Children's home run by Cambian Childcare Limited in County 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 .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Children are happy and make good progress. One child’s consultant psychiatrist reported that he had never seen him doing so well. A child said, ‘I give the home 9 out of 10. The 1 which is missing is down to me sometimes being daft.’ Another took pride in showing the inspector photos of their half-term trip to Disneyland with staff, and of the dog he has befriended at the Dogs’ Trust. Children generally get along well with other, although at times the needs of children who are particularly challenging causes the rest of the group upset and inconvenience.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff provide a range of activities and these give children enjoyment and increase their confidence and self-esteem. One child has taken up horse riding, others go to the gym to do Zumba, or swimming. Going for walks is popular with children, providing the added benefit of healthy outdoor exercise.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff work closely with schools and other agencies. The quality of communication with other professionals ensures that any issues can be addressed promptly. Staff also provide excellent support to parents. They give advice over the telephone and even go out to the family home if there are problems while a child is on a weekend visit. This ensures that contact between children and parents is sustained and its quality improved.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The registered manager has addressed all of the requirements and recommendations made at the last inspection. Her six-monthly monitoring makes use of feedback given by children, parents and social workers, enabling a better understanding of the home’s performance. Monitoring by an independent person is robust. An e-safety policy is in place and is understood by staff and children, improving safety. There is a clear plan in place, with timescales, for all staff to obtain the necessary qualification. The registered provider now has a dedicated workplace assessor to support staff in achieving this. The registered manager has undergone additional training in staff supervision and is cascading this to other seniors. This has improved the supervision process, making it more consistent and focused on supporting staff to meet the needs of children more effectively. Staff have a sound understanding of the children and what causes them distress or

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

anxiety. This helps them to recognise the onset of challenging behaviour and prevent it happening. When physical restraint is necessary, staff use it in accordance with their training and for the shortest time necessary to restore calm. Some records of incidents do not describe in sufficient detail what led up to the restraint, giving insufficient accountability for its use.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff are dedicated to maintaining the quality of the premises. The complexity of some children’s needs means that at times bedrooms need deep cleaning and replacement of flooring and furniture. This is carried out quickly and without fuss. As a result, at all times the home provides an exceptionally comfortable and nurturing environment, which gives children security and stimulation.

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Information about this children's home

The home accommodates up to five children with learning disabilities. It is operated by a private company.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

10/03/2015 Interim Sustained effectiveness

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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.

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must ensure that within 24 hours of the use of a measure of control, discipline or restraint in relation to a child in the home, a record is made which includes details of the child’s behaviour leading to the use of the measure. (Regulation 35(3)(a)(ii) 11/03/2016

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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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