Children's home run by St Cuthbert’s Care 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 improved effectiveness .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There are five young people resident in the home currently. One of these has recently moved in and one young person has left since the last inspection. The deputy manager confirmed that they had only taken the newly admitted young person when they felt ready. This young person has arrived at a settled, relaxed and positive home where all the young people are well engaged.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

All the young people in this home are making good or very good progress. All the young people, except the young person very recently admitted, have appropriate educational placement and are making good progress in them. Some are making very good progress. Two of the young people are taking college courses and are preparing for positive careers. One of these young people had just returned from an educational trip to Spain where they were learning about career options and opportunities. Young people are making good progress in other areas of their lives as well. Some are improving family contact, others are taking advantage of extra support offered by external counsellors and guidance workers and other are pursuing active outside leisure interests. The culture in the home is one of success and achievement. Young people have good relationships with staff and with each other and enjoy helping to run the home. Regular young people’s meetings are

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

well attended and positive and it is clear from the records that they make of these meetings that they are listened too and that there views and wishes are acted upon. One young person with an interest in the Titanic is being supported to plan a visit with staff to the museum in Belfast. The young person who recently left is doing well. He was in an apprenticeship of his choice when he left and had been well prepared for independence. The young person who had newly arrived was relaxed and comfortable around staff and was clearly happy. He said ‘they look after you properly here’. Care planning is strong, very individualised and child centred with progress very clearly recorded. The staff are developing ideas to ensure that young people are even more fully involved in this aspect of their care.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager has employed two new staff members recently. One new member of staff spoken to, confirmed the excellent induction, support and training she had experienced over the first six weeks of employment before being expected to work unsupervised. This is excellent.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The young people are kept very safe. Staff understand risks well and supervise the young people appropriately. Only two very minor and very short missing from home episodes have occurred. Staff have not used any physical interventions and use very few sanctions. They rely on discussion and negotiation which works well. Young people are given many positive incentives and rewards and this contributes to the positive ethos. The home is cosy and homely. It is well maintained and safe. There have been no bullying incidents, no complaints and no child protection incidents. Where young people have needed support it is provided by staff or quickly accessed from external services if required. Young people are very well supported to move to independence and to acquire the skills needed to make this successful.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager is strong and continues to strive for improvement. She offers excellent support, good supervision and a comprehensive training package for her staff. The manager is well able to challenge others and get the best service for the young people in her care. Recently she has challenged poor professional practice at the school of one of the young people and has been tenacious and successful with this.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

No requirements or recommendations were made at the last inspection and none are made at this one. The home continues to offer an excellent service.

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Information about this children's home

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

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

16/03/2015 CH - Interim improved effectiveness

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Recent inspection history

27/03/2014 CH - Interim Satisfactory Progress

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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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