Children's home run by East Midlands Care Matters Limited in Amber Valley

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged good at the full inspection. At this interim inspection, Ofsted judges that it has improved effectiveness .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home has made some significant improvements since the last inspection, which have had positive and significant impacts on young people. The registered manager and assistant manager seek opportunities for improvement. For example, there has been a greater emphasis on research-based practice. This enhances the staff’s understanding of young people’s behaviour. Some up-to-date research has been used to assist staff in their understanding of ‘pathological demand avoidance’. Staff report that they have a better understanding of triggers for young people’s behaviour. They also report that managers continue to drive forward the theory- based practice in their supervision sessions. Staff performance is monitored in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of new models of practice. Young people have made very good progress with their behaviour as a result. One parent commented very positively on her son’s behaviour and confidence, saying: ‘Just

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

lately he is opting to do much more; it shows he is more relaxed, the home is just getting better and better for him.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There are extremely positive relationships with schools, and these have helped to enhance young people’s progress in many areas. The home works very closely with teaching staff to make sure that young people benefit from a consistent approach to their learning at school and home. Consequently, young people’s behaviour is better, and they can access new opportunities and experiences. All staff spoken with are unanimous that each young person has made significant improvements in their learning. One staff member said: ‘The difference to him is so positive.’ They talked about the young person attending school more regularly, developing confidence and being able to accept and engage more effectively in new situations. One teacher reported on a young person, saying: ‘They are making massive progress.’ They also said that ‘there are brilliant working relationships’ between the home and the school. Young people continue to improve in their learning because

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

of the highly positive collaborative working.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people have a voice in this home. They are consulted about their day-to-day care. Resources are constantly improving to maximise their communication. When a young person uses alternative communication, staff use this consistently. Young people learn how to communicate well, which reduces their anxiety. They learn how to self-regulate their behaviour and their self-esteem is improved.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager responds promptly and appropriately to young people’s requests and suggestions about the home’s operation. Staff reported: ‘She puts everything back into the young people, always providing better opportunities.’ The manager has recently agreed to young people’s requests for a luxury apartment at a holiday resort, and for new bikes and play equipment to be purchased. Her development planning consistently incorporates young people’s views, ensuring that the home continues to improve all the time.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people live in a very safe environment, and staff ensure their safety at all times. Staffing levels remain high, so that young people are able to take risks in line with their age and development. Staff are very clear in their view that local resources should always be available to their young people, whatever their disability. They are currently challenging a local resource that has not allowed a young person to attend. Staff advocate effectively for young people, and their actions are instrumental in positively influencing the local community.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

A requirement from the last inspection, about first aid training for staff, has been met. There is now always a first aider on duty in the home. A recommendation made at the last inspection about young people’s records has also been met. Young people’s files are now well organised and contain all information required to document the young people’s progress, strengths and difficulties. Young people will be able to look back on, and be clear about, their journey during their time at the home, if they choose to do so.

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Information about this children’s home

The home is privately owned and is registered to care for three young people who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties and who have learning disabilities.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 23/11/2016 Full Good 15/03/2016 Interim Improved effectiveness 06/10/2015 Full Good 20/03/2015 Interim Improved effectiveness

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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 that 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, work- based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It inspects services for looked after 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

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

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Information about this inspection

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

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