Children's Home run by Darlington Borough Council in Darlington

children and young people since the most recent full 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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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home provides a good service to young people, which has resulted in good outcomes. The Registered Manager and staff team work cohesively and effectively. As a result, young people live in a home that meets their needs. The home have progressed by meeting two requirements from the last inspection. There is improved consultation that ascertains the views of young people, parents and social workers. Consequently, they have an impact on the care provided and the home’s operation. The home’s locality risk assessment has been reviewed and updated and now signals young people are safe within their community. A staff member said, ‘We have worked hard on the assessment, it’s really important we know of any risks to young people.’ Educational outcomes are positive and good partnership working with teachers has supported young people who find school difficult. A staff member said, ‘One young person’s education is so much better. He attends full time now and has

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

made a friend, which is a great achievement.’ Behaviour is managed positively and the use of bespoke incentive schemes is showing good results. There are a range of incentives to engage young people in managing their behaviour. This teaches them responsibility and grows their confidence and self-esteem. Young people live in a homely environment and it is very evident that staff and young people take pride in their home. This gives young people a feeling of worth and helps them to understand the importance of living in a clean, comfortable home. Written feedback from young people is positive. Activities are good and young people’s hopes and aspirations are acknowledged and supported. Young people learn new experiences and skills that help them avoid negative influences and anti-social behaviours. A staff member said, ‘We buy in activities for the school holidays. They are great. Our young person is out doing

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

bush walking today, he loves it.’ Young people are safe and staff engage older young people to help them understand risk taking behaviour and signs of possible exploitation. Staff and young people have good relationships with the local police, which means police are able to talk to and support vulnerable young people in an informal way. Inter-agency work provides young people with a varied support network. This provides holistic care and where appropriate, specialist interventions. Work has been carried out to change the format of the documentation that involves young people; in particular the home’s written care plans. The plans are now much more user-friendly, which enables young people to take an active part in how they are looked after Leadership and management outcomes are strong. Staff describe leaders and managers a being supportive and approachable. Staff feel valued and listened to and staff morale is good. This provides for a happy home. A staff member said,

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

‘We all get along and this is important. The young people pick up if there is any friction.’ There are no requirements or recommendations arising from this visit.

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Information about this children's home

The home provides care and accommodation for 3 young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties. It is operated by a local authority.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

04/03/2015 CH - Interim sustained effectiveness

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What the inspection judgements mean

At the interim inspection 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

Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children and young people living in the children's home. Inspectors considered the quality of work and the difference adults make to the lives of children and young people. They read case files, watched how professional staff work with children, young people and each other and discussed the effectiveness of help and care given to children and young people. Wherever possible, they talked to children, young people and their families. In addition the inspectors have tried to understand what the children's home knows about how well it is performing, how well it is doing and what difference it is making for the children and young people who it is trying to help, protect and look after. This inspection focused on the effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of children and young people since the most recent full inspection.

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Information about this inspection

This 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 Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the Guide to the children's homes regulations including the quality standards. the guidance raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted, which is available from Ofsted's website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted . If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Information about this inspection

achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, workbased learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It inspects services for looked after children and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team,

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Information about this inspection

The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

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Information about this inspection

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

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Information about this inspection

Store Street Manchester M1 2WD T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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