reference number SC033642 Inspector Bill Drumm Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Registered person Newcastle City Council Registered person address Newcastle upon Tyne City Council PO Box 690 NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE NE99 2BN Responsible individual Michael McCracken Registered manager Colin Alfred Beales Date of last inspection 02/12/2014 2 of 5 Inspection date 18/03/2015

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Previous inspection outstanding Enforcement action since last inspection none

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This inspection

This home was judged outstanding at the last full inspection. At this interim inspection Ofsted judge that it has improved effectiveness .

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This inspection

At the last inspection in December 2014, the overall effectiveness of the home was outstanding. No requirements or recommendations were made at the last inspection. The home has improved effectiveness since the last inspection.

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This inspection

Since the last inspection there have been several new admissions to the home. All children and young people have settled well into the day-to-day routine within the home and none have been reported as missing since their admission. Staff provide children and young people with a clear idea of what is expected of them when they live at the home and what progress they would like them to make. This includes improved behaviour and regular attendance at school, employment or training.

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This inspection

There has been some noteworthy success with some children and young people. For instance, one young person who attends a pupil referral unit is described by teaching staff as having significantly improved their behaviour in school. Another young person has an appointment to visit a new mainstream school with a view to attending there and another is preparing to take their GCSE exams. All children and young people living at the home are provided with clear boundaries and structure from staff who are both caring and appropriate role models. The enthusiasm and dedication of staff helps children and young people to achieve their maximum potential and to have realistic career aspirations.

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This inspection

Additionally, staff also provide appropriate comfort and affection to the children and young people they look after. This was evident when one child approached a staff member and said, ‘I’ve had a bad day at school today, can I have a hug?’ The staff member was delighted to provide comfort to the child concerned. The child appeared relaxed with the response and this helped them to feel better.

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This inspection

Additionally, some young people are nearing the time when they have to leave the 3 of 5 home. Staff have fully supported young people to learn daily living skills and to be confident about moving into independent living. This is particularly important for those young people who have experienced trauma in their lives and who may lack confidence at this anxious time. As a result, young people are able to make a successful transition into adulthood.

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This inspection

Children and young people who live at the home have complex needs. Some have experienced abuse or trauma in their lives and often have disturbed sleep patterns. Staff offer support to all young people who are anxious or worried, particularly at night time. One member of staff spoken to said, ‘We have some young people here who take a little while to settle into bed at night. We know it must be difficult for them and we do everything we can to put them at their ease. We sit and talk quietly with them and we read them stories. This seems to work and I know they appreciate what we do for them.’

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This inspection

Staff training has also been reviewed and formal training in relation to domestic violence within teenage relationships has been arranged. This will help staff to further understand the signs and symptoms of domestic violence and what action they should take in order to protect young people. 4 of 5

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Information about this children’s home

The home provides accommodation for up to six young people who may have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. It is provided by a local authority.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

02/12/2014 Full outstanding 07/01/2014 Interim good progress 31/07/2013 Full good 30/01/2013 Interim good progress Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated.

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What inspection judgements mean

At the interim inspections we make a judgement on whether the home has improved in effectiveness, sustained effectiveness, or declined in effectiveness since the previous full inspection. This is in line with the Inspection of children’s homes: framework for inspection.

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Information 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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Information about this inspection

The report details the main strengths, any areas for improvement, including any breaches of regulation, and any failure to meet national minimum standards. The judgements included in the report are made against the framework of inspection for children's homes.

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