Children's home run by Middlesbrough Borough Council

Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC472392 1 SC472392

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Middlesbrough Borough Council

Monitoring visit Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This children’s home is owned and operated by a local authority. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to four children and/or young people who have social, emotional and/or mental health difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The suitably qualified manager has been registered with Ofsted since September 2019.

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This monitoring visit

This children’s home had an assurance visit on 2 and 3 September 2020. The inspector found evidence of serious concerns regarding the care and protection of children. Ofsted issued a compliance notice. The purpose of this visit was to monitor the progress of the compliance notice. The additional four requirements made at the assurance visit have not been fully reviewed as part of this visit, although leaders and managers have taken action to address these. These will be considered at the next inspection.

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This monitoring visit

The registered manager has taken steps to ensure that she leads the home in a way that is consistent with the home’s statement of purpose. Since the assurance visit, one child has moved on, and one child remains living in the home. The home is settled. No significant concerns have been raised with the regulator.

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This monitoring visit

The staff team has completed a range of training courses since the assurance visit, and more are scheduled. As a result of this input, members of staff have refreshed and increased their skills in caring for children. They are now better equipped to meet children’s needs.

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This monitoring visit

Leaders and managers support members of staff to evaluate the care they provide to children. The registered manager continues to develop this approach, including in Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC472392 2 her own monitoring of the service. The registered manager believes that this enhanced evaluation will improve outcomes for children. It is too early to understand the success or effectiveness of these developments.

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This monitoring visit

The staff team met to talk about the emotional impact of working in the home in the previous months. The sessions were facilitated by a professional who is independent of the provider. These discussions raised important issues regarding practice and performance, that the registered manager continues to address. This is a creative approach that helps to support staff to reflect on their own actions as well as children’s experiences.

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This monitoring visit

The home has been repaired and decorated since the assurance visit. It looks homely and inviting. The child living in the home is pleased about the improvements. He was involved in some of the decoration, which helped him to feel that his views are valued.

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This monitoring visit

Leaders and managers are changing the way they respond to referrals. The child’s needs are now central to whether a referral is accepted. The skills and knowledge of the staff team are taken into account. No children have moved into the home since the assurance visit. Therefore, it is too early to judge the effectiveness of this practice change.

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This monitoring visit

As a result of the progress made since the assurance visit, the child in the home is receiving care that meets his needs. Ofsted is satisfied that the steps in the compliance notice are met and that plans are in place to embed the improvements already made.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 11/02/2020 Full Requires improvement to be good 27/02/2019 Full Outstanding 21/03/2018 Full Good 11/01/2017 Interim Improved effectiveness Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC472392 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: Middlesbrough Borough Council

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Middlesbrough Borough Council, Middlesbrough House, 50 Corporation Road, Middlesbrough TS1 2RH

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Children’s home details

Registered manager: Kalia-Marina Kourou-Paradeli

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Inspector

Jane Titley, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC472392 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

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