Children's Home run by Darlington Borough Council in Darlington

Inspector Michael Dack

Inspection date 26/01/2017 Previous inspection judgement Good Enforcement action since last inspection None

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

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

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The staff team consistently provides good care and support to young people. Since the last inspection, the management and staff have shown their dedication and commitment in ensuring that young people are provided with safe care messages. They have utilised their knowledge and experience of child protection matters and potential risks to minimise and protect young people from their known vulnerabilities and risk-taking behaviours. The measures, which are taken consistently, ensure that action is immediate and supported through a multi-agency response. The young people are supported and listened to at all times which promotes their welfare and well-being.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Notifiable events are quickly addressed and, when necessary, notifications to Ofsted are made in a timely manner. Transparency and safeguarding is at the forefront of their practice.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The staff team works closely with a range of professionals from health, education, police and the local authority. Therapeutic social workers have continued with their direct work with young people and they also provide support to staff. Specific training in relation to attachment and childhood trauma is of particular benefit. One member of staff said: ‘The training enables you to reflect and provides a greater understanding of behaviours displayed by our young people.’ Working together is a strength of the home, which as a result maintains good communication to support positive outcomes for young people.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager has developed a consultation document for professionals that enables the staff team during supervisions/handovers and team meetings to engage in reflective practice. Social pedagogy has been introduced to the team’s approach to supporting young people. There are creative examples of good leadership in pro- actively improving support and engagement. The young people are benefitting from this inclusiveness by being able to attend meetings with professionals whereupon previously they had not. This develops their confidence and ensures that their voice is heard in the planning of their care and future.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The young people are mostly settled and relaxed in the home. They have local friendships in the community and attend community-based activities of their choice. Contact with family members is facilitated externally and internally. Relationships were strengthened during the summer as members of the staff team and the young people enjoyed a holiday to Centre Parcs. This was a very positive experience that provided the young people with valuable memories that promote their well-being and socialisation.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Relationships between young people and the staff are strong and are based upon trust and respect. Positive bonds are in place and young people are helped to develop their social skills through positive interactions. Good communication which is positive enables the young people to feel valued and respected. One young person said: ‘Staff listen and are supportive. They are there for you.’

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home was clean and tidy and well maintained. Plans for a conservatory are proposed in the near future. This will provide further space for young people to improve their living environment. It is anticipated that there will be a social area to learn and play, providing a sense of well-being and respect for privacy when required.

p.3

Information about this children's home

The children’s home provides care and accommodation for three children and/or young people who have emotional and behavioural difficulties. It is operated by a local authority.

p.4

Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 11/05/2016 Full Good 13/08/2015 Interim Improved effectiveness 04/03/2015 Interim Sustained effectiveness 09/12/2014 Full Adequate

p.4

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’.

p.5

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 that 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 whom 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.

p.5

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 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.5

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 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,

p.6

Information about this inspection

The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.6

Information about this inspection

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

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

p.6