Children's Home run by Sunbridge Childcare Ltd in North Tyneside

Inspection report children’s home: 2638322 1 Registered provider: Sunbridge Childcare Limited Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home is owned and managed by a private provider. It offers care for up to three children who experience social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in August 2023.

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Information about this children’s home

Three children were living at the home at the time of this inspection. The inspector spoke to all three children.

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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

Overall judgement at last inspection: good

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Enforcement action since last inspection:

An assurance inspection was carried out on 2 February 2023 due to an increase in safeguarding notifications. During the inspection, Ofsted identified significant shortfalls in the provider’s safeguarding practice due to ineffective leadership and management arrangements. As a result, a decision was made to suspend the registration of the home. The suspension notice was served on 2 February 2023. Ofsted also issued four compliance notices under regulations 12, 13, 14 and 25. In addition, several requirements were issued. Inspection report children’s home: 2638322 2 On 14 March 2023, Ofsted carried out a monitoring visit to review the provider’s compliance with the suspension notice and to look at the progress made to meet the compliance notices. During the visit, Ofsted identified continued shortfalls in the leadership and management arrangements of the home. Ofsted issued three compliance notices under regulations 12, 13 and 14.

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Enforcement action since last inspection:

On 24 April 2023, Ofsted carried out a further monitoring visit. The inspector found that the compliance notices issued under regulations 12 and 14 were met. However, there continued to be shortfalls in the leadership and management arrangements of the home. In response, Ofsted issued a further suspension notice and a compliance notice under regulation 13.

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Enforcement action since last inspection:

On 6 June 2023, Ofsted carried out a further monitoring visit. The inspector identified continued shortfalls in the leadership and management arrangements of the home. Ofsted reissued the compliance notice under regulation 13.

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Enforcement action since last inspection:

On 17 July 2023, a further monitoring visit was carried out. The inspector found that the compliance notice under regulation 13 had been met. Following a case review on 17 July 2023, it was agreed that the suspension notice would expire on 19 July 2023. The requirements previously issued under regulations 5, 11, 16, 19, 33, 35, 39 and 40 were not reviewed during this visit and were restated. Inspection report children’s home: 2638322 3

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

14/06/2022 Full Good 01/02/2022 Full Requires improvement to be good Inspection report children’s home: 2638322 4

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Following the suspension of the home’s registration being lifted, the home reopened, and the first child moved into the home in July 2023. Three children now live in the home. Children’s moves are carefully planned and well managed. Children are thriving. They are settled, happy and say that they like living at the home.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children receive care from a dedicated and consistent staff team. Staff build trusting relationships with children and have a thorough understanding of their individual needs. The stability of the staff team enables children to experience a sense of security and routine.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The children’s voice is embedded throughout the home. Children are consulted about every aspect of their care and are encouraged to share their wishes and feelings. Staff’s transparent approach enables children to feel valued and that their feelings matter.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff promote education and further learning. One child has a job with the NHS, and another has been supported to attend their first interview. Staff helped to prepare the child with mock interview questions, which resulted in the child being recruited. One child is struggling to engage in formal education. Staff work alongside education professionals. Small steps are being made, with the child now showing an interest and willingness to engage.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children’s health needs are well understood. They are supported and encouraged to attend routine health appointments and are registered locally with relevant health services. One child is now able to manage their own medication, including ordering repeat medicines. The manager has advocated to ensure that one child receives specialist support for their emotional well-being. This promotes positive health outcomes for children.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff ensure that children have time with people who are important to them. Staff communicate well with children’s families and recognise the importance of these relationships. Staff are creative in ensuring that one child and their family are sensitively supported during a very difficult time. Supporting family relationships improves children’s sense of identity and well-being.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff communicate well with others to help children have childhood experiences, such as sleepovers with friends. Staff act as a good parent would, making sure that arrangements for such activities are clear and well managed.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Additionally, staff support children to enjoy a range of activities that reflect their interests. Children help to plan activities and enjoy trips out, such as go-karting and quad biking. One child organises quizzes and has recently organised a quiz that focused on the theory aspects of driving, which was enjoyed by all. Children spend Inspection report children’s home: 2638322 5 time together. They have fun and get on with each other. Sharing activities enables children to grow in confidence and improve their self-esteem and social skills.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children’s independence skills improve. Independence planning is incorporated in daily activities. Children cook, budget and develop valuable life skills. Building independence skills prepares children well for when they move on from the home.

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

There is a strong safeguarding culture in the home. Staff know what to do if they are worried about a child and have a good understanding of their responsibilities to protect children. Safeguarding scenarios are explored during team meetings. This helps to keep staff alert to recognising and responding to risks that may occur.

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

Risks to the children are known and understood by the staff who care for them. Risk assessments include all known vulnerabilities for the children. These set out actions staff should take to manage risks, and these are regularly reviewed to reflect the current needs of the children.

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

Children rarely go missing from the home. However, when missing-from-home incidents occur, these are responded to appropriately by staff. Staff record the steps that have been taken and follow agreed procedures in a timely manner. When children return to the home, staff are thoughtful of their needs, and children are provided with the opportunity to share their feelings.

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

Staff have built up resources to educate children about the risks they may be exposed to. Effective multi-agency working has ensured a coordinated delivery of a risk reduction plan for one child. Consistent staff practice has supported one child to make considerable progress in reducing their substance misuse.

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

Staff model positive behaviour and relationships. Staff are accomplished in de- escalating behaviours. They set consistent boundaries, which children respond to well. Staff have reflective conversations with children. This helps children to learn alternative strategies to support their emotional development.

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

Physical intervention techniques are not regularly used. When staff hold children to keep them safe, it is proportionate and necessary. Following such incidents, those staff and children involved are provided with the opportunity to reflect on what has happened. The documentation linked to these physical interventions is of good quality.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Since the last inspection, the provider has made organisational changes. This includes the appointment of a new responsible individual, registered manager, deputy manager and a new staff team. Recruitment processes are robust and considerable efforts are made to recruit those who have the relevant experience, knowledge and skills. Inspection report children’s home: 2638322 6 The manager and his staff team, along with the support from the responsible individual, have made significant changes throughout the home. The collective hard work and commitment has resulted in extensive progress and improvement being made since the last inspection.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The manager is an inspirational leader and demonstrates strong ambition for children. He has exemplary oversight of all aspects of their care. The manager is tenacious in ensuring that any decisions about children are well planned and in their best interests.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The manager models tolerance and positive regard for children. Staff hold the manager’s leadership in high regard and are just as enthusiastic about caring for children. There is a strong sense of togetherness and inclusivity in the home. The manager’s influence and approach create a nurturing and loving environment in which children make good progress.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Staff morale is high. They speak highly of the management team and feel well supported, valued, and equipped to fulfil their roles. As well as formal methods of support, there is an open-door policy that staff particularly value. One staff member said that the managers go above and beyond for the children and the staff.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Staff receive regular supervision that provides them with time and space to reflect on their work. Staff are challenged to further develop their understanding of the model of care that is used in the home. They are supported to think about how their practice can support children even better.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The manager ensures that staff receive training to provide excellent care. The manager uses research to inform staff practice and enhance their knowledge. High- quality training means that staff have the tools and knowledge to provide individualised care.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The manager advocates for the children in his care. He challenges other professionals and agencies when he does not feel that decisions are made in the best interests of children. For example, the manager coordinated a meeting with the local police force to highlight the need for a systematic approach. As a result, children are less likely to be criminalised at this home.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

There are excellent monitoring systems in place which ensure that detailed and clear records are kept about the children’s experience of living at the home. The team of staff are eager to continuously improve their practice so that children flourish and continue to make progress. Inspection report children’s home: 2638322 7

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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 children’s home: 2638322 8

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Sunbridge Childcare Limited

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Inspector

Claire Webster, Social Care Inspector Inspection report children’s home: 2638322 9 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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