Children's Home run by Cambian Childcare 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 judges that it has improved effectiveness .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Outcomes and experiences of young people are good. Individualised care planning is robust and is informed by a clear and comprehensive assessment of each young person’s needs. All staff have a first-rate knowledge of the young people in their care, which underpins their skilled childcare practice. Young people are supported in a warm, caring environment. Relationships with staff are very good and focus on promoting young people’s confidence, self- esteem, safety and emotional security. This is particularly important as the home looks after young people who have experienced emotional turmoil, aggression and domestic upheaval in their lives. Transitions for young people moving into the home are good. The registered manager actively engages with each young person’s placing authority to ensure they have all the information they need to make certain the placement is a success. The admissions process provides a thorough introduction to the young

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

person and a very good knowledge of their individual background and circumstances.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The registered manager also makes sure each young person has access to a copy of their local authority’s complaints documentation. This helps the young person to feel listened to. It also helps them to understand that staff are being open and transparent with them.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff support the pathway planning process for young people nearing adulthood. Individual youngsters are helped to learn activities for daily living and independence skills. Staff advocate for the young people in their care. They ensure they are fully supported by their local authority to move successfully into adulthood and independence. Staff also recognise that moving into independence is a big step for any young person to take. In order to help reduce feelings of anxiety, isolation or loneliness staff offer out-reach support to young people that have moved on from the home. Some young people have a history of substance misuse and of going missing. The registered manager ensures that each young person has a clear and detailed risk assessment in place, and that all staff understand their roles and responsibilities in helping to keep young people safe. This includes individual risk assessments relating to the use of social media, child sexual exploitation and grooming.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Behaviour is managed positively. Young people know what their boundaries are and what is expected of them. Sanctions and restraint are rarely used at the home. Instead, staff prefer to reward positive behaviour and use praise and encouragement to help young people develop socially acceptable behaviour. This creates an environment based on mutual trust and respect. Leadership and management are good. The registered manager is committed to improving the lives of the young people living at the home. He leads and supports a motivated and confident staff team. Staff share the home’s ethos, vision and values and ensure young people are at the centre of everything they do.

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Information about this children's home

The home provides care and accommodation for up to three children who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. 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

17/03/2015 Interim Improved 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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