Shortfalls saw children's care home shut down

STEPS NOW TAKEN TO IMPROVE AFTER MOVE BY OFSTED

- By NAOMI CORRIGAN

A CHILDREN’S care home was forced to close after Ofsted identified serious failings in safeguarding its residents.

Three vulnerable children were living in the home in the Redcar and Cleveland area, operated by Tees-Valley Care, when inspectors visited in July. A report at that time highlighted incidents including children being left at risk of harm from ligatures and ingesting items, and being able to go missing due to poor supervision levels.

A monitoring visit was later carried out following whistle-blowing concerns received by Ofsted.

A report said “further significant shortfalls” were identified in relation to the safety of the children and an urgent case review was carried out, which led to the suspension of the home's registration. Tees-Valley Care said a new ‘responsible individual’ had since been appointed and improvements had been made.

They added that Ofsted conducted a further review visit last month and the suspension notice was lifted. This report has not yet been published.

The monitoring visit in August led to the urgent action being taken by Ofsted. The report from the visit said Tees-Valley Care had not taken sufficient steps to address “the significant shortfalls in safeguarding practice” and leaders and managers “failed to take action to address staff practice and embed learning”.