Children's Home run by Three Bridges Care Ltd in South Tyneside

Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2815492 1 Registered provider: Three Bridges Care Ltd

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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 privately operated. It provides care for up to 4 children who may experience social and emotional difficulties or mental disorders.

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Information about this children's home

The manager and home registered with Ofsted in December 2024.

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Information about this children's home

At the time of the inspection, three children were living in the home. The inspector spoke with two children.

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Information about this children's home

Enforcement action since last inspection: none

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Information about this inspection

At this inspection, the inspector evaluated:

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Information about this inspection

 the care of children  the safety of children  the effectiveness of leaders and managers. The inspector has looked closely at the experiences and progress of children, using the social care common inspection framework. This assurance 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'. Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2815492 2

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Findings from the inspection

This inspection was completed after concerns were shared with Ofsted about the care of children. Ofsted did not identify any serious or widespread concerns in relation to the care or protection of children at this inspection.

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Findings from the inspection

Children have trusting relationships with staff, who understand their individual needs. One child said, 'They make time for me and listen to me.' Children attend groups and activities, such as rookie lifeguards, fire cadets and drama groups. This helps children to feel part of the wider community.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager is insightful about the needs of the children and helps staff to understand the potential impact that children's previous experiences may have had on them. Care plans are individualised to guide staff on how to meet the needs of each child. However, not all children have had their needs met at the home. The manager worked with one child's local authority to support the child to move to a new home after recognising that staff could not meet their needs.

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Findings from the inspection

Risk assessments are updated following incidents. Staff take immediate action to safeguard children when required. Children are supported and reassured throughout incidents. There is clear management oversight, and the manager addresses any issues quickly to improve staff practice. This has had a positive impact on some of the children's experiences.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff respond well when children go missing from home. They follow protocols and look for children until they are safely returned.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff complete work with children so that they can understand the potential consequences of their behaviour. Children are encouraged to complete reparation work to develop their sense of responsibility. Equally, when unjustified issues are raised about children, staff advocate on their behalf so that support for children is helpful and not punitive.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff remain in contact with children after they leave the home to maintain important relationships and help children move on from the home.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager is committed to building links in the community. She recognises the importance of children being accepted locally and makes efforts to involve the children with the community. This is work in progress.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager acknowledges that recruitment and retention has been a difficult at this home. She has made efforts to address this and there is now a committed core team of staff who say that they are happy working at the home. Staff value the training, feel confident in their roles and provide a consistent response to children.

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Findings from the inspection

No requirements or recommendations were raised at this inspection. Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2815492 3

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

28/04/2025 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2815492 4

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Children's home details

Registered provider: Three Bridges Care Ltd

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Children's home details

Registered provider address: 12 Salisbury Road, Durham DH1 5QT

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Inspector

Karen Karlsson, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2815492 5 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 children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspector

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Inspector

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