Children's Home run by Durham County Council in Durham

Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2848144 1 Registered provider: Durham County Council

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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 operated by a local authority. It provides care for up to 2 children who may experience social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children's home

The manager registered with Ofsted in May 2025.

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Information about this children's home

At the time of this visit, no children were living at the home.

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This monitoring visit

The home was registered on 30 August 2025. A 3-month condition was applied on 8 December 2025 due to difficulties in recruiting sufficient staff for the home.

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This monitoring visit

The provider gave Ofsted notice that it is ready to provide care for children. This visit focused on whether the provider continues to meet its statutory requirements to maintain its registration and is ready to accept placements.

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This monitoring visit

The provider has safely recruited sufficient staff for the home with only one post not filled. All the staff who have completed their induction training have, or are enrolled on, the qualification relevant to their role and have relevant experience. Staff have had a well-structured induction into the home that introduces training and tasks in a way that supports their development. Staff training includes a full range of courses that promote effective safeguarding.

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This monitoring visit

The home is well equipped, nicely decorated and feels homely. The building and outside areas are safe and well maintained. There is some minor maintenance that needs to be completed. Timescales are agreed for the completion of the remaining health and safety checks to comply with the fire risk assessment action plan. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2848144 2 The manager has been overseeing another home. This is due to cease at the end of August, allowing the manager to focus on this home.

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Recent inspection history

Not previously inspected Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2848144 3

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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: 2848144 4

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Durham County Council

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Fostering & Adoption Team, Spectrum 8, Spectrum Business Park, Seaham SR7 7TT

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Inspector

Kirstie Sutherland, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2848144 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 looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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

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