Children's Home run by Northumberland County Council in Northumberland

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The 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

The registered manager has been seconded temporarily to another post within the local authority. An experienced interim manager is in post and has applied for registration with Ofsted. Several new staff have been appointed. Young people were involved in the recruitment process, one devising questions for candidates and asking them at interview. This is one example of how staff enable young people to influence how the home runs.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The one recommendation made at the last inspection has been addressed. Young people are no longer required to sign routine documentation, making the experience of living here feel more homely. The registered provider has made other improvements. A deck, garden furniture and raised beds have been installed in a sunny spot at the front of the home. Young people are looking forward to planting flowers and vegetables. The internet connection is now much speedier. Staff have agreed with young people a protocol for accessing the internet. This enables young people to stream content while giving staff the ability to limit its use sensibly, and ensure that young people are kept safe. One young person said, „The internet is much better, it‟s great.‟

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

All young people are making good progress. They are motivated to attend school and work hard to achieve good results. One young person is engaging with an education professional over the school holidays to prepare her for forthcoming GCSEs. Young people‟s behaviour is excellent. Staff manage any difficulties in a consistent and sensitive manner. They carry out individual work with young people to help them see things in a different light. Recent sessions have focused on terrorism, and how making jokes about such incidents can upset people. This has helped young people to appreciate the impact of their actions on others and so develop empathy. Rather than use sanctions to address a young person‟s unwanted behaviour, staff agree a reparation scheme with them. For example, if a young person causes deliberate damage, they can do extra chores around the home. This is constructive, and more likely to effect lasting change.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This approach to behaviour management is underpinned by a theoretical model which all staff understand and apply. Its effectiveness is reflected in the progress young people make in managing their emotions and consequent behaviour. In a recent review of one young person‟s placement, their key worker said, „They are now managing their behaviour in a much more appropriate manner. They have needed no physical interventions which they are very proud of.‟

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff work closely with other agencies and services. Meetings with education and health colleagues take place to address particular issues which are affecting individual young people. These meetings focus on solutions, and enable young people to overcome any barriers to progress and improve their emotional wellbeing. This approach has been particularly effective in managing difficulties which young people experience at school. Additionally, partnership working with parents is important in securing good outcomes for young people. For example, staff make regular phone calls and visits to the family home where the intention is for the young person to return there permanently. This is effective in managing the transition and gives a firm foundation for the young person‟s future.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The monthly reports of the independent person help the interim manager to identify any shortfalls in the service. Additionally, internal monitoring makes good use of the views of young people and their parents. This process would be more effective if the views of social workers and staff were also included and evaluated.

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Information about this children's home

The home provides accommodation for four children with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. It is operated by a local authority.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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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 complete a review of the quality of care provided for children (“a quality of care review”) at least once every 6 months. The system must provide for ascertaining and considering the opinions of children, their parents, placing authorities and staff. (Regulation 45(1) and (5)) 29/04/2016

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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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