Children's home run by Spark of Genius North East LLP in Stockton-on-Tees

Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 1159884 1

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Spark of Genius North East Limited

Monitoring visit Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home is owned and operated by a private provider. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to five children and/or young people who have behavioural and/or emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in March 2020.

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This monitoring visit

Following an assurance visit of this home on 8 and 9 September 2020, Ofsted issued two compliance notices and three requirements. The compliance notices were with regard to significant safeguarding concerns and the poor leadership and management of the home. The purpose of this monitoring visit was to check the progress made to meet these notices and to address the requirements.

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This monitoring visit

The risks to the children from fire is reducing. The children have completed work with staff and with the fire brigade regarding the risks to themselves and others caused by smoking in the home. The staff have completed additional training to help them understand their responsibility to protect the children. This training, along with clear guidance from leaders and managers, means that the staff are now confident to take immediate action to prevent children from smoking in the home.

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This monitoring visit

Additional training for the staff means that they now fully understand procedures for reporting safeguarding concerns. The staff are now clear that they must report all causes for concern to managers. The staff are issued with clear guidance to follow if any safeguarding issues arise. This significant improvement better protects children from abuse.

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This monitoring visit

The manager has delivered training to the staff in proactively managing risks to the children’s safety. As a result, there is now a greater focus on positive strategies for staff to follow. These strategies include the staff developing their relationships with Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 1159884 2 the children to reduce the potential for the children to go missing from the home. Consequently, risks to children’s safety and welfare are reducing.

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This monitoring visit

The children now live in a home free from hazards. The monitoring of the building has improved significantly, and leaders and managers complete daily building checks. Furthermore, the children have made autumn door wreaths and planted pots at the front of the house; inside redecoration work has been completed to a good standard. As a result, the children live in a well-maintained home that has a homely and welcoming feel.

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This monitoring visit

The children are learning how to keep themselves safe and healthy. The staff are more motivated and successful in engaging children in keywork sessions. These sessions help the children to understand dangers and risks to their health, such as smoking and substance misuse.

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This monitoring visit

The registered manager has developed new monitoring systems to support him to better assess and review the quality of care provided for the children. For example, the registered manager now has a better oversight of the keywork that the staff complete with the children. This improvement helps leaders and managers to review the children’s development and progress.

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This monitoring visit

Leaders and managers are modelling high expectations and promoting a positive approach to supporting the children. One member of staff commented, `I think we are thinking differently, thinking forward. We have pressed the reset button. We have new skills and direction now.’

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This monitoring visit

The registered manager now ensures that he leads the home in line with the statement of purpose. He is continuing to develop and embed safe staff practice to provide a nurturing and homely environment. For example, a new positive reward system is now in operation. The children said that they like this, and it encourages them to achieve their personal goals.

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This monitoring visit

The registered manager is notifying the regulatory body of serious incidents. The information provided allows the regulatory body to have oversight of safeguarding practice .

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 04/12/2019 Full Good 11/02/2019 Full Good 06/06/2017 Full Good 07/02/2017 Interim Improved effectiveness Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 1159884 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: Spark Of Genius North East Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: King Edwin School, Mill Lane, Stockton-on-Tees, Cleveland TS20 1LG

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Inspector

Jamie Richardson, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 1159884 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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