Children's Home run by North East Autism Society in Durham

Unique reference number SC458415 Inspector Deborah White Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Registered person North East Autism Society Registered person address Units 15 & 16 Lumley Court Drum Industrial Estate; Birtley CHESTER LE STREET County Durham DH2 1AN Responsible individual Brian Stoker Registered manager Donna Williams Date of last inspection 24/07/2014 2 of 5 Inspection date 04/03/2015

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Previous inspection adequate Enforcement action since last inspection None.

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This inspection

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

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This inspection

Young people are making excellent progress as a direct result of attending the children’s home for their short-breaks. They are achieving very good outcomes and are learning many new skills. This increases their independence and self-confidence. Young people enjoy their short-breaks and take part in a range of leisure activities that improves their social skills and includes them in the local community. This is a significant step-forward as all young people have autism, which in many cases affects their ability to feel comfortable in busy, community environments.

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This inspection

Young people are excelling in developing their independence and self-help skills. They are learning how to carry out everyday tasks that will prepare them for later life. These include learning how to do household chores such as: basic cleaning and keeping their bedrooms tidy; learning how to set the table, cook and wash up; and learning how to go shopping and use public transport.

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This inspection

Relationships with staff are nurturing and supportive. Young people are relaxed and settled which makes their short-breaks a positive experience. There is very good consultation that actively includes young people’s views and wishes. This values and respects them. Parents, carers and social workers are fully consulted and involved in all aspects of the care provided by the home. This inclusion in important planning and decision-making is vital to ensure young people’s needs and routines are maintained.

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This inspection

The home has progressed by meeting five requirements and three recommendations from the last inspection. Monitoring at the home is robust and effective and staffing rosters show young people are cared for by experienced staff. The Statement of Purpose has been updated and there is now adequate ventilation in the kitchen area. Young people’s emotional needs are better highlighted in their written residential plans and the home’s development plan now includes a statement to 3 of 5 show there is no planned change to the home’s operation or resources.

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This inspection

There is further improvement noted, that shows the home is unquestionably progressing.

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This inspection

Consultation with young people, parents, and social workers is greatly improved to ascertain their ideas, views and wishes. Creative child-friendly documentation that meets the communication needs of all young people is proving very effective. Regular contact with parents and social workers and use of questionnaires is showing very good feedback. In addition, the introduction of photograph albums that show young people’s progress and achievements is a great success.

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This inspection

Comprehensive amendments to the home’s written residential plans have enhanced the care and support provided. Young people's needs are thoroughly assessed and the plans include individualised strategies that ensure their needs are met. Measureable outcomes are clear and evaluative statements reflect on good progress. This shows young people are thriving.

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This inspection

Leadership and management are strong, which provides a well-organised stable home. The Registered Manager is proactively developing the home to provide young people, and their families, with a valuable service. The staff team are committed to their role and to enhancing young people's lives. This provides very good, holistic care.

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This inspection

There are no requirements or recommendations arising from this inspection. 4 of 5

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Information about this children’s home

The home is owned and operated by a charitable organisation. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for short breaks for up to six young people with learning disabilities.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

24/07/2014 Full adequate 11/02/2014 Interim good progress 20/11/2013 Interim not judged 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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