Children's Home run by Darlington Borough Council in Darlington

Inspection report for children's home: SC037861 1 SC037861 Registered provider: Darlington Borough Council Interim inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home is owned and operated by a local authority. It provides care 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 in March 2020 and is suitably qualified for the role.

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Inspection date: 23 March 2022

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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Inspection date: 23 March 2022

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: SC037861 2

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged requires improvement to be good at the last full inspection.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

At this interim inspection, Ofsted judged that it has improved effectiveness.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Since the last inspection in June 2021, leaders and managers have taken suitable action to address the three requirements and one recommendation raised at that time.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Children’s progress has improved since the last inspection. They are attending educational settings and recognise the importance of continued learning and how this will influence their future career prospects. One teacher said, ‘[Name of child] now has 100% attendance. They remain focused when here because they want to do well in life.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Children’s social awareness has improved. This has resulted in a significant reduction in anti-social behaviour and the misuse of drugs. For one child, this means that they are now accessing support for their mental health. The registered manager and staff team have remained resolute in supporting this child, and their consistent approach means that the child now makes informed decisions about their actions and behaviours.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Risk assessments now include all known risks to the children and are updated following any incident. Clear actions and strategies are in place for staff to follow, which reduces the risk of harm to the children. As a result of staff actions, children become increasingly safe.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There has been no use of physical restraint since the last full inspection. This demonstrates the positive relationships that staff have with the children. They use these relationships and positive behaviour management techniques to prevent incidents from escalating.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Missing-from-home incidents have reduced. Children benefit from a multi-agency approach, with staff working in partnership with local police teams, social workers and the children’s families. Staff are aware of the missing-from-home protocols in place and their responsibilities to carry out checks on the children when they are out in the community. This reinforces a safety message to the children: that the staff care about their welfare.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Partnership working is a strength of the service and ensures that all professionals involved in the children’s care are working towards the same plan. As a result, there are no blurred boundaries for the children, and their care will remain consistent. Inspection report for children’s home: SC037861 3

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

15/06/2021 Full Requires improvement to be good 12/09/2019 Full Good 01/05/2018 Full Good 20/06/2017 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home: SC037861 4

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Information about this inspection

This inspection focused on the effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of children and young people since the most recent full inspection.

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Information about this inspection

Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children and young people, using the social care common inspection framework. This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000 to assess the effectiveness of the service, how it meets the core functions of the service as set out in legislation, and to consider how well it complies with the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the ‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’. Inspection report for children’s home: SC037861 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Darlington Borough Council

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Town Hall, Feethams, Darlington, County Durham DL1 5QT

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Christopher Bell

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Inspector

Gemma McDonnell, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: SC037861 6 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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