Children's Home run by Young Foundations Limited in Darlington

Information about this children’s home

This children’s home is managed by a private company. It may accommodate up to five children who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

This home was judged good at the full inspection on 18 May 2016. An interim inspection was carried out on 4 November 2016 following concerns in relation to the high number of notifications received by Ofsted and their contents. At this inspection, Ofsted judged that it had declined in effectiveness.

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Information about this children’s home

Evidence gathered during the inspection demonstrated that there were concerns that the leadership and management of the home were insufficient and placed children and young people at risk of harm to their welfare. Evidence demonstrated that there was failure to meet regulations that related to the education of young people and the processes for the planning of their care.

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Information about this children’s home

In order to evaluate the progress the home has made in addressing these concerns, a monitoring visit was undertaken on 17 January 2017. The registered manager left the organisation in December 2016 and an acting manager is in place.

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Information about this children’s home

Seven regulations had not been met at the interim inspection. The organisation voluntarily agreed to restrict admissions and offered a development plan to meet the required actions.

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Regulation 8. The education standard:

At the interim inspection, there were concerns at the lack of education provision for three young people and the attendance levels of the other young person resident at the time. Two young people have left the home since that time.

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Regulation 8. The education standard:

The two remaining young people now have identified education provision and interim arrangements for their education while they wait for their start dates. For example, one young person who has an interest in cooking is undertaking a level 2 qualification in food hygiene. The inspector observed a young person undertaking work in a calm and organised manner. The work was sent from school and was linked to a planner set up to ensure that the full range of subjects was covered.

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Regulation 12. The protection of children standard:

At inspection, checks and risk assessments were not in place when work was being carried out on the building. There were health and safety hazards throughout the home at the time and no evaluation of the impact that this would have on young people.

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Regulation 12. The protection of children standard:

The acting manager has put a system in place of permits for contractors, which outlines the expectations of the home when work is being carried out. This links to a risk assessment of the specific work being undertaken. Evidence was gathered that demonstrated that this process was completed by contractors who had attended the home in the intervening period.

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Regulation 13. The leadership and management standard:

The oversight of care plans and training for staff by the registered manager was weak at the interim inspection. This led to an impact on the ability of the staff to progress outcomes for the young people.

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Regulation 13. The leadership and management standard:

The acting manager has reviewed the care plans and put a system in place that measures and evaluates progress monthly.

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Regulation 13. The leadership and management standard:

Education plans have been developed to look at strengths, attitudes and barriers to learning. These, combined with a reflective section added to the daily logs, allow for good oversight by the manager who then directs and guides future plans and practice.

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Regulation 33. The employment of staff:

Supervision of staff at the time of the interim inspection was haphazard, with some staff not receiving supervision for a period of two to three months. In addition, the notes of supervisions that had taken place did not indicate that this was of good quality or inclusive of reflective practice and career development.

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Regulation 33. The employment of staff:

Evidence at this visit showed that supervision is now regular and in line with the organisation’s policy. Two members of staff interviewed stated that: ‘Supervision is much better – I feel supported and I am given guidance rather than just being blamed when things don’t work out’, and, ‘I feel listened to and feel I can contribute.’

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Regulation 40. Notification of significant events:

At the interim inspection, evidence was found indicating that incidents had occurred that should have been notified to Ofsted, but the registered manager had not ensured that this was completed.

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Regulation 40. Notification of significant events:

Three notifications have been received since the last inspection. An examination of records and log books on the day of the visit did not indicate any incidents that had occurred which had not been notified to Ofsted.

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from the home:

At the interim inspection, this process, although in place, had not been followed by the registered manager. At this visit there was evidence that the discharge of two young people had been notified to the local authority. There had been no admissions to the home since the last inspection.

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Regulation 45. Review of the quality of care:

At the interim inspection, the report which demonstrated a review of the quality of care being provided at the home was out of date. No provision had been made to update it and forward the report to Ofsted.

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Regulation 45. Review of the quality of care:

The acting manager completed and forwarded a report in the week following the last inspection. This included all relevant details and consultation with other professionals.

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Regulation 45. Review of the quality of care:

A review of the evidence from this visit was carried out on 20 January 2017 when it was agreed the regulations had been met.

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Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to monitor the action taken and the progress made by the children’s home since its last Ofsted inspection. 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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