Children's home run by Hartlepool Borough Council in Hartlepool

Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: SC472417 1 SC472417

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Hartlepool Borough Council

Monitoring visit Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home provides care for up to four children who have social and/or emotional difficulties. A local authority owns and operates the home.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager has been in post since the home opened in October 2013. He registered with Ofsted in January 2014.

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This monitoring visit

Due to the restrictions in place relating to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, this monitoring visit was carried out remotely. The visit was undertaken to investigate potential breaches of regulations, following the sharing of information with Ofsted in safeguarding notifications. In addition, the home has not been visited since 13 August 2019, when Ofsted completed a full inspection. Inspection activities at the monitoring visit included discussions with children, interviews with managers and staff and the review of children’s case records.

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This monitoring visit

Ofsted did not identify any serious or widespread concerns during this monitoring visit. The registered manager had appropriately managed and addressed the safeguarding concerns to ensure that children were protected from harm.

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This monitoring visit

The registered manager has an excellent understanding of the children who are living in the home. He is knowledgeable about their individual needs and focuses staff practice on ensuring good outcomes for children.

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This monitoring visit

When children come to live in the home, the registered manager completes individual risk assessments. These consider the impact of a new admission on the children already living in the home. This means that all potential risks to children’s safety and well-being are scrutinised, and that plans are in place to mitigate these risks. Furthermore, introductions to the home are sensitively considered, with Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: SC472417 2 children meeting staff and visiting the home prior to moving in. Children quickly feel comfortable and confident in their new home. This also helps to minimise any potential disruption for the children already living there.

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This monitoring visit

Children say that they have good relationships with staff and that these help them to stay safe. They can trust staff with their worries or concerns and feel confident that they will be supported. It is because of these positive relationships that children work with staff to find solutions to their individual issues and new ways of managing their frustrations. One child spoke of now being back in full-time education because staff helped them to find the right school placement. This emphasis on positive relationships supports children to make progress and maximise their potential.

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This monitoring visit

Children are cared for by a consistent team of staff who are knowledgeable about children’s individual needs and the risks to their safety. Risk assessments are clear and easy to follow. They give context to any concerns and demonstrate how risks or behaviours should be managed. Staff are experienced in managing children’s anxieties and frustrations and there have been no instances where physical restraint has been necessary. Children are kept safer as a result of the skills and knowledge of the staff.

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This monitoring visit

There were no requirements or recommendations from this visit.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 13/08/2019 Full Good 12/02/2019 Full Good 17/07/2017 Full Good 22/02/2017 Interim Sustained effectiveness Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: SC472417 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 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: Hartlepool Borough Council

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Hartlepool Borough Council, Civic Centre, Victoria Road, Hartlepool, Durham TS24 8AY

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Inspector

Deb Duffy, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: SC472417 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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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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