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

The home provides care and accommodation for up to four children and young people who may have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. A private provider operates the home.

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This monitoring visit

An assurance visit was carried out on 21 September 2020, during which the following serious concerns were identified in relation to the care or protection of children: y oung people’s care plans do not address risks that young people pose to each other; hazards and hygiene in the home pose a risk to young people; safeguarding incidents are not thoroughly recorded; and one young person’s needs are outside the criteria detailed in the statement of purpose.

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This monitoring visit

In response, this visit was carried out to assess what action the manager has taken to address the serious concerns identified.

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This monitoring visit

The inspector found that the manager has taken effective action to address the concerns.

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This monitoring visit

Young people’s risk assessments have been reviewed. The manager understands the risks posed to each young person. He ensures that risk assessments are up to date with current information and strategies for staff to follow to help young people stay safe.

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This monitoring visit

When young people do not have a school or college to attend, the staff provide them with structured learning at home. Young people have an education planner which details their week ahead and tracks the work they complete. The manager liaises with the education authority and helps to find educational provisions which Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: SC429995 2 meet the young people’s needs. This means young people are able to get back into education and continue with their learning.

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This monitoring visit

Safeguarding incidents are thoroughly recorded. The manager ensures that staff follow procedures, which includes notifying Ofsted. The manager reviews incidents and the action taken by staff, he also consults with the young people. This means that incidents are scrutinised and enables practice issues to be identified. This helps to keep young people increasingly safe.

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This monitoring visit

The home conditions have improved. The manager has taken effective action to rectify hazards and improve hygiene. A cleaning routine has been put in place which staff follow. The manager monitors the conditions to ensure that the home is hygienic and well maintained. The home is decorated in a festive theme with Christmas trees, sparkly lights and window dressings. This means that the young people are living in comfortable home conditions.

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This monitoring visit

When young people move into the home, they receive a warm welcome and introduction. The manager and deputy manager learn about young people’s individual needs and make bespoke arrangements to help them settle in. They share information and get to know the young person and the people who are important to them. To help prepare the young person, they receive photographs and visit the home to meet staff and other young people. A social worker said, ‘It's the best introduction I’ve seen for a young person.’ This helps young people to cope with the change in their life and settle into their new home.

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This monitoring visit

Young people receive help to develop their independence skills. There is a designated member of staff in the home who is responsible for overseeing this and planning work with young people. This helps young people to prepare for moving out of the home and learn skills for later life.

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This monitoring visit

Young people are supported to keep in touch with their family and visit them when restrictions in line with the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic allow. Staff work flexibly to promote family time. They will accompany young people on long journeys to see their family and offer extra support. Each child has a Christmas family time plan which is focused on their individual needs and preferences.

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This monitoring visit

Young people have positive relationships with staff. When young people have ideas or want to make changes, staff listen and act. The manager uses a ‘you said, we did’ scheme to help young people feel confident that they can influence change and make decisions about the care that they receive. When young people do not want to participate in group meetings, they are able to share their views during one-to-one time with staff. This means that all young people’s views are valued.

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This monitoring visit

The manager and deputy manager have high aspirations for the young people. They are focused on improving the quality of care provided. Together, they provide strong management oversight and support to the staff team. Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: SC429995 3 The home’s statement of purpose is up to date. This means that the home is complying with its conditions of registration.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 10/10/2019 Interim Improved effectiveness 25/06/2019 Full Requires improvement to be good 18/12/2018 Interim Improved effectiveness 18/04/2018 Full Requires improvement to be good Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: SC429995 4

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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: 2 The Calls, Leeds LS2 7JU

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Inspector

Catherine Heron, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: SC429995 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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Inspector

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Inspector

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