Children's Home run by Esland North Limited in Derbyshire

This inspection

This home was judged Requires improvement at the full inspection. At this interim inspection Ofsted judge that it has sustained effectiveness .

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This inspection

Despite progress being made in some respects, shortfalls identified during this inspection mean that the home continues to require improvement.

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This inspection

Some parts of the home are in a poor state of repair, and do not present as a nurturing environment. This is because some young people display extremely damaging behaviours. For example, one young person’s bedroom and living environment has damaged walls, doors, bathroom fittings and furniture. Although parents and social workers are satisfied that staff do all they can to provide a homely environment, managers are not able to demonstrate that damage is carefully monitored so that it is repaired promptly. In addition, the decking in the garden is not secure and a hole within it is potentially unsafe.

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This inspection

Since the last inspection staff have engaged in training in relation to recording and reporting. This has improved the quality of the reports written when significant incidents occur. Consequently, a requirement set at the last inspection in relation to this is met. Some gaps in training remain however. In particular, some staff members have not yet received training in respect of the home’s specific behaviour management and physical restraint approach. Whilst there is no evidence to suggest that this has jeopardised the safety of young people to date, insufficiently trained staff has the potential to do so.

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This inspection

Despite the identified shortfalls, young people are making progress in many aspects of their lives. A parent commented: ‘My son is now making wonderful progress. He is so much happier and there are considerably less incidents than previously.’ Some young people have reintegrated into full time education and are working hard towards GCSE examinations. As a result, their confidence continues to develop and their life chances are improved.

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This inspection

Although the young people living in the home have a history of going missing, instances of this have significantly reduced. On the only occasion since the last inspection when a young person went missing, staff worked in accordance with individualised risk management plans, resulting in a prompt and safe return. A social worker said: ‘The young person is safer than they were in previous placements. The high staffing ratio and the rural location seems to have broken the previous missing pattern.’

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This inspection

Other requirements and one recommendation set at the last inspection have also been met. Staff vacancies have been filled. There are now a sufficient number of staff to meet the young people’s needs. Young people enjoy positive relationships with a consistent staff team. A parent said: ‘The staff team are now amazing’. A young person said: ‘The staff are good, all of them. They are nice and there is nothing they could do better.’

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This inspection

Young people have improved stability and security as a result of consistent care. They also benefit from the help and support of external professionals. For example, one young person and the staff now benefit from the expertise and guidance of a therapist. Another young person receives specialist support to help reduce the risk of sexual exploitation. By engaging with bespoke packages of support, young people are helped to explore ways to come to terms with past traumas and move on in their lives.

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This inspection

Levels of communication between the staff, parents and social workers have improved. A social worker said: ‘Communication is so much better.’ A parent commented: ‘I have seen a big change for the better and my relationship with my son has improved.’ Good partnership working with parents helps provide young people with an improved sense of stability and security.

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Information about this children's home

This children’s home is run by a private organisation. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to three children with emotional and behavioural difficulties. The main house can accommodate two children and the cottage annex on the other side of the driveway can accommodate one.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

10/03/2015 Interim Sustained effectiveness

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Statutory Requirements

This section sets out the actions which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the Guide to the children's homes regulations including the quality standards. The registered person(s) must comply with the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

12: The protection of children standard:

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Requirement Due date

In order to meet the protection of children standard the registered person must:

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Requirement Due date

2(d) ensure that the premises used for the purposes of the home are designed, furnished and maintained so as to protect each child from avoidable hazards 15/01/2016

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Requirement Due date

13: The leadership and management standard:

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Requirement Due date

In order to meet the leadership and management standard the registered person must:

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Requirement Due date

2(h) use monitoring and review systems to make continuous improvements in the quality of care provided in the home, with particular reference to the monitoring of the physical conditions of the home. 15/01/2016

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Requirement Due date

13: The leadership and management standard:

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Requirement Due date

In order to meet the leadership and management standard the registered person must:

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Requirement Due date

2(c) ensure that staff have the experience, qualifications and skills to meet the needs of each child, with particular reference to physical intervention training. 15/01/2016

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What the inspection judgements mean

At the interim inspection we make a judgement on whether the home has improved in effectiveness, sustained effectiveness, or declined in effectiveness since the previous full inspection. This is in line with the Inspection of children's homes: framework for inspection.

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Information about this inspection

Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children and young people living in the children's home. Inspectors considered the quality of work and the difference adults make to the lives of children and young people. They read case files, watched how professional staff work with children, young people and each other and discussed the effectiveness of help and care given to children and young people. Wherever possible, they talked to children, young people and their families. In addition the inspectors have tried to understand what the children's home knows about how well it is performing, how well it is doing and what difference it is making for the children and young people who it is trying to help, protect and look after. This inspection focused on the effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of children and young people since the most recent full inspection.

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Information about this inspection

This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000 to assess the effectiveness of the service 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. the guidance raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted, which is available from Ofsted's website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted . If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Information about this inspection

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, workbased learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It inspects services for looked after children and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, 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,

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Information about this inspection

The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

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Information about this inspection

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Information about this inspection

Store Street Manchester M1 2WD T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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