Children's Home run by Durham County Council in Durham

Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC034686 1 SC034686

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Durham County Council

Monitoring visit Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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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 five children with emotional and/or social difficulties. The manager registered with Ofsted in September 2019.

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This monitoring visit

Due to the restrictions in place relating to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) 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. Following this visit, we found no serious or widespread concerns.

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This monitoring visit

Children experience positive transitions to the home. The manager completes in- depth impact risk assessments ahead of new admissions, which consider the mix of children. Subsequently, children settle quickly and form trusting relationships with staff. This improves their daily lived experiences. A child said, ‘I’d score living here nine out of 10.’

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This monitoring visit

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

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This monitoring visit

Staff follow children’s risk assessments, which they regularly review and update. Risk assessments inform key-work sessions that provide opportunities for children to discuss any worries and concerns with staff. This supports children’s development as well as helping them to celebrate their own progress. This has been particularly effective at reducing risks associated with exploitation for some children. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC034686 2 The manager has good working relationships with a range of professionals. She advocates well on behalf of children, improving their outcomes. A professional commented, ‘The staff are amazing. They are so nurturing and child focused. They really understand the needs of [Name], which helps them to get the necessary support before it reaches crisis point.’

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This monitoring visit

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.

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This monitoring visit

One requirement and two recommendations made at the last inspection are met.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 05/06/2019 Full Good 25/09/2018 Full Good 31/10/2017 Full Outstanding 25/01/2017 Interim Sustained effectiveness Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC034686 3

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that staff receive regular supervision. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 43, paragraph 9.14)

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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: Durham County Council

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: County Hall, Durham DH1 5UJ

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Inspectors

Jacqueline Tate, Social Care Inspector Paula Shepherd, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC034686 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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