Children's Home run by Stockton Borough Council in Stockton-on-Tees

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 .

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Children and young people continue to make exceptional progress in all areas of their lives. The registered manager and staff team are warm, professional and dedicated individuals who have high aspirations for children and young people and themselves. This enables young people to develop positive self-esteem and achieve their goals. Children and young people have all received prestigious national and local awards in recent months and the registered manager has nominated individuals for relevant additional awards. This gives staff, children and young people a sense of pride both collectively and individually.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

One young person has left the home since the last inspection and moved into a purpose-built but separate house next door. She was fully involved in overseeing the building and decoration of the build at every stage and has a memory book put together by staff. This results in a sense of ownership and belonging that is a strong foundation for independence and can be reflected on in later years.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

During the inspection a planned introduction visit with a view to admission was taking place. The visit included meeting other children and young people and making decisions in relation to the décor in his bedroom. This illustrates how young people are welcomed and given a sense of belonging and safety. A social worker commented, ‘I would place all young people here if I could’, supporting her views that staff are ‘fab’ and that young people are ‘very comfortable in the home and with staff’.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The registered manager and staff work well with other agencies including the Police and local sports and activity clubs. This improves the lives of children and young people and keeps them safe It also has a positive impact on the social and emotional well-being of children and young people, enabling them to make friends and enjoy life outside of the home.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff are effective in supporting contact with families. Comprehensive arrangements ensure children and young people have positive experiences with family, providing them with supportive relationships. Staff are good at managing behaviour. The use of sanctions is minimal. Negotiation with young people, and the potential to end a sanction early for a positive response, is incorporated into the practice. This helps children and young people to develop a sense of positive regard for staff. Children, young people, and staff are encouraged to show their feelings towards each other with hugs and cuddles. The result is a group of children, young people and staff who show genuine compassion for each other. A young person said ‘It’s the staff and the manager that make all the difference here.’

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Case records are accurate and up to date. Changes in response to recommendations of the previous inspection have been creative and child focused. Children and young people now create a short video to show to new staff telling them about themselves and how they like to be treated. Language in risk assessments has been changed to ensure these are accessible to children and young people. Innovative plans are completed with children and young people to identify and discuss risks. The result is that information comes to light that staff had not considered before. As a result, children and young people discuss personal fears and are supported in plans to address these. This reinforces feelings of safety.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff are well managed and supported with effective supervision and the registered manager’s ‘open door policy’. The registered manager is a dynamic leader who is clear about the ethos and vision she has for the home. She is forward thinking and efficient in her management tasks. This enables the home to run effectively and develop.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There are no requirements or recommendations from this inspection.

p.3

Information about this children's home

This children’s home is registered to care for up to four young people with emotional or behavioural difficulties. The registered provider is a local authority.

p.4

Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

p.4

Recent inspection history

18/03/2015 Interim Improved Effectiveness

p.4

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.5

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.5

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.5

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.6

Information about this inspection

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

p.6

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.6

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.6