Children's Home run by Durham County Council in Durham

Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: SC035235 1 SC035235 Registered provider: Durham County Council

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home is owned and operated by a local authority. It provides care for up to three children who experience social and emotional difficulties, and who may have learning disabilities.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in November 2023.

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Information about this children’s home

One child was living in the home at the time of inspection.

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Information about this children’s home

The child has temporarily moved to another house while repairs are carried out at the registered children’s home. This monitoring visit took place at the temporary home. A visit to the registered children’s home also took place.

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This monitoring visit

This children’s home was judged inadequate at the full inspection on 22 and 23 May 2024. Ofsted issued one compliance notice under regulation 12. In addition, four requirements were raised. A further monitoring visit took place on 8 July 2024. The compliance notice under regulation 12 had not been met and was reissued.

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This monitoring visit

A further monitoring visit was completed on 2 September 2024 to monitor the provider’s progress in meeting the steps within the compliance notice. The compliance notice had still not been met. A compliance notice under regulation 12 was reissued. In addition, a compliance notice under regulation 13 was issued.

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This monitoring visit

Since the last visit, one child has moved out of the home. Staff continue to care for one child who is still living in the temporary home while repairs are carried out at the registered children’s home. A visit was undertaken to both homes. The registered home has benefited from a complete refurbishment throughout to a high standard. Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: SC035235 2 The child has been included in discussions about personalising their bedroom. There are plans for the child to return to the registered home as repairs are almost complete.

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This monitoring visit

An interim manager offers support to the registered manager’s oversight and management of the home. The managers have implemented more effective positive behaviour responses for staff to follow. For example, the child now has a reward system in place, which they are responding well to. In recent weeks, this has resulted in a reduction in the times when the child has struggled to manage their emotions or behaviour. Staff discussions with the child are becoming more planned rather than staff reacting to the child’s behaviour. This supports the child to reflect on their behaviour and manage their emotions.

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This monitoring visit

Staff morale across the team is improving. Staff are now receiving regular supervision sessions, which include more reflective practice discussions. Staff take part in a development day to support the change to the staffing culture issues and to help improve the quality of care for the child.

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This monitoring visit

Leaders and managers have implemented an effective action plan to address the shortfalls raised. As a result, the compliance notices issued under regulations 12 and 13 have been met. Leaders and managers are realistic that change is in the early stages and have ongoing plans to continue to make improvements. Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: SC035235 3

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

22/05/2024 Full Inadequate 06/02/2024 Full Requires improvement to be good 27/09/2022 Full Good 22/11/2021 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: SC035235 4

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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. Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: SC035235 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Durham County Council

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Resources, County Hall, Durham DH1 5UL

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Children’s home details

Registered manager: Amy Philbin-Robinson

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Inspector

Jess Elliott, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: SC035235 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 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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Inspector

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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