Children's homes – interim inspection

Unique reference number SC035105 Inspector Bill Drumm Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Registered person Durham County Council Registered person address County Hall DURHAM DH1 5UL

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Responsible individual Karen Monica Robb Registered manager Maureen Gaunt Date of last inspection 17/11/2014 2 of 5 Inspection date 25/03/2015

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Previous inspection good Enforcement action since last inspection none

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This inspection

This home was judged good at the last full inspection. At this interim inspection Ofsted judge that it has improved effectiveness .

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This inspection

At the last inspection in November 2014, the overall effectiveness rating of the home was good. Two recommendations were made at that inspection and both have been fully met. The home has improved effectiveness since the last inspection.

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This inspection

All young people have continued to make progress. Some young people have regular and consistent attendance at mainstream school whereas others attend training courses such as those organised by The Prince’s Trust. Additionally, some young people are now working towards returning home to live with their family. All young people, regardless of where they will live in the future, are learning daily living skills. Plans are in place to try and ensure that all young people make a smooth transition back to their family home or into independent living.

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This inspection

Young people seen at the time of the inspection appeared happy and relaxed with staff and visitors and were busy preparing to go to school.

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This inspection

The first recommendation was to contribute to the development of each child’s care plan, including, the pathway plan for eligible care leavers, and for staff to work collaboratively with the young person’s social worker or personal adviser in implementing the plan. Each young person who is old enough and eligible has a pathway plan in place. Their individual needs are highlighted and they know how these will be met. Staff have actively supported this process. Individual pathway plans are enhanced by their personal understanding and knowledge of the young people concerned. This means that young people who are nearing adulthood are supported effectively by the pathway planning process and the staff team.

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This inspection

The second recommendation was to ensure that each child’s placement plan is monitored by a key-worker. They must ensure that the requirements of the plan are implemented in the day-to-day care of that child. The Registered Manager has, 3 of 5 through staff meetings and individual supervision sessions, reiterated with staff the importance of undertaking key-worker sessions with young people. This is of particular importance following the admission of new children or young people into the home.

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This inspection

Records show that regular meetings between key-workers and young people now take place at frequent intervals. Discussions between young people and key-workers address both the positive aspects of the young person’s care as well as trying to address any negative influences. In addition, discussions also focus on how young people can be helped to settle into the home quickly and what living at the home is meant to achieve. This helps to reduce the anxiety of anyone newly admitted to the home and helps to ensure young people feel supported and listened to.

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This inspection

The home has also made progress in a number of other areas. The Registered Manager and staff team have developed a leaving care booklet for young people who are approaching adulthood. The booklet contains important information that young people might need to know as they develop their independence. For instance, how they can contact the relevant utility companies, how they can change a light bulb and how to pay their council tax. This will help young people to develop their daily living skills and to remain independent.

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This inspection

The Registered Manager has also introduced a savings scheme to encourage young people to save money regularly. The maximum the young person can save each week is £2. However, the home fully matches this funding. This inspires young people to save their money to help pay for things such as birthday or Christmas presents for family members and friends.

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This inspection

When a new young person is admitted to the home they receive a welcome basket of essential items such as, a new toothbrush, toiletries or even a small packet of sweets. The Registered Manager has recently introduced a voucher with a nominal value of £5 to the welcome pack. The young person is encouraged to use the voucher to purchase something for themselves or their room such as, a poster for the wall or a soft toy. This helps young people to feel comfortable in the home and to settle in. 4 of 5

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Information about this children’s home

The home provides care and accommodation for four young people who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. It is provided by a local authority.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

17/11/2014 Full good 27/03/2014 Interim good progress 01/05/2013 Full good 13/11/2012 Interim good progress Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated.

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What inspection judgements mean

At the interim inspections 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

The purpose of this inspection is to assure children and young people, parents, the public, local authorities and government of the quality and standard of the service provided. The 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 relevant regulations and meets the national minimum standards.

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Information about this inspection

The report details the main strengths, any areas for improvement, including any breaches of regulation, and any failure to meet national minimum standards. The judgements included in the report are made against the framework of inspection for children's homes.

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