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

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged Outstanding at the full inspection. At this interim inspection Ofsted judge that it has sustained effectiveness .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Outcomes for young people are generally good. However, the progress for some has stalled particularly in relation to their education. For instance, one young person has expressed the desire to return to mainstream school, something for which they should be commended. However, the return to mainstream school is dependent upon their initial attendance at a pupil referral unit (PRU). The young person said, ‘I really want to go back to school, I find it so frustrating having these obstacles put in the way all the time. I sat in the class at the PRU the other day and the work was just so easy. The others were a lot younger than me.’ The home’s manager, has made numerous attempts to advocate on behalf of the young person. He has raised his concerns with senior managers within the authority and with the relevant head teachers. However, no definite plan or agreement is in place to show the young person exactly what they must do to

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

achieve their overall aim. One member of staff said, ‘We’ve had meeting after meeting about this and we’re still no further forward.’ This leads to frustration and anger for the young person concerned and prevents them from socialising with age appropriate friends.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Peer group relationships within the home occasionally result in friction between boys and girls. Minor disagreements and misunderstandings often escalate quickly, often leading to acute episodes of aggressive behaviour and threats of self-harm. This is particularly the case when one of the young people is scapegoated or blamed for something by the other person. Staff work very hard to support all those concerned and to ensure their safety and welfare is maintained. One member of staff said, ‘One young person acknowledges that this isn’t the right place for them to be. The relationships they have are generally good except with one person who can be very manipulative. Their self-esteem is being affected. They just need a calm settled environment.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Relationships between staff and all young people are based on mutual respect. Staff take time to talk with young people and to listen to what they have to say. As a consequence young people feel listened to. One member of staff said, ‘We try and involve all the young people in how the home is run. We consult with them frequently about issues affecting their lives and I know they appreciate the time and effort we put into helping them.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff work hard to ensure young people remain healthy. They encourage them to eat a healthy diet and to take regular exercise. Additionally, they offer support and advice on how to stop smoking and reduce their drug use. They have had some success with one young person significantly reducing the number of times they use drugs and the amount of alcohol they drink. One member of staff said, ‘We had one young person who was heading for a custodial placement. This was because they weren’t keeping themselves safe and they were frequently using drugs or drinking too much. That’s not the case now. They’ve made great improvements and I don’t think they’re using any substances now.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people are encouraged to learn activities for daily living and to become more independent. When they are old enough, staff help them to find suitable accommodation and to choose appropriate fixtures, fittings and furniture. They also provide outreach support for those that need it to counter the effects of isolation and loneliness. Staff work hard to prepare young people for moving on into adulthood and to help them settle into their own homes.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of leisure pursuits and to follow their own hobbies and interests. One young person said, ‘I’m thinking about going back to football club.’ Other young people enjoy spending time with friends and, where appropriate, family members.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff all work hard to keep young people safe. The home has excellent working relationships with the local police and community support officers. There are still times when young people go missing or return home late. However, this is an improving trend. Young people are maturing, they are more aware of the risks they face when they are away from the home without permission and, they are taking greater responsibility for their actions.

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Information about this children's home

The home is run by Newcastle City Council and provides care and accommodation for up to 6 children and young people with emotional/behavioural difficulties.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

18/03/2015 Interim Improved 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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