Children's home run by Pear Tree Projects Limited in County Durham

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged Outstanding at the last 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

The registered manager and staff continue to provide an excellent standard of care. Young people are progressing well and good planning is taking place for those who are reaching the age when they must move on.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people continue to benefit from family-type routines and boundaries. They feel settled and secure and continue to gain from social interactions in the community through voluntary work and good levels of attendance at school and colleges. They feel included and valued because the registered manager and staff consult them about important issues such as care plans, contact arrangements, education plans and future careers. They have a full say in day-to-day decisions about the home such as the choice of a new sofa and colour schemes for a redecoration of the house.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people continue to have very settled behaviour and the staff have not needed to use any physical interventions or sanctions since the previous inspection. On the rare occasions that a significant incident has occurred, the registered manager has responded appropriately to promote welfare. Robust arrangements are in place to keep young people safe.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The registered manager works effectively with other agencies to help ensure young people's needs are met. She has consulted with the local police to maintain awareness of any risks to young people in the local community. Effective work with parents, placing authorities and educational settings is also taking place on an ongoing basis.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Ofsted did not make any requirements or recommendations at the previous inspection. However, the registered persons have made improvements to risk assessments and recruitment procedures to add strength to the already robust arrangements that were in place. These measures further promote the protection of young people's safety.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Arrangements in place to monitor the quality of care and to address any shortfalls are robust. Monitoring by an independent visitor is comprehensive. Where they identify shortfalls they make recommendations for how these should be addressed. The registered manager conducts formal monitoring across a wide range of issues on an ongoing basis and submits a report to Ofsted twice a year in accordance with legal requirements. She maintains close evaluation of children’s behaviour to ensure their protection and to safeguard the welfare of others.

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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

27/03/2015 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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