Children's Home run by Northumberland County Council in Northumberland

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 improved effectiveness .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people’s lives are enhanced through living at the home. They make progress and get a sense of achievement in education, feelings of self-worth and developing their individual talents. Individual successes have included passing exams and competing abroad in competitive sport events. This progress is underpinned by the dedication of staff and managers, and the stable and trusting relationships that exist between young people and the adults who care for them. One young person commented: ‘I love the staff. I wouldn’t change anything.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The management team and staff establish effective working relationships with other agencies and professionals to ensure that young people continuously move towards fulfilling their potential. The learning culture that exists within the staff team ensures that new ways of working are embraced and the care given continuously improves. Although at the previous inspection no requirements or recommendations were identified, the manager has introduced changes such as reflective supervision for staff, and improving the admissions process for young people. In addition, the management team has been strengthened through the appointment of a full-time permanent assistant manager.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Since the previous inspection there have not been any incidents of missing from care, complaints, or use of physical intervention. Currently, young people are not considered at risk of child sexual exploitation. Staff provide stability and consistency in their approach to the care of young people, and any incidents are diffused quickly and managed effectively by staff. One Independent Reviewing Officer commented: ‘I’m confident that the actions of staff keep him safe. Incidents are discussed and talked about.’ Restorative measures used to enable young people to learn about the consequences of their behaviour are regularly reviewed by the manager and adjusted appropriately.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Although risk assessments are updated and reviewed, some risk assessments do not clearly identify the dynamics that exist between young people, or additional changing factors in young people’s lives that may contribute to or increase those risks identified.

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Information about this children's home

This home, which is operated by the local authority, is registered to provide long- term care for four children and young people who experience behavioural and/or emotional difficulties.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 08/11/2016 Full Outstanding 29/03/2016 Interim Improved effectiveness 20/10/2015 Full Outstanding

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further, the service should take account of the following recommendation:  Staff should be familiar with the home's policies on record keeping and understand the importance of careful, objective, and clear recording ('Guide to the children's homes regulations including the quality standards', page 62, paragraph 14.4). With particular reference to risk assessments appropriately identifying and analysing risks associated with the individual dynamics between young people that may contribute to that risk.

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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, workbased learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It inspects services for looked after children 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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