Children's Home run by Right-Trak Limited in Newcastle upon Tyne

This monitoring visit

This visit took place in response to a concern raised by a third party about the home’s recruitment practice. Specifically, the concern was that the managers of the home did not routinely carry out telephone verification of references provided by the candidate’s most recent employer. This is not a statutory requirement, but is regarded as good practice in the recruitment and selection of staff. As part of the visit, several staff files were sampled. The vetting checks required by regulation had been carried out prior to each member of staff’s appointment. These comprised: proof of identity, including a recent photograph; a Disclosure and Barring Service check at the enhanced level; two recent references, including one from the person’s most recent employer; confirmation of whether the person worked previously with children or vulnerable adults, and verification of the reason why that employment ended; evidence of relevant qualifications; and a full

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This monitoring visit

employment history. In all but one case, there was evidence that either one of the home’s managers or a member of administrative staff had telephoned the person’s referees. They had made a record to verify that the reference was genuine, and that there was no further relevant information that the referee wished to add. For one person, however, the record was unclear as to whether such telephone calls had been made, although the written references themselves gave no cause for concern. Ensuring that all references are verified by telephone is an additional safeguard to ensure that only people who are suitable to work with children are employed.

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Information about this children's home

The home accommodates up to six children who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. It is operated by a private provider.

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further, the service should take account of the following recommendations:

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Recommendations

 As set out in regulations 31−33, the registered person is responsible for maintaining good employment practice. They must ensure that recruitment, supervision and performance management of staff safeguard children and minimise potential risks to them. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 61, paragraph 13.1)

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Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to investigate concerns about the recruitment practice of the home. This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000. out in 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 this guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234 or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Information about this inspection

to 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, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It inspects services for children looked after 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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