Children's Home run by Derbyshire County Council in Derbyshire

Inspection report children’s home: 2508344 1 Registered provider: Derbyshire County Council Interim inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

A local authority operates this home. The home provides care and accommodation for up to two children or young people who have emotional, behavioural and/or social difficulties.

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Inspection date: 25 February 2020

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report children’s home: 2508344 2

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

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

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

A young person said: ‘At this home, there is no judgement or bullying. I can express myself and be honest without fear of rejection. They take on board my struggles and make a constant effort to help in any way possible. Everyone has their own style and personality. I think that is important in a home because it brings people together and adds a bit of entertainment now and again!’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people refer to this place as their home and say that staff are like a family. A young person said: ‘We view each other as family and that is very important in a home.’ The young person went on to talk about how he has asked the other young person if he could become her ‘big brother’, which she accepted.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people who move into the home settle quickly because of a carefully planned and implemented introduction to the home, after an excellent placement matching process. This has ensured that young people benefit from living at this home, will not have an adverse impact on other young people, and that staff have the right skills, experience and knowledge to care for these very vulnerable young people.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people make significant progress in a short period of time. Risk-taking behaviours such as going missing, self-harm and non-attendance at school have reduced substantially or are no longer a risk.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff have responded very well to incidents of serious self-harm by maintaining positive and nurturing relationships. This was evident when a young person was hospitalised. Staff work collaboratively with external professionals, within both health and social care, to ensure the safety and well-being of young people. A fully embedded therapeutic approach is intrinsic in supporting the complex emotional health needs of the young people in their care.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff build genuine caring relationships with young people. They understand the importance of this. They give lots of hugs, providing the love and warmth of a good parent. The staff fully understand young people’s needs, wants and dreams.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff know how to manage times when young people are upset effectively. They recognise triggers and use good, clear de-escalation techniques that have a positive impact. Consequently, there have been few incidents and the behaviour of the young people is generally good. A social worker said: ‘They are always thinking of how best to support her and encourage her progress further, and I really value their insight into her needs and the way they communicate with me about these and support a positive, collaborative working relationship for her benefit.’ Inspection report children’s home: 2508344 3 Keeping young people safe is weaved into the fabric of the home, through relationships and the passion and commitment of the staff. There are no incidents of missing from care, substance misuse or exploitation. Staff closely monitor young people’s online activity. A social worker said: ‘[The young person] has been

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

supported to start managing responsibilities and risks for herself. Examples of this are her mobile phone, tablet and items she has previously self-harmed with.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Consultation with young people is fully embedded into the culture of the home. A young person said: ‘Everyone is involved in discussions where appropriate and if something needs to happen or change, it is always done with full energy and passion.’ Staff actively seek the views, wishes and aspirations of the young people. For example, a young person suggested that staff have training in eating disorders. Staff now receive training and opportunities to reflect on practice with an eating disorders team.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people enjoy rich and varied opportunities. For example, young people enjoy local drama groups. They have baked cakes for their neighbours. They enjoy the hens that they keep.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The registered manager is extremely ambitious for the young people, while recognising the complexities of their emotional health and providing the time and space for them to develop and thrive. He offers inspirational, supportive leadership with good plans to further develop the home. He empowers staff and encourages researched-focused practice, with young people at the centre. A healthcare professional said: ‘I can say that during my contact with the home, staff have shown that they are competent, professional and above all child-led in their work.’ Inspection report children’s home: 2508344 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

31/07/2019 Full Good Inspection report children’s home: 2508344 5

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Information about this inspection

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

Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children and young people, using the ‘Social care common inspection framework’. This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000 to assess the effectiveness of the service, how it meets the core functions of the service as set out in legislation, 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’. Inspection report children’s home: 2508344 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Derbyshire County Council

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: County Offices, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 3AG

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Inspector

Joanne Vyas, Social Care Inspector Inspection report children’s home: 2508344 7 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 children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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