Children's home run by Compass Children’s Homes Northeast Limited in North Tyneside

Assurance visit report: SC403472 1 SC403472

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Information about this children’s home

This home is run by a private organisation. It is registered for up to three children or young people who may have social and/or emotional difficulties or learning disabilities. The manager was registered with Ofsted in November 2019 and is working towards the appropriate qualification.

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Information about this children’s home

Previous inspection date: 11 February 2020

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Information about this children’s home

Previous inspection judgement: Improved effectiveness

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Information about this visit

Due to coronavirus COVID-19, 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.

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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. Assurance visit report: SC403472 2

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The care of children

Children and young people stated that they have positive experiences while living in the home and they are making progress. They have built good relationships with members of staff, who provide a nurturing and supportive environment.

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The care of children

Children and young people continue to have contact with their families and other people important to them throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff have used technology to support this process and have followed government and local guidelines as restrictions have eased.

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The care of children

Staff spend time getting to know the children and young people and listen to their views and opinions. For example, during lockdown, staff spent time discussing the daily news reports on the television with children and young people. This generated lively discussions, which supports their understanding and develops their confidence in expressing their views and being heard.

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The care of children

Staff are using the semi-rural location of the home and its spacious garden areas to offer new opportunities for children and young people. This is being encouraged and recognised through an official external award scheme. This activity has supported children and young people to develop emotionally, socially and physically.

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The care of children

Staff have maintained education for children and young people throughout lockdown. They have liaised with educational professionals to ensure that there are resources to engage children and young people daily. Where needed, children have individual tutors to support their transition back into full-time specialist education.

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The safety of children

Staff understand the complex behaviours and vulnerabilities of the children and young people. They use this knowledge to support effective risk management. A clinical psychologist provides support directly to children and young people, and advises staff through consultations when required. This has helped to support children and young people’s emotional well-being and safe care during lockdown.

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The safety of children

High levels of supervision support the safe care of children and young people. Staff are quick to respond and recognise potential triggers to individual behaviours. They provide consistent care, which helps children and young people to recognise social cues and, therefore, positive behaviour is reinforced.

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The safety of children

Staff continue to access training in safeguarding and associated specialist areas. This enables staff to be aware of and alert to any potential harm to children and young people.

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Leaders and managers

Assurance visit report: SC403472 3 The manager has the appropriate knowledge and experience for the role. She is focussed on improving outcomes for children and young people with complex needs. She has a strong belief in her staff and the nurturing care they provide.

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Leaders and managers

The manager deals with any shortfalls in care practice promptly and effectively. This leads to direct action and opportunities for learning. Significant events are evaluated and this can lead to additional training and learning opportunities. Staff are provided with regular team meetings and supervisions. The emphasis is always on safeguarding and the well-being of the children and young people.

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Leaders and managers

The manager and staff have a good understanding about how to plan effective transitions into the home for children and young people. They work in partnership with families, carers and professionals. The manager arranges a step-by-step introduction to enable children and young people to have a positive experience of moving to their new home.

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Leaders and managers

The manager has good monitoring systems and oversight of the home. She ensures that children and young people’s plans are reviewed regularly and updated. The manager advocates and challenges care-team professionals on behalf of children and young people to ensure that they fulfil their responsibilities. This ensures that children and young people are helped to reach their potential.

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Leaders and managers

The quality of some furnishings and decoration is poor. Additionally, internal and external areas are not free from hazards. The manager has requested repairs but these are not always completed in a prompt way. As a result, two requirements have been made to improve the appearance of the home and provide a safe, comfortable environment for children and young people.

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions that the registered person(s) must take to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, the 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 quality and purpose of care standard is that children receive care from staff who- understand the children’s home’s overall aims and the outcomes it seeks to achieve for children; use this understanding to deliver care that meets children’s needs and supports them to fulfil their potential. In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to- 12/11/2020 Assurance visit report: SC403472 4 ensure that the premises used for the purposes of the home are designed and furnished so as to- meet the needs of each child; and enable each child to participate in the daily life of the home. (Regulation 6(1) and (2)(c)(i)(ii)) In particular, the repairs to the physical condition of the home should include the replacement of damaged furnishings and improvement in the appearance of the home. The protection of children standard is that children are protected from harm and enabled to keep themselves safe.

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to ensure- that premises used for the purposes of the home are designed, furnished and maintained so as to protect each child from avoidable hazards to the child’s health. (Regulation 12(1)(2)(d)) In particular, internal and external work to remove old fittings and general rubble throughout external play areas. 12/11/2020

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Artemis Support Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 17 Queens Lane, Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland NE1 1RN

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Inspector

Michael Dack, Social Care Inspector Assurance visit report: SC403472 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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