Children's Home run by Pear Tree Projects 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 improved effectiveness .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people have continued to make good progress since the previous inspection. The inspector met them again briefly at the current inspection before they went on half-term activities. All young people are happy and settled. They enjoy living at the home. All young people are maintaining 100% school attendance and since the previous inspection, some of them have gained national qualifications in mathematics and English.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

All young people behave well and have made good progress here since they came to live in the home. Since the previous inspection there have been no significant incidents of concern and day-to-day life in the home has been very settled. Young people are safe and the staff are effective in promoting and safeguarding their welfare.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The registered manager works collaboratively with other agencies such as education, health and placing authorities to ensure young people's needs are met well. She works successfully with parents and families to promote positive relationships with the young people. This boosts children’s emotional well-being.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

At the previous inspection Ofsted made five requirements and two recommendations. These have all been met. Consequently there is now a clear understanding in place regarding the need to communicate with Ofsted and the local authority designated officer about relevant issues; the home is now complying with the supervision procedures described in its statement of purpose; and there is clear accountability due to clear recording of information about visitors and the times of shifts worked by staff. Arrangements for ongoing improvement are better because the registered manager now writes an action plan to address shortfalls identified in their reports about care monitoring.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home’s arrangements for checking the quality of care are robust. In accordance with legislation, an independent person visits the home once a month to evaluate and report on the quality of care. They make recommendations as necessary and they follow these up at the next visit. The registered manager also monitors care effectively and makes improvements where necessary. Since the registered manager started her position three months ago she has implemented several improvements. She was successful in her application to become registered with Ofsted. She has improved the skill base of the staff team by recruiting an extra member of staff. This person is also qualified to teach outdoor activity skills which will benefit the group of young people in their choice of leisure activities. The registered manager has also implemented a top to bottom clear-out and deep-clean of the house. Young people and staff have bought

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

second hand storage shelves from a local charity shop. Together they have re- erected the shelf units in the house to improve storage arrangements. The home now has a new cooker and microwave and a refurbishment of the shower room has been arranged.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Care planning arrangements are now more purposeful. The registered manager has implemented clear monthly objectives for the care team to meet. These are focused on enabling young people to continue to develop positively by gaining new skills, knowledge and experiences. For example, the staff encourage young people to have at least one school day a week when they take something other than sandwiches for their packed lunch. The key workers in February have been asked to ensure all young people are aware of the work of a national charity that addresses the concerns of child trafficking. And each month the staff now help young people to learn about the food and principles of a different culture.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There were no requirements or recommendations arising from this inspection.

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Information about this children's home

The home is owned and operated by a private company. It is registered with Ofsted to provide care and accommodation for up to three young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

26/02/2015 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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