Children's Home run by St Cuthbert’s Care in Newcastle upon Tyne

Inspection report for children’s home: SC033467 1 SC033467 Registered provider: St Cuthbert’s Care Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home is operated by a charity and provides care for up to six children who may experience social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

Two children were living in the home at the time of the inspection and both were spoken with.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted on 20 September 2019.

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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 good

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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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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: SC033467 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

16/07/2024 Full Good 25/04/2023 Full Good 28/06/2022 Full Good 25/01/2022 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home: SC033467 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The home is well appointed and furnished so it is a comfortable environment for children to live in. Bedrooms are decorated to children’s individual choices and contain their own belongings. Photos of the children engaging in activities with staff members are displayed throughout the home. Children can access several communal areas, including a craft room, lounge and den. The home is currently undergoing some refurbishment to ensure children have a well-presented home to live in.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff have built strong and meaningful relationships with children. They adapt their demeanour to meet the needs of the child, whether this is through emotional support, playfulness or humour. This has helped children to settle into their home and build trust with the adults around them. When children move on from the home, these relationships with staff endure. This demonstrates the impact that staff relationships have on children beyond their time living at the home.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The children are supported to take part in a range of activities and days out. These provide opportunities for them to learn new skills and develop new interests. Children are also encouraged to spend time with their peers, and staff still support them to arrange sleepovers and days out. This helps children to develop their social skills and friendships.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are making good progress in their education and all have excellent attendance. One child recently passed their school exams. Another child received ‘star of the week’ for the first time. One professional spoke highly of the care the home provides, saying it has contributed to the progress one child is making.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are supported to spend time with their families, where this is safe to do so. One family member said, ‘[Child’s name] loves living at the home and always talks positively about the staff.’ The family member also commented that the staff maintain good communication, describing the home as a ‘home from home’.

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

Risk assessments and care plans are clear and individualised to each child, and risks are understood by staff. Children’s care plans include ways in which staff can support children to manage difficulties when they arise. Where incidents occur, children’s plans are updated to reflect any changes to the care provided. This helps to ensure a consistent approach from staff where children’s needs are met.

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

When children become distressed, staff use de-escalation techniques to help them remain calm. Staff follow children’s individual plans and work with each child to support them through any difficult times. Children do not need to be held when incidents occur because of the skills, knowledge and experience of staff. There is a calm and consistent Inspection report for children’s home: SC033467 4 approach at the home, even during difficult periods. This helps children to feel safe and secure at the home and in the company of staff.

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

Children are supported so their health needs are met. Progress has been made for children who have previously struggled to attend health appointments. This includes both basic health checks and specialist appointments.

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

Staff support children to make complaints when they feel unhappy. Staff are also there for children if an allegation is made. All issues are taken seriously, and action is taken to investigate any concern thoroughly. Information is shared promptly with the multi- agency group. Children are provided with an explanation regarding the outcome, which is written in an age-appropriate way. This helps children to feel respected.

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

When children go missing from home, staff respond promptly. They search known areas and contact relevant professionals. Staff make continuous attempts to contact the children and encourage them to return home. They respond sensitively and ensure that each child’s emotional and physical needs are met when they return to the home. Educational work takes place with the children to help them to understand the risks when missing from home and develop the skills and knowledge they need to keep safe.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager is skilled and experienced and knows the children well. She speaks warmly about each child and shows a genuine sense of caring for children. Relationship building is essential to the manager and staff at the home. This is demonstrated through their interactions with children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager and staff have positive working relationships with partner agencies. This is evident through regular communication and updates being shared. Staff attend meetings for children, and when incidents occur, this information is shared promptly with the relevant professionals. The manager works positively with the multi-agency group when they provide additional support to children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager uses a range of tools to ensure effective oversight of the home. This enables her to scrutinise staff practice and address concerns where necessary. It also helps the manager to identify patterns in children’s needs and tailor their care accordingly.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager is focused on strengthening the skills and experience of the staff. She provides encouragement and opportunities for staff to play an important role in the care and safety of children. This is supported through regular supervision sessions, which are reflective in nature.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff speak positively about the manager and working at the home. This is reflected in the low turnover of staff, with some having worked at the home for over 20 years. The Inspection report for children’s home: SC033467 5 team provides a wealth of skills and experience, which helps to support the needs of the children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

No requirements or recommendations were raised following this inspection. Inspection report for children’s home: SC033467 6

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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: SC033467 7

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: St Cuthbert’s House, West Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear NE15 7PY

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Inspector

Kerry Chater, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: SC033467 8 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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