Children's home run by Together For Children Sunderland

Inspection report for children’s home: 1254843 1 Registered provider: Together for Children Sunderland Limited Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

A local authority owns and manages this children’s home. It provides care for up to six children who may have social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in July 2024.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of the inspection, six children were living in the home. The inspector spoke to four children during this 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 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: 1254843 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

16/07/2024 Full Good 03/05/2023 Full Good 10/05/2022 Full Good 06/01/2022 Interim Sustained effectiveness Inspection report for children’s home: 1254843 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children’s moves to and from the home are well planned and sensitively managed. As a result, children benefit from well-supported and positive experiences at both the start and end of their time in the home.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Managers and staff have created a stable environment in which children enjoy a sense of belonging. Children have personalised bedrooms and access to warm and inviting communal areas. Staff work with the children to ensure that they feel cared for and wanted. Staff are committed to delivering consistent, high-quality care to the children and managing challenges in children’s interactions effectively, which is a key strength of the home.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children in the home are offered activities either in-house or out of the home which reflect their interests or offer a new experience to children. Children are supported to engage in activities linked to their identity.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff support children’s education through regular communication with education providers. Children who were previously out of education are now engaging with tailored learning arrangements, helping them make meaningful progress from their individual starting points.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

When appropriate to do so, children are encouraged to develop their level of responsibility in preparation for adulthood. For example, children receive the support they need to plan, shop for, and cook their own meals. Children are also encouraged to develop budgeting skills. This ensures that children can improve their own resilience and life skills.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are helped to maintain positive relationships with the important people in their lives. Staff support children to spend time with family members and friends in the community. This helps preserve lifelong relationships for children.

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

Staff know children well and understand their needs and risks. These are set out clearly in children’s plans, which provide staff with clear guidance for actions they must take to keep children safe. Plans are frequently reviewed and updated, so that they remain current. Staff have established clear routines for children, including setting boundaries. Therefore, children understand what is expected of them.

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

Staff are attuned and attentive to children’s needs. Staff observe any changes in children’s well-being and act swiftly to de-escalate children’s heightened emotions effectively. The use of physical intervention is rare. As a result, children have made considerable progress in managing their emotions. Inspection report for children’s home: 1254843 4 When children go missing, staff follow the missing-from-home protocol and are proactive in searching for them. There is effective collaboration with relevant professionals to ensure that agencies are kept informed. The manager is proactive in ensuring that there is a multi-agency approach when reviewing missing-from-home incidents to identify trends and behaviours and follow-up strategies to support the children. Children are offered an independent return home interview when they return, and staff carry out a one-to-one discussion with the child to focus on the risks and dangers when they go

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

Children benefit from quality one-to-one discussions that helps them to understand and manage their feelings. Staff create safe spaces for children to reflect, share their views, and explore strategies that support their well-being. This work promotes resilience and supports children to become confident.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The registered manager is calm and confident. She has high aspirations for the children and her staff. She is supported by a deputy manager and the senior leaders, and they form a strong and effective leadership team.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Most of the staff have completed the mandatory training identified by the local authority. Additional bespoke training is provided to staff to enhance their knowledge and skills. This ensures staff are equipped to deliver individualised care to the children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff supervision sessions are held regularly, as described in the home’s statement of purpose. They are supportive in nature and provide staff with opportunities to reflect on their practice and the individual needs of the children. Team meetings are regular, well-structured and purposeful.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The managers and staff have positive working relationships with partner agencies, schools and family members. This ensures that the children are at the centre of a network of support. Feedback from professionals has been positive about the care provided to the children by the staff. Inspection report for children’s home: 1254843 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: 1254843 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Together for Children Sunderland Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: City Hall, Plater Way, Sunderland SR1 3AA

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Children’s home details

Registered manager: Suzannah Ellis-Jones

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Inspector

Cherie Chen, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 1254843 7 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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