Children's home run by Durham County Council

Inspection report for children’s home: 2729914 1 Registered provider: Durham County Council Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home is operated and managed by a local authority. It provides care for one child with social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

This is the first inspection since the home registered in April 2023. The manager was also registered in April 2023.

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Information about this children’s home

There was one child living at the home at the time of this inspection. The inspector spoke to the child during the inspection.

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Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

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good

How well children and young people are helped and protected good

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good

The effectiveness of leaders and managers outstanding

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good

The children’s home provides effective services that meet the requirements for good.

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good

Date of last inspection: not previously inspected

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good

Overall judgement at last inspection: not applicable

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: not applicable Inspection report for children’s home: 2729914 2

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

One child has lived at the home since it registered with Ofsted. The child has made progress and their outcomes have improved. The progress that they have made is a direct result of the skills, knowledge and experience of staff, and the commitment that they have shown to the child. The therapeutic and nurturing environment helps the child to overcome past trauma and better understand the world around them.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child said that their life is much better since living at the home. The child now aspires to do well in the future as they become a young adult. The child said, ‘I am more confident and hopeful about the future. I am making better choices and see myself getting a good job.’

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child has built relationships with the adults who care for them. The staff know the child well and support and guide them in every aspect of their life. This has helped the child to make measurable progress from their starting point. The child said, ‘They all love me; I know they all care.’

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The staff are respectful and value the child, their views and their identity. The staff listen to and engage with the child. When the child expressed specific views about their preferred name, this was followed up consistently and appropriately by staff.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child enjoys engaging in activities of their choice, such as going trampolining, shooting and biking. This has given the child more opportunities and provided new experiences for them. The child’s confidence has grown; for example, while on their first holiday, they experienced paddle boarding, overcoming their fear of water.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child has developed new hobbies and interests since living at the home. The staff have introduced cooking and baking to the child. This has resulted in the child eating new foods. In addition, the staff have assisted the child to attend the local gym. Consequently, the child’s overall physical and mental health is improving.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The staff have listened to the child’s views about keeping in touch and spending time with their family. This led to the child celebrating their birthday with their siblings for the first time. Family members and friends are encouraged to participate in the child’s life. The child recently visited the zoo for the first time and shared this new experience with a friend. The child said, ‘It was great to do this. I’ve never had proper friends.’

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The atmosphere in the home is warm and welcoming, with a homely feel. Much thought has been given to helping the child feel safe and at ease in their surroundings. Home-decor items that have been made by the child are proudly displayed in the home. Staff have helped the child to decorate their bedroom. Because of this, for the first time in years, the child identifies this as home. Inspection report for children’s home: 2729914 3

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

The therapeutic approach to care is attuned to the child’s needs and behaviours. Triggers that lead to negative behaviour are well understood by the staff. Their ability to distract and often prevent the child from becoming anxious and frustrated is due to the positive relationships they have with the child.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

The child speaks to staff about their worries. Staff respond sensitively when the child shares information with them. They develop plans together with the child to keep them safe. Furthermore, the child continues to learn strategies to cope more effectively with difficulties in their life. This is significant progress and has led to reduced incidents and an improved sleep routine as the child is less anxious.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

When safeguarding concerns are identified, they are reported promptly by the staff team. There is good communication between staff and the social worker; this helps to keep the child safe.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Staff use firm and consistent boundaries. The child responds positively to these. As a result, there have not been any physical interventions or restrictive practices used in the home. Additionally, there have been fewer occasions when the child has been missing from home.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The manager is enthusiastic and demonstrates a commitment to the child. She is forward-thinking and innovative. The manager has been pivotal in embedding a well-researched model of trauma-informed practice with the team.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The manager models tolerance and positive regard for the child and is aspirational for them. The staff hold the manager’s leadership in high regard and are just as enthusiastic about caring for the child. There is a strong sense of togetherness and inclusivity in the home. The manager’s influence and approach has created a nurturing and loving environment in which the child has made good progress.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The staff promote the well-being of the child, including their mental health. The staff are also encouraged to look after their own health by joining activities such as monthly well-being runs and events.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The experienced staff team work in a collaborative way to provide the child with the consistency and stability that they need to feel safe and secure. The staff feel valued and are extremely proud of their work. One staff member said,

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

‘I just absolutely love it. This is home from home. [Name of child] is amazing, and to hear them call this ‘home’ is something others never imagined. We are dedicated and will not give up on them.’ Inspection report for children’s home: 2729914 4 The manager has a comprehensive system for reviewing and monitoring all aspects of the home. She evaluates staff practice through regular and reflective supervision and has thorough oversight of the care and progress of the child. The manager identifies areas of responsibility and utilises staff’s skills to enhance their development. This promotes professional development and improves practice. Furthermore, staff team development days provide enhanced learning and team reflection. The manager has created an open and engaging environment, with the staff team invested in the home’s ethos.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The manager routinely collaborates with other professionals to ensure the child’s needs are met. The manager and staff are strong advocates for the child and make appropriate levels of challenge when external parties do not fulfil their duties. This includes the manager being persistent to ensure that the child’s right to education is fulfilled. Inspection report for children’s home: 2729914 5

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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: 2729914 6

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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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Inspector

Claire Webster, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2729914 7 regulates and inspects 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 looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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