Children's Home run by Spark of Genius North East LLP in Stockton-on-Tees

Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC477031 1 SC477031

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Registered provider: Spark Of Genius North East LLP

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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 managed by a private company. It provides care for five children who may experience social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

There was one child resident at the time of the inspection.

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Information about this children’s home

There has been no registered manager since March 2023.

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This monitoring visit

An assurance inspection took place on 4 December 2024. At this visit, the inspector found serious and widespread concerns. A case review on 9 December 2024 decided that a restriction of accommodation notice would be served along with a compliance notice in relation to regulation 27. This monitoring visit was undertaken to review the provider’s compliance with these notices.

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This monitoring visit

There is a suitably qualified interim manager in post who has applied to register with Ofsted. She is highly organised and is providing strong leadership. In a relatively short space of time, the manager has developed a staff team that is enthusiastic about providing high-quality care. The changes implemented have raised staff morale and significantly improved the quality of care to the child.

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This monitoring visit

The manager has recruited a team of suitably experienced permanent staff. All staff are either qualified or working towards the relevant qualification. The staff rota is set out in advance, ensuring there will be enough staff to meet children’s needs.

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This monitoring visit

Staff know the child and their risks well. The child’s risk assessment and care plan are updated regularly, and staff follow these. Staff work creatively to help the child Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC477031 2 learn the skills they need to recognise risk . This contributes to keeping the child safer.

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This monitoring visit

When it is time for children to move on from the home, staff support this in a sensitive and well-planned way. Staff support children to prepare emotionally and practically for the move and continue this support until they settle in their new home. Staff efforts ensure that children have a natural ending to this part of their journey. This helps children to see that they are valued and that staff care about them.

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This monitoring visit

The home is warm and welcoming with a significant improvement in the condition and cleanliness of the home. The child has a personalised bedroom reflecting their likes, interests and personality. Staff involve the child in decisions in the home, such as choosing how to decorate the communal areas. This contributes to the child having a greater sense of ownership and belonging.

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This monitoring visit

The manager has not admitted any more children to the home.

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This monitoring visit

Following a case review on 27 February 2025, it was agreed that the compliance notice issued in relation to regulation 27 has been met. The provider has made the necessary improvements in the running of the home. It was also agreed, therefore, that the restriction of accommodation will come to an end. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC477031 3

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

16/04/2024 Full Good 06/06/2023 Full Good 08/06/2022 Full Requires improvement to be good 09/03/2022 Full Requires improvement to be good Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC477031 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: SC477031 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Spark of Genius North East LLP

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: King Edwin School, Mill Lane, Stockton-on-Tees, Cleveland TS20 1LG

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Inspector

Lisa Gordon, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC477031 6 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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