Children's home run by North Tyneside Council in North Tyneside

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged requires improvement at the full inspection. At this interim inspection, Ofsted judges that it has improved effectiveness . The registered manager and the staff team have shown their commitment to re- addressing the shortfalls identified at the last inspection. They have completed all requirements and the vast majority of the recommendations that were made previously. One recommendation in part has not been fully completed; however, steps were in place during the inspection to address this quickly. This level of commitment has shown real progress in the delivery of a good service. The young people now have effective care plans in place, with an improved level of recording and management oversight. The home has benefitted from extensive decorating and refurbishment, which has vastly improved the living environment. The games room is a favourite of the young person currently in residence and the staff stated that he immediately

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

wanted his room decorated with the same design. The home has space for privacy and for group activity. The registered manager and the staff team recognise that there is further work to be done; however, finance is an issue. The building has very high ceilings and, as a result, the upstairs shower room, although clean and well equipped, does appear to be less than appealing on entering. Staff are aware of this, and plans have been discussed on how to make improvements. The benefits of the living space can have a very positive impact on the young people, therefore any future improvements can only promote their well-being and self- esteem. The young person has become increasingly safer as staff have helped him to reduce his risk-taking behaviours, including high levels of missing prior to admission. His social worker stated: ‘He has made amazing progress on his levels of missing episodes, and he is starting to build relationships with the staff.’ Part of

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

the improvements are in relation to the depth of work that has been implemented in improving risk management processes. Also improved is the recording of the detail that is required to ensure that the young people are safeguarded and their well-being is promoted. Recording is robust and all of the plans benefit from management oversight, ensuring that there are opportunities for reflection and evaluation. Outcomes for the young people are improved through effective planning and strategies to manage risk. Plans are reviewed regularly, ensuring that the key-working sessions are appropriately planned, as well as in response to identified needs following staff, formal and informal supervision. The young person is being supported during this assessment period to stabilise risk-taking behaviours. The staff, after consultation with the young people, engage them in healthy living activities. The home has good links with the local sports centre and the young

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

people have benefitted in being able to attend the gym. The registered manager and his staff team have introduced a weekly activity planner individual to the young person, which incorporates personal appointments as well as opportunities to engage in more specialised activities such as go-carting. The weekly activity planner is completed during one-to-one sessions with key workers. The young person is slowly responding to such incentives. Generally, relationships are strengthened through this process and young people’s self-esteem and social interactions are improved. Opportunities are explored to involve the young people in positive life experiences, improving their confidence and providing good memories. The registered manager and staff stated that there were four unexpected visitors from former residents over Christmas Day, who dropped in to see the staff team, individually, throughout the day. Refreshments were provided and they enjoyed watching the Wizard of Oz

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

with staff, with whom they had made positive relationships during their short stay at the home. Transitions for young people moving on are well planned and benefit from continued support in respect of them moving to a long-term provision. Partnership working between services is strong and enables the young people to maintain positive relationships, which supports their identity and confidence. One social worker stated: ‘Planning was very good around the transition and the staff were very aware of his needs and requirements. Discussions between the homes is on- going.’ This level of support provides the young people with consistency in their provision of care, strengthening their resilience and ensuring that their future and current needs are met.

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Information about this children’s home

The home is run by a local authority and is registered for the care and accommodation of up to six children who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

17/03/2016 Interim Declined in effectiveness

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Recent inspection history

26/03/2015 Interim Improved effectiveness

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions which must be taken so that the registered person(s) meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Children’s Home’s (England) Regulations 2015 and the ‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’. The registered person(s) must comply within the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

If the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to the home— (b) the registered person must ensure that the requirements of that Order and any regulations under it, except for article 23 (duty of employees), are complied with in respect of the home. (Regulation 25 (2)) In particular, this relates to increasing the frequency and number of fire drills and practices undertaken at the home. Also, that people working at the home and, so far as reasonably practicable, children, are aware of the procedure to be followed in case of fire. In addition, ensure that guidance relating to fire alarms and evacuation is provided for visitors. 22/03/2017

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

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Recommendations

 The registered person should only accept placements for children when they are satisfied that the home can respond effectively to the child’s assessed needs as recorded in the child’s relevant plans, and when they have fully considered the impact that the placement will have on the existing group of children. The statement of purpose is an important document in the process of care planning as it sets out the needs of children the home is set up and equipped to care for. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 56, paragraph 11.4) The registered person should have a workforce plan which can fulfil the workforce related requirements of regulation 16, schedule 1 (paragraphs 19 and 20). The plan should: - detail the necessary management and staffing structure (including any staff commissioned to provide health and education), the experience and qualifications of staff currently working within the staffing structure, and any

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Recommendations

further training required for those staff, to enable the delivery of the home’s statement of purpose; - detail the processes and agreed timescales for staff to achieve induction, probation and any core training (such as safeguarding, health and safety, and mandatory qualifications); - detail the process for managing and improving poor performance; - detail the process and timescales for supervision of practice (see regulation 33(4)(b)) and keep appropriate records for staff in the home. The plan should be updated to include any new training and qualifications completed by staff while working at the home, and used to record the ongoing training and continuing professional development needs of staff, including the home’s manager. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 53, paragraph 10.8)

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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 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 0300 123 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

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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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