Children's home run by Pear Tree Projects Limited in County Durham

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged outstanding at the full inspection. At this interim inspection, Ofsted judges that it has sustained effectiveness .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The registered manager and her team provide an excellent standard of care that follows a therapeutic model of working which is based on a set of values and principles. The approach centres on maintaining high levels of supervision without being oppressive, and it is individualised to each young person’s assessed needs. This method of engagement involves young people being motivated and supported to experience a range of opportunities through formal education, training and social activities. The staff promote independence through carefully planned risk- assessed stages, supported and informed through discussion with relevant agencies. One social worker said: ‘The home has provided fantastic help in being able to plan together.’ The registered manager and the staff strive to maintain an environment that is based around respect and openness. This enhances the young people’s experience of living in a safe, transparent and nurturing home.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Although the very nature of the home supports young people with complex behaviours who are recovering from trauma associated with abuse and/or who have abused others, the living environment is very much modelled on a loving and caring home. The young people feel able to express themselves without prejudice and receive guidance and support as would be expected from care givers. One young person said: ‘The staff are fantastic. They listen to you and are amazing.’ The nurturing, learning experience enables young people to develop confidence and trust in adults and promotes communication with their peers on a socially acceptable level.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The relationships between the staff and the young people are extremely positive. Trust is evidenced in the day-to-day interactions and communication. In the key- working activities, staff strive to maintain open and honest communication. This can be a slow process that at times can present challenges. However, this is very much integral to the process of the home’s model of recovery. The young people are provided with every opportunity to reflect on past and present behaviours, and these opportunities are used to review their assessment of risk. The registered manager and the staff pro-actively support contact arrangements and challenge arrangements when appropriate. They always ensure that the young person’s wishes and feelings are explored alongside adult intervention if it is required. The staff team has ensured that services are available to provide advocacy on behalf of the young people. The young people are empowered to make decisions, with

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

support and help if required, about their life choices. Growth in self-esteem and confidence is promoted at all times during their time at the home.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Since the last inspection, there have been challenges linked to contact arrangements and the use of social media. However, the registered manager and her team have ensured that open and respectful communication has been maintained with parents, social workers and the young people to ensure that every incident is a learning experience that informs care planning and risk assessments. Positively, there has been no physical intervention, missing-from-home incident nor sanction. The home has kept the young people safe when in their care and the staff work tirelessly to ensure that the young people keep themselves safe when they are in the community through positive messages.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The statement of purpose is adhered to intensely, ensuring that the core principles and values are followed. The registered manager and her staff team remain passionate and committed to each individual young person, ensuring that the overall experiences for the young people are promoted and enhanced while they are in the staff’s care.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

No requirements and recommendations were made at the previous inspection and none have been made at this inspection.

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Information about this children’s home

The home is run by a private organisation and is registered for the care and accommodation of up to three young people who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 15/11/2016 Full Outstanding 29/02/2016 Interim Sustained effectiveness 15/12/2015 Full Outstanding 27/03/2015 Interim Sustained 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 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.

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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, 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

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

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Information about this inspection

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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