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

Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC484242 1 SC484242 Registered provider: Spark of Genius North East LLP

p.1

Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

p.1

Information about this children’s home

The home is operated by a private company. It provides care for up to 5 children who may experience social and emotional difficulties.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

At the time of this visit, 2 children were living in the home. The inspector spoke with one child.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

There has been no registered manager at the home since 18 October 2024. A new manager has applied to register with Ofsted.

p.1

This monitoring visit

An assurance inspection took place on 3 March 2026, during which the inspector identified serious and widespread concerns in relation to the care and protection of children. Following a case review, a compliance notice was issued under regulation 12 (the protection of children standard), and a notice restricting accommodation was also issued.

p.1

This monitoring visit

A monitoring visit took place on 1 April 2026, in response to senior managers providing additional information indicating that they were ready for new children to move into the home. This monitoring visit reviewed the progress made. Ofsted made the decision on 1 April 2026 for the notice restricting accommodation to remain in place.

p.1

This monitoring visit

A further monitoring visit took place on 27 April 2026 to consider the progress made in meeting the steps in the compliance notice. While some progress was identified, not all steps in the compliance notice had been met. A further compliance notice was therefore issued. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC484242 2 The purpose of this visit was to review the progress made towards meeting the steps outlined in the compliance notice.

p.1

This monitoring visit

The manager has introduced a new system for children’s care planning, risk management, and behaviour management. These detailed documents provide guidance to staff on how best to minimise risk and de-escalate situations. This helps to ensure that staff have the knowledge they need to manage risks to children.

p.2

This monitoring visit

Following a review of children’s experiences in the home, the manager has implemented a plan to ensure staff learn from previous shortfalls in practice. Targeted training has been completed, and regular reflective discussions support ongoing practice development. Monitoring and review processes, alongside impromptu visits outside of regular working hours, provide assurance to the manager that staff are meeting children’s needs.

p.2

This monitoring visit

Staff support children to build positive relationships with them, and this has improved the effectiveness of the direct work carried out. One child has stopped misusing cannabis, and staff’s efforts have helped them to successfully re-engage in education.

p.2

This monitoring visit

When it is time for children to move on from the home, staff support this in a sensitive and planned way. Staff support children to prepare emotionally and practically for the move and ensure that their views are shared and considered. Staff’s efforts ensure that children have a well-planned and natural end to their time in the home.

p.2

This monitoring visit

At a case review on 29 May 2026, the decision was made that the steps in the compliance notice issued under regulation 12 have been met in full. The provider has made the necessary improvements to the running of the home and care provided for children. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC484242 3

p.2

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

10/06/2025 Full Requires improvement to be good 18/02/2025 Full Good 12/12/2023 Full Outstanding 21/03/2023 Full Outstanding Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC484242 4

p.3

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.

p.4

Information about this inspection

This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC484242 5

p.4

Children’s home details

Registered provider: Spark of Genius North East LLP

p.5

Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Dunedin House, Columbia Drive, Thornaby, Stockton-on-Tees TS17 6BJ

p.5

Inspectors

Lisa Gordon, Social Care Inspector Kerry Chater, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC484242 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.

p.5

Inspectors

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspectors

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspectors

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

p.6