Children's Home run by Durham County Council in Durham

Assurance visit report: SC035137 1 SC035137

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Information about this children’s home

A local authority operates and manages this home. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to three children and/or young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. The manager registered with Ofsted in October 2019.

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Information about this visit

Due to COVID-19 (coronavirus), 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. 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: SC035137 2

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The care of children

Children and young people receive individualised care and support. Staff work well with a range of agencies and professionals to support children’s and young people’s care planning. A professional commented, ‘This placement is amazing. Since [Name] has been placed there, he is a different child. He is now getting the therapeutic support that he needs. This placement provides him with one-to-one care, love and support. Staff are so nurturing. He is thriving.’

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The care of children

The manager completes impact risk assessments ahead of any new admission. He considers the mix of each child and young person to ensure that any admission is appropriate. Subsequently, bullying is no longer an issue of concern, and the children and young people have developed positive relationships with each other. This improves their daily lived experiences.

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The care of children

Children and young people enjoy activities of their choice. During the COVID-19 pandemic, staff have been creative and helped children and young people to continue accessing a range of activities. This has created normality and structure for children and young people during the pandemic period.

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The care of children

Staff recognise the importance of children and young people staying in contact with people who are important to them. Staff support the children and young people to see friends and family where it is safe to do so, and in line with government guidance. This supports children’s and young people’s identity needs, as well as ensuring that they stay healthy.

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The care of children

Staff support children’s and young people’s education, training and employment opportunities. School attendance and academic attainment have significantly improved for some children and young people since their admission. This enhances their learning and development as well as improving their self-esteem.

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The safety of children

Staff follow each child’s or young person’s risk assessment, which they regularly review and update. Risk assessments inform key-work sessions that provide opportunities for children and young people to discuss their risk-taking behaviours. This helps children and young people to develop ways of reducing such behaviours. This has been effective at reducing the children’s and young people’s risk-taking behaviours.

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The safety of children

The manager has risk assessments in place to minimise the risk of visitors, staff, children and young people becoming unwell due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Risk assessments include regular cleaning, as well as safety precautions when entering the home. Children and young people are well informed about government guidance and respond well to safety measures in place. This supports their health and well- being.

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The safety of children

Incidents of children or young people going missing from the home have decreased. Staff can identify the link between missing-from-home incidents and children and Assurance visit report: SC035137 3 young people being at increased risk of exploitation and harm. This means children and young people receive better care and protection as a result.

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The safety of children

Rewards and incentives are a preferred way to manage children’s and young people’s behaviour. Staff use restorative measures to address the children’s and young people’s behaviour, which helps them to reflect and develop positive behaviours. This has been effective at reducing critical incidents for some children and young people. Furthermore, this has helped the children and young people to recognise and celebrate their own achievements, building their self-esteem.

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Leaders and managers

The manager is suitably qualified, and he registered with Ofsted in October 2019. He has developed effective monitoring systems to review all areas of practice, including the day-to-day running of the home. The manager recognises the home’s strengths as well as areas for development. Where shortfalls are found, he takes swift action to drive improvements forward. This helps improve children’s and young people’s overall experiences and supports their progress and development.

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Leaders and managers

The manager has developed good working relationships with a range of professionals. He advocates well on behalf of children and young people to improve their care planning. This means that children and young people receive the support that they need, which prevents delays in progressing their plans.

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Leaders and managers

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been limitations around all staff attending team meetings face to face. The manager has been creative about how he can update staff on relevant matters. He developed ‘Bits and Bobs’ as a remote way of informing and updating staff on day-to-day matters. This means staff can provide consistent care and support to children and young people.

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Leaders and managers

Staff supervision is reflective and covers relevant topics. There are gaps in the frequency of some staff receiving supervision. This limits opportunities for all staff to reflect on their practice to ensure that it remains safe and consistent to meet the needs of children and young people.

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Leaders and managers

Two requirements and three recommendations made at the last inspection are met. Assurance visit report: SC035137 4

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Recommendations

 The registered person must have systems in place so that all staff, including the manager, receive supervision of their practice from an appropriately qualified and experienced professional, which allows them to reflect on their practice and the needs of the children assigned to their care. Professionally qualified staff employed by the home, e.g. teachers or social workers, should be provided with relevant professional or clinical supervision by an appropriately qualified and experienced professional. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 61, paragraph 13.2)

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Durham County Council

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: County Hall, Durham DH1 5UL

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Inspector

Jacqueline Tate, Social Care Inspector Assurance visit report: SC035137 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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