Children's Home run by A Significant Other Limited in Durham

Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: SC429995 1 SC429995

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A Significant Other Limited

Monitoring visit Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This privately operated children’s home provides care and accommodation for up to four children and young people who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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This monitoring visit

This monitoring visit was undertaken to review the actions taken by the provider to meet a compliance notice. This was issued following a previous monitoring visit that took place on 15 August 2017.

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This monitoring visit

The compliance notice set out a requirement to ensure that the children and young people are adequately safeguarded.

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This monitoring visit

 That the protocols for the safe administration of controlled medication had not been followed.  That the procedures about how the staff monitor internet safety for the children and young people were not clear.

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This monitoring visit

The home’s medication procedure has been updated and all of the staff have completed training in how to handle and administer medication safely. Improvements have been made to appropriately record the administration of controlled medication. Records are kept to monitor all medications that are brought into the home and there are clear procedures to inform the staff about how to dispose of unwanted medications safely.

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This monitoring visit

There is now clear guidance that sets out the actions that the staff must take if a medication error occurs; in particular, if a child’s or a young person’s prescribed medication has been administered incorrectly. The staff are regularly checking and Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: SC429995 2 verifying that the medication that they are dispensing is in line with the responsible prescribing medical officer’s instructions.

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This monitoring visit

These improvements safeguard the children and young people who receive medication.

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This monitoring visit

The home’s e-safety policy has been updated and it now sets out what the staff must do to ensure that the children and young people can safely use the internet. A new internet usage log has been introduced to monitor all the occasions that the home’s computer has been used to access the internet.

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This monitoring visit

All of the staff have undertaken training in e-safety. The provider has set up a resource file that includes a range of literature and guidance for use by the staff and the children and young people. This will help to extend their knowledge and understanding of the potential risks associated with using the internet.

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This monitoring visit

These improvements safeguard the children and young people from being exposed to inappropriate, and unsafe, internet websites.

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This monitoring visit

The outcome for this visit is that the compliance notice is met.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 26/06/2017 Full Requires improvement to be good 16/05/2017 Full Inadequate 05/01/2017 Interim Improved effectiveness 26/04/2016 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: SC429995 3

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Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to monitor the action taken and the progress made by the children’s home since its last Ofsted inspection.

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Information about this inspection

This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000.

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: A Significant Other Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Thistlewood Lane, Wolsingham, Bishop Auckland, County Durham DL13 3HQ

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Inspector:

Debbie White, social care inspector Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: SC429995 4 to 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, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspector:

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Inspector:

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Inspector:

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

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