Children's home run by Newcastle City Council

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

The requirement and recommendation raised at the last full inspection have been fully met. This demonstrates that the new manager, who has only been in post for a few months, is proactive and takes decisive action to improve the service. The manager has already implemented new processes and has a clear action plan for the future. Staff say that his introduction to the role was ‗seamless, and we are really, really pleased that he is the manager.‘

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

All staff supervisions are now up to date and of a good quality, and are undertaken every four to six weeks. The majority of staff appraisals have been completed. There are individual development plans in place for staff to complement and support the workforce development plan. Group supervisions are reflective and leaders filter down information from weekly management meetings. This makes staff feel involved and valued. Staff are then keen to take on individual lead roles, for example in developing parent participation. Everyone takes ownership of the service improvements, including current working towards autism accreditation.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff have received specific safeguarding training about vulnerable children and young people. They are also receiving in-depth moving and handling training, because many of the children and young people have physical disabilities. This contributes to the promotion of children‘s and young people‘s welfare and safety.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The numbers of children and young people using this short-breaks service have increased, allowing more to experience the excellent facilities available at this purpose-built home. Since the last inspection, a couple of young people have moved to adult provision. The staff had worked for many months with professionals during the transitions. Young people were fully supported, with staff accompanying them on tea visits to the new homes. Care plans and placement plans were shared and first-hand information imparted during visits. This enabled young people to settle quickly with a positive transition.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The six new children and young people who have started attending the home since the last inspection had a carefully planned introduction. This involved visits to the home with family members/carers. Families and carers also provided detailed information about their children prior to the placement. As a result, care planning is comprehensive and based on a thorough, detailed knowledge of each young person. This promotes a successful introduction to the home, and parents feel confident to leave their children. A social worker said, ‗Staff don‘t rush things – if space is needed, then they are happy to go at the parent‘s pace. Sometimes they are anxious, as it is a big thing for a young person to be away overnight.‘

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Alongside enjoying the fun activities on offer at the home, all children and young people are making progress and achieving. Specific targets are set and monitored. One young person is being taught good road sense in his wheelchair.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Most staff have worked at the home for many years and have an eclectic mix of experience. Staff provide exceptional care to the children and young people, including those with very complex health and care needs. All staff have a first-rate knowledge of each child. They remain committed and enthusiastic about their work with the children and young people. New staff joining the team bring fresh ideas that are welcomed.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home displays artwork by the children and young people. This makes the environment feel homely and personalised. There are many visual supports around the home to help with children‘s and young people‘s understanding. One of the strengths of the staff is their efforts to ensure that children and young people are able to voice their wishes and feelings. Staff design many tools to aid communication. Working closely with the school ensures continuity and consistency for each child and young person. This includes taking advice from speech and language therapists. Children‘s and young people‘s communication skills improve.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There is good multi-agency working and excellent relationships with social care, education and healthcare professionals. These professionals use the meeting room facility at the home. As they regularly visit the home, there are opportunities for face-to-face contact with staff. Relationships develop further, and one health professional said: ‗This provides a facility to touch base. I can speak about the young people attending the service and look at different approaches to use. Staff clearly take on board what they are told.‘

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

An independent visitor attends the home monthly and, although an evaluation of the service is provided, this lacks an opinion about whether the children are effectively safeguarded and their well-being promoted.

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Information about this children’s home

The home is operated and owned by Newcastle City Council. It provides a short- break service for up to six children and young people aged eight to 18. The home is purpose built and fully equipped to provide care and accommodation for young people who have learning disabilities.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 16/11/2016 Full Good 05/01/2016 Interim Improved effectiveness 03/06/2015 Full Good 17/03/2015 Interim Declined in 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 Homes (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

The independent person must produce a report about a visit (―the independent person‘s report‖) which sets out, in particular, the independent person‘s opinion as to whether— – children are effectively safeguarded; and – the conduct of the home promotes children‘s well-being. (Regulation 44(4)(a)(b)) 01/06/2017

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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 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 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

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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