Children's home run by Northumberland County Council

Information about this children’s home

The children’s home is run by a local authority and is registered for the care and accommodation of up to three children and/or young people who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. The manager is suitably qualified and has been registered since May 2015.

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Information about this children’s home

Previous inspection date: 10 September 2019

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Information about this children’s home

Previous inspection judgement: Requires improvement to be good

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Information about this visit

Due to COVID-19 (coronavirus), Ofsted suspended all routine inspections in March 2020. As part of a phased return to routine inspection, we are undertaking assurance visits to children’s social care services that are inspected under the social care common inspection framework (SCCIF).

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Information about this visit

At these visits, inspectors evaluate the extent to which:

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Information about this visit

 children are well cared for  children are safe  leaders and managers are exercising strong leadership.

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Information about this visit

This visit was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000, following the published guidance for assurance visits.

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Information about this visit

Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills is leading Ofsted’s work into how England’s social care system has delivered child-centred practice and care within the context of the restrictions placed on society during the COVID-19 pandemic. Assurance visit report: 1155757 2

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Findings from the visit

We did not identify any serious or widespread concerns in relation to the care or protection of children at this assurance visit.

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The care of children

Children and young people have caring and trusted relationships with staff and are making good progress.

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The care of children

The home is spacious and exceptionally well maintained. Children’s and young people’s bedrooms are clean and tidy, and they reflect their individuality and personal taste. Staff support and encourage children and young people to take pride in their surroundings. This enables them to feel cared for and have a sense of belonging.

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The care of children

Children and young people are supported by staff to stay in contact with those who are important to them. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this has been mainly through the use of technology.

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The care of children

During lockdown, staff were supported by youth workers from the local authority, to help to engage the children and young people in a range of fun activities. This included mini-golf in the garden, boxercise, bike rides and bike maintenance. As restrictions eased, the children and young people also enjoyed a holiday at a coastal caravan park. This enabled them to spend positive time with staff in a relaxed environment.

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The care of children

Staff are working collaboratively with specialist services to enhance their understanding of children’s and young people’s behaviours. The positive attachments the children and young people have with the staff team enables them to develop their self-esteem and confidence.

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The safety of children

Children’s and young people’s individual risk assessments are understood and followed by staff in order to mitigate risk. This, along with clear and consistent boundaries, has enabled children and young people to cope well during lockdown.

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The safety of children

Staff provide guidance to children and young people to help them to understand social distancing. A two-metre cord was used to demonstrate and educate children and young people, as this was exactly the distance they needed to be aware of when out in the community. This practical step supported safe care.

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The safety of children

Staff support children and young people to spend time with friends in the community. As lockdown restrictions eased, individual risk assessments, with clear expectations and guidance, were shared with children and young people. As a Assurance visit report: 1155757 3 result, children and young people develop confidence in their decision-making and risk management.

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Leaders and managers

The manager and leaders ensure that staffing ratios are appropriate for the needs of children and young people. The manager was provided with more staff from within the local authority to help support the children and young people through the lockdown period. She ensured that the new staff had relevant experience and skills, and that they were given an induction and supervision package. This ensured that the children and young people were supported during lockdown.

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Leaders and managers

The manager has provided additional supervision and support for staff who have been absent through sickness and shielding. This has ensured that staff have returned safely to work in the shortest time possible, in-line with COVID-19 guidelines. Staff stated that they feel supported, and that they enjoy working in a positive and supportive environment.

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Leaders and managers

On the day of the inspector’s visit, the manager was eagerly awaiting a planned celebration evening in the home. This had been in planning for a while and was to recognise how well each child and young person had done throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. It also was to thank her staff personally for their commitment and the high level of care they provide.

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Leaders and managers

Professionals from a variety of agencies consistently gave feedback to the inspector about the positive qualities of the manager and her team. They commented on the positive engagement with children and young people that has seen them all make progress, grow in confidence and develop a sense of belonging.

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Leaders and managers

The requirements and recommendations made at the last inspection have been met.

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Leaders and managers

No requirements or recommendations are made following this visit.

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Northumberland County Council

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: County Hall, Morpeth, Northumberland NE61 2EF

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Inspector

Assurance visit report: 1155757 4 Michael Dack, Social Care Inspector Assurance visit report: 1155757 5 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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