Children's home run by Northumberland County Council in Northumberland

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 .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people continue to make very good progress as a direct result of attending the home for their short-breaks. Their outcomes are excellent. All young people enjoy their stays and parental feedback about the home is extremely positive. This home provides very high quality care and support that undoubtedly enhances young people’s lives and experiences. Comments from parents include, ‘I feel completely at ease that my son is well cared for and is safe and that his well-being and development are paramount when in short-break care.’ Another parent said, ‘The home is the best thing, my child loves it. She looks forward to going and we can relax while she is away.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Relationships with staff are inspiring and actively contribute to young people’s achievements. Consultation is effective and meaningful. There is a wide range of child-friendly communication aids that ensure all young people can express their views and wishes. This promotes good equality and diversity for young people with a disability.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The children’s guide has been updated as a direct result of suggestions and ideas from young people. The guide is colourful, child-friendly and informative. This is a very good example of consultation and inclusion. Recorded keyworker sessions also show young people are listened to and valued.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people are safe and staff see their safety as a priority. Staff have a very good knowledge of each young person’s needs and potential risks, which fully promotes their welfare and well-being. A parent said, ‘The staff are very competent, caring and fun. This is a fantastic service run by fantastic staff, I can’t think of any way to improve it.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home have progressed by meeting a previous requirement to improve the independent visitor’s reports. The reports better demonstrate young people are safeguarded and their welfare promoted. This additional independent scrutiny protects young people. The registered manager’s monitoring is also robust and drives improvement. Development plans that include the views of young people and their parents, show leaders and managers are consistently progressive.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home has further improved by reviewing young people’s written residential plans. These better link to placement review outcomes to ensure each young person’s care and support reflects the aims of their short-breaks care. This careful and thoughtful planning has resulted in young people having clear goals and targets that they are meeting. This is especially apparent in young people developing a range of independence skills, which is a strength.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Healthy living is an integral part of the support offered. Young people are currently learning about healthy diets and how to reduce their sugar consumption. As part of the young people’s weekly shopping trip, they are learning to use a mobile telephone application to check hidden sugars in food. This innovative thinking teaches young people to think about what they are eating and healthy options.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Activities continue to be a strength. Young people enjoy a wide range of experiences that significantly boosts their self-confidence and self-esteem. A parent said, ‘My child always looks forward to going and always talks about the things they have done over the weekend.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Leadership and management is meticulous and the registered manager leads a committed, motivated staff team who focus on improving young people’s lives. Staff feel valued and supported. They receive the training they need to meet the needs of the young people, and go over and above to ensure young people have the best experiences during their short-breaks. A parent said, ‘The service is brilliant, we couldn’t wish for better care.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There are no new requirements or recommendations arising from this inspection.

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Information about this children's home

This children’s home provides short-breaks care for children with a disability. It is operated by a private provider.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

27/03/2015 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

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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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