Children's home run by Pear Tree Projects Limited in County Durham

Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: SC418605 1 SC418605

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Pear Tree Projects Limited

Monitoring visit Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home is owned and managed by a private company. It provides care and accommodation for up to three children who may have emotional and/or social difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted on 14 December 2020.

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This monitoring visit

Due to the restrictions in place as a result of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, this visit was carried out off site. The visit was to investigate potential breaches of regulations, after information was shared with Ofsted. The visit included a review of documents, a virtual tour of the building and discussions with children, staff, family members and professionals.

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This monitoring visit

There has been a change in who holds the position of the registered manager since the last inspection. The new manager is suitably qualified and has experience of working with children in care. He is a motivated and forward-thinking leader with a clear vision for the home. The manager was supported to get to know the children and the systems in place that monitor the care delivered prior to taking up the post. This means that he was prepared for the role and understands the children’s needs. The staff feel supported and say that the change of manager was a ‘smooth transition’. This helped to minimise disruption to the children.

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This monitoring visit

Children say that they feel safe living in the home. The manager is confident in dealing with risk. He ensures that the children’s risk assessments are up to date and relevant to their needs. He collects evidence and uses this to help make decisions about what is best for the children. This means that children are able to enjoy experiences which are appropriate to their age, development and vulnerability. Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: SC418605 2 Children are making good progress. They talk confidently about their achievements. There is a clear link between the children’s identified needs, the planning and the care provided to them. Families and professionals gave positive feedback. For example, one said that their child has come on leaps and bounds and another said that the turnaround is phenomenal. This means that children receive good-quality care which helps them make progress in their lives.

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This monitoring visit

Children have trusting relationships with the staff. The staff take a genuine interest in the children’s well-being. They give the children guidance and information about a range of topics, such as the dangers of alcohol. When describing the staff, one child said, ‘They are down to earth. They don’t shout at me; they just explain stuff. I don’t need to hide anything.’ This helps children to be increasingly safe.

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This monitoring visit

The children are supported by staff to enjoy regular family time with people who are important to them. Staff have used creative ways to promote family time when visits could not take place. For example, they have helped a child and parent enjoy online gaming together. Staff provide families with updates about the children’s achievements and goals. Families say that they feel part of their children’s lives. When describing the support from staff, one parent said that the staff are ‘class’ and another said, ‘I can’t praise them enough.’ This helps children have positive relationships and promotes their sense of belonging.

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This monitoring visit

There is a calm atmosphere in the home, which a child described as being ‘chilled and relaxed’. This helps the children to feel settled and at ease. There have been improvements in home conditions, including new carpets and furniture. Children’s bedrooms are personalised. There are photographs throughout the home of the children having fun. They have space to enjoy activities, including reading, gaming and exercising. New technology in the home means the children can try other interests. As a result, one child now listens to podcasts and follows politics. This helps the children to enjoy where they live.

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This monitoring visit

Incidents involving children are rare. However, when they do happen, staff follow procedures and liaise with relevant agencies. Staff complete a record of the incident and it is checked by the manager. He assesses incidents and appropriately decides if they should be reported to Ofsted.

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This monitoring visit

The manager has placed an emphasis on promoting the children’s mental health. Staff have received additional information and training so they are more aware of the warning signs that indicate children may need help. Staff are aware of children’s moods and talk openly with them about feelings. This makes it easier for children to talk to staff about challenges in their lives or worries that they may have. When children need support with their mental health, the manager and staff respond. For example, they have installed a gym in the home for children to stay active.

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This monitoring visit

Staff encourage children to follow their aspirations and goals. The staff speak highly of the children and recognise their individual talents and interests. One child said, Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: SC418605 3 ‘The staff are all about helping me for my future.’ The manager and staff help the children to stay motivated and encourage them not to give up. This means that the children feel supported and can rely on the staff to help them.

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This monitoring visit

The manager has monitoring systems in place which help him to review the care that children receive. Independent visits take place but the quality of these visits is poor. They are not thorough and do not scrutinise the care provided. This means that there is less independent oversight to help the manager to identify where improvements can be made.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 25/06/2019 Full Good 27/11/2018 Full Good 14/11/2017 Full Good 16/02/2017 Interim Sustained effectiveness Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: SC418605 4

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Recommendations

 The registered person should actively seek independent scrutiny of the home and make best use of information from independent and internal monitoring, including under regulations 44 and 45, to ensure continuous improvement. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 55, paragraph 10.24)

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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: Pear Tree Projects Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Peartree House, Bolam, Darlington, County Durham DL2 2UP

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Inspector

Catherine Heron, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: SC418605 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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Inspector

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