Children's Home run by Witherslack Group Limited in Durham

Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2615005 1

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Witherslack Group Ltd

Monitoring visit Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home is owned and managed by a private provider. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to seven children who may have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. Children who live in the home also attend the provider’s independent school.

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Information about this children’s home

The home has not previously been inspected by Ofsted. It opened during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. The manager is suitably qualified and was registered in October 2020.

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This monitoring visit

Due to the restrictions in place because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this visit was carried out off site. The visit was to investigate potential breaches of regulations, following information being shared with Ofsted in notifications that indicated a potential risk of harm to children. The visit included a review of documents, a virtual tour of the building and discussions with children, staff, and relevant professionals.

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This monitoring visit

Staff take appropriate action when children are at risk. They spend one-to-one time with children, talking through the concerns and looking at ways to prevent the risk reoccurring. Risk assessments are updated when new risks emerge, providing staff with guidance to help them understand how to continue to help children to stay safe.

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This monitoring visit

When children move into the home, staff spend time with them to understand their likes, dislikes and routines and to enable the children to get to know the home. One child scored his experience of this process as eight out of 10.

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This monitoring visit

There are 11 members of staff working in the home, six of whom do not yet hold the minimum required qualification. All shift leaders are suitably qualified, which Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2615005 2 provides experienced oversight of the care provided to children on a day-to-day basis.

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This monitoring visit

New staff joining the home receive an induction and structured training programme specific to the individual needs of the children. Staff prepare for children moving in to the home by familiarising themselves with the child’s documentation. This helps to ensure that staff understand the children’s needs and are prepared for working with them.

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This monitoring visit

Regular supervision and probationary reviews take place. Staff feel supported by the manager; one member of staff said that they find the manager ‘approachable’ and ‘always there for support’.

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This monitoring visit

Monitoring systems, such as the ‘daily checklist’ and ‘golden hour’, are in place to review all areas of practice, including the day-to-day running of the home. This also provides new staff with the opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification.

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This monitoring visit

Children do well at school. Staff communicate with educational professionals daily by way of a formal handover so that the children’s needs are understood, supporting continued progression.

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Recent inspection history

Not previously inspected Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2615005 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.

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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: Witherslack Group Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Lupton Tower, Lupton, Carnforth LA6 2PR

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Inspectors

Paula Shepherd, Social Care Inspector Catherine Heron, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2615005 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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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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

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