Children's Home run by Park Blue Homes Limited in Durham

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

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

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Since the previous inspection one child has left the home and no children or young people have been admitted to the home. Three children and young people have remained living in the home.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The three children and young people who are currently living at the home have all made good progress. All three were spoken to by the inspector and all three confirmed that they were happy at the home that they felt safe and that they felt they were doing well. Two of the children are making good progress at school with very good attendance. Both voluntarily attend homework club and both are achieving well. One of these children has been made an ambassador at their school which means they get the opportunity to represent the school at various events. An accolade only earned by very few pupils. One young person continues to attend college and is about to complete a level two Health and Social Care qualification which is an excellent achievement. This young person is approaching their eighteenth birthday and has already been offered a full time job in the career of their choice and they are also taking driving lessons. This young person is

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

approaching independence and is clearly ready for this step into adult life. The other two children are making progress in all areas of their lives as well. Both the children have very full lives, being involved in many hobbies and interests at school and in the community. These range from singing and drama to netball and horse riding. Staff also support family contact well and supervise this when needed. The older young person leads a full and independent life and spend less time with staff now.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The one child who was discharged had some challenging behaviour and staff were unable to care for them in a positive manner. This child was asking to leave and live elsewhere but was going through a difficult period in their life. Their behaviour was starting to impact on the other children and young people negatively. The staff were able to plan this discharge but it was hurried in the end and was not a positive outcome for this child.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Generally care planning continues to be good. Children and young people have individualised care and staff are very nurturing and caring. Boundaries and expectations are clear and firm and staff balance a nurturing approach well with clear guidance.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Children and young people at this home are kept very safe. No child or young person has gone missing. Staff have only used one physical intervention and only two appropriate sanctions. There have been no child protection concerns and a couple of incidents of bullying have been well dealt with by staff and resolved quickly.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager has completed all the requirements and the recommendation from the previous inspection. Although the children and young people are making very good progress there has not been a great deal of development at the home in the period since the last inspection. A requirement has been made for the registered manager to receive his supervision from a more experienced and professional person and this may enable him to reflect more widely on the overall task of further developing and improving the home. Three recommendations have also been made. The manager does offer good support to the staff and there is regular supervision and training in place for the staff.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager does have contact with a range of external professionals and does engage additional supports and services when needed. The manager is able to challenge others when appropriate.

p.3

Information about this children's home

The home is run by a private organisation and is registered for the care and accommodation of up to four children with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties (EBD)

p.4

Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

p.4

Recent inspection history

25/03/2015 CH - Interim sustained effectiveness

p.4

Statutory Requirements

This section sets out the actions which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the Guide to the children's homes regulations including the quality standards. The registered person(s) must comply with the given timescales.

p.5

Requirement Due date

33: Employment of staff The registered person must ensure that all employees- (b) receive practice-related supervision by a person with appropriate experience. (Regulation 33(4)(b))

p.5

Requirement Due date

In particular this relates to the supervision of the registered manager. 05/05/2016

p.5

Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):  Ensure that each child's transition is planned and includes a Pathway Plan. (The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 57 paragraph 11.9)  Ensure that information about the child is recorded in a way that will be helpful to the child. (The Guide to the Quality Standards page 62 paragraph 14.4)  Ensure that children's views are listened to and acted upon. (The Guide to the Quality Standards page 22 paragraph 4.11)

p.5

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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 .

p.6

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,

p.7

Information about this inspection

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

p.7

Information about this inspection

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

p.7

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

p.7