Setting run by Newcastle City Council

Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2537322 1

p.1

Newcastle City Council

Monitoring visit Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

p.1

Information about this children’s home

This local authority home provides care and accommodation for one child and/or young person who has emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

The manager is suitably qualified and registered with Ofsted on 17 October 2019.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

A monitoring visit took place on 4 January 2021 to investigate potential breaches of regulations following information being shared with Ofsted that indicated a potential risk of harm to children. The inspection identified shortfalls relating to staffing, managing children’s behaviour and the management oversight.

p.1

This monitoring visit

This visit was carried out to monitor what action the provider has taken in response to the findings of the previous inspection. Due to the restrictions in place relating to COVID-19 (coronavirus), this monitoring visit was carried out off site. The visit included a review of documents and discussions with the child, staff, families and relevant professionals.

p.1

This monitoring visit

The inspector found that the provider has effectively addressed the shortfalls identified in the previous inspection.

p.1

This monitoring visit

There has been an increase in staffing at the home. One staff member described this as ‘making a massive difference’. Staff are committed and work together to meet the child’s needs. There is less reliance on staff from other homes in the organisation to provide shift cover. A thorough induction plan helps new staff to prepare for working with the child, for example, providing shadow shifts and training. One professional said that there is ‘lots of enthusiasm’ in the new team. This helps to improve consistency of care to the child. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2537322 2 The child receives help from staff to develop positive behaviour. The manager and staff follow the child’s individual support plan and use the strategies to manage behaviour. The details in incident records are detailed and now link with behaviour support plans. This helps staff to reflect on their practice and how they address the

p.1

This monitoring visit

child’s behavioural needs. This means that the child learns how to understand and manage his own behaviour.

p.2

This monitoring visit

The quality of key-work sessions has improved. Staff plan these in advance and they are focused on the child’s needs. The child benefits from spending time with staff, undertaking activities and using this time to talk through important matters. The manager is taking a more structured approach to reviewing key-work sessions and evaluating how effective they are. This means that sessions help the child to make progress.

p.2

This monitoring visit

The child is making progress in education. The manager and staff provide the child with encouragement and support to attend school. For example, staff provide the child with transport and talk to them about the day ahead. Staff are in regular contact with teaching professionals and they share information about the child’s needs. When there are concerns about the child’s education, the manager consults relevant professionals. This helps to engage the child in learning.

p.2

This monitoring visit

The manager is now more focused on improving the quality of care that the child receives. She is reflective and values feedback from the child and professionals, which she evaluates in order to make changes. The manager has reviewed monitoring systems in the home and implemented a development plan with clear targets. This means that, if there are shortfalls in the quality of care, these are identified so that improvements are made.

p.2

Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

p.2

Recent inspection history

No previous full inspection has taken place Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2537322 3

p.2

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.

p.3

Information about this inspection

This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000.

p.3

Children’s home details

Registered provider: Newcastle City Council

p.3

Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Newcastle Civic Centre, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE1 8QH

p.3

Inspectors

Catherine Heron, Social Care Inspector Paula Shepherd, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2537322 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.

p.3

Inspectors

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.4

Inspectors

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.4

Inspectors

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.4