Children's home run by The Percy Hedley Foundation

Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: 1234990 1

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The Percy Hedley Foundation

Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This children’s home is operated and managed by a private provider. It offers care and accommodation for up to 14 children and/or young people who may have physical disabilities, learning disabilities and/or sensory impairment. The accommodation consists of a residential unit and a three-bedroom cottage.

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Information about this children’s home

Ofsted is aware of the challenges that the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic is currently posing to those we inspect and regulate. During the visit, the inspector took into consideration the measures taken to manage risks of COVID-19 in the home, in particular the impact on young people seeing their family and accessing activities in the community.

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This monitoring visit

A monitoring visit was carried out on 9 September 2020 and identified a number of shortfalls relating to the safety of children. A compliance notice and a restriction of accommodation was issued. A monitoring visit on 27 October 2020 found that the provider had acted to address the issues and several notices were considered to be met. However, during both visits, it was found that the manager’s internal monitoring arrangements were ineffective.

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This monitoring visit

In response, Ofsted issued a further compliance notice which set out steps that the provider needed to complete. The provider was to address the matters in the compliance notices no later than 13 December 2020.

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This monitoring visit

This visit was carried out to monitor the action taken by the provider in response to the compliance notice. The visit took place off-site.

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This monitoring visit

The inspector found that the provider had completed all the steps in the compliance notice. Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: 1234990 2 The manager has implemented a number of monitoring systems to review the quality of care that young people receive. The manager is using a new computer system which helps her to gather data quickly. If the manager identifies shortfalls in the quality of care, she takes effective action. For example, the manager contacts agencies for important documents which are missing from young people’s files.

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This monitoring visit

The senior leadership team supports the manager. By working together, they understand the needs of the service and what improvements are required. They share information through a weekly management report. Staff speak positively about the leadership in the home. They feel supported and say that the changes are having a positive effect on the quality of care provided to young people. A parent said the manager is ‘changing things for the better’. A social worker said the manager is ‘working really hard, I have every confidence in her’.

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This monitoring visit

Staffing continues to be a challenge, however there has been a reduction in the use of agency staff. The manager plans so that staffing shortages are identified early. When agency staff are needed, the manager uses staff who are already known to the young people and who understand their needs. This helps to ensure that young people receive consistent care.

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This monitoring visit

There has been a reduction in medication errors. The staff rota clearly identifies who is responsible for administering medication to children and young people. This helps staff to be prepared for the medication round and understand their roles and responsibilities. This means the risk of medication errors has reduced.

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This monitoring visit

When there are concerns about staff behaviour, an investigation takes place. The manager considers the impact of the concerns on young people. She keeps up to date with the progress of investigations and uses the findings to address practice issues. This helps to keep young people increasingly safe.

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This monitoring visit

Staff encourage the young people to have fun and they are looking forward to Christmas time. The home is decorated with Christmas trees and paintings on the windows. Young people have participated in festive crafts which are on display around the home. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, young people have missed spending time with their family. Staff have found ways to promote family time and, where possible, are helping young people visit loved ones at Christmas. This means young people can enjoy the festive celebrations with people who are important to them. Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: 1234990 3

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 24/09/2019 Full Requires improvement to be good 12/06/2019 Full Inadequate 01/08/2018 Full Requires improvement to be good 22/05/2018 Interim Declined in effectiveness Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: 1234990 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: The Percy Hedley Foundation

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Percy Hedley School, Forest Hall, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE12 8YY

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Inspector

Catherine Heron, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: 1234990 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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