Children's home run by North East Autism Society in County Durham

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

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

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

At the last inspection of the home in December 2016, one statutory requirement and one recommendation were made. Both have been fully met. The independent visitor’s report now sets out their opinion as to whether the conduct of the home promotes children’s well-being. The manager has reflected on monitoring processes, and the report that is being developed for submission to Ofsted is more evaluative and sets out action points to further improve the service.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There have not been any recent admissions to the home. The young people have been living at the home for some time and are settled. There are established processes for any admissions and these appear to be appropriately sensitive to the needs of young people.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people have detailed plans that set out their needs and how these will be met. Plans are up to date and reviewed regularly. Staff know young people’s needs very well and implement the plans to deliver good-quality care.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people are making very good progress. They are provided with high-quality personalised care that promotes their health, happiness and well-being, allowing them to thrive. The manager is aware of what the future plans are for two young people who are almost adults and who will need to move on in a planned way. However, one young person did not have recorded transition arrangements provided by the placing authority.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff work closely with professionals and agencies to ensure that a range of services are coordinated and provided for young people. For example, arrangements have been agreed so that an optician comes to the home to see young people when required. Young people visit the GP and dentist when needed, but there are good arrangements for these professionals to visit the home if requested. There is daily communication with education provision. Staff take young people to and from school and there are home/school communication books, completed by staff at the home and by education staff, to pass on any information. Monthly meetings take place with school to share information about young people’s progress and achievements, and to undertake any review of support required to assist young people to achieve.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There have been no complaints. The home has a complaints policy and procedure that is also in a format suitable for young people. The home has a policy and procedure to follow, that staff fully understand, should any concerns of a safeguarding or child protection nature arise. There have been no concerns since the last inspection.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Sanctions are not used, which is appropriate and in line with the needs of the young people. There have been no incidents of physical restraint. The manager monitors records and practices to ensure that care delivery remains of a high quality and that there are positive outcomes for young people. There is continual review of practices to improve ways of working that have a positive impact for young people. For example, the home has recently introduced new formats for a range of documents for young people, so that they can understand them better, can express their views, feelings and wishes, and so that they feel more included in their care. Documents reviewed include care plans and objectives, monthly meetings with key workers and menus.

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Information about this children’s home

This children’s home provides care and accommodation for four children and young people who have an autistic spectrum disorder and a learning disability. A private provider operates the home.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 05/12/2016 Full Good 09/03/2016 Interim Improved effectiveness 21/12/2015 Full Good 03/02/2015 Interim Improved effectiveness

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Recommendations

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

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Recommendations

 Work with the placing authority to ensure that each child’s transition is planned. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 57, paragraph 11.9) Specifically, implement a formal policy and procedure to request and attain from placing authorities, relevant information pertaining to a young person’s care, including transition arrangements/planning.

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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 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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