Children's home run by Esland North Limited

Information about this children’s home

This home is privately owned and provides care and accommodation for a maximum of three children and young people aged between eight and 17 with emotional difficulties, including, but not exclusively, mild to moderate learning disabilities.

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Information about this children’s home

A new manager has been appointed and is due to start work in the next month. An acting manager is currently managing the home.

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Information about this children’s home

The home was registered in 2019 and has had one full inspection. No enforcement action has been taken.

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Information about this children’s home

Previous inspection date: 13 January 2020

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Information about this children’s home

Previous inspection judgement: Requires improvement to be good

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Information about this visit

Due to COVID-19 (coronavirus), Ofsted suspended all routine inspections in March 2020. As part of a phased return to routine inspection, we are undertaking assurance visits to children’s social care services that are inspected under the social care common inspection framework (SCCIF).

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Information about this visit

At these visits, inspectors evaluate the extent to which:

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Information about this visit

 children are well cared for  children are safe  leaders and managers are exercising strong leadership.

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Information about this visit

This visit was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000, following the published guidance for assurance visits.

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Information about this visit

Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills is leading Ofsted’s work into how England’s social care system has delivered child-centred practice and care within the context of the restrictions placed on society during the COVID-19 pandemic. Assurance visit report: 2540927 2

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Findings from the visit

We did not identify any serious or widespread concerns in relation to the care or protection of children at this assurance visit.

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The care of children

There have been several changes to the staff team since the last inspection. The current team has undergone extensive training, enabling them to better understand the multiple needs of the young people. Staff and young people enjoy strong relationships. Staff speak fondly of the young people, exhibiting pride in their achievements.

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The care of children

Young people continue to keep in touch with their families. Staff have enabled families, especially siblings, to communicate during times of lockdown and social distancing.

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The care of children

Young people have continued to make good progress in their education, using online resources and home tutoring. One member of staff stated: ‘He is doing so well in education. I am so proud of him and I told him so.’

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The care of children

Staff understand young people’s experiences and past trauma and the impact on their emotional health. They continue to receive professional advice from the therapeutic team to enable them to support the young people.

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The care of children

Staff work alongside professionals from the substance misuse team to help young people understand the dangers of drug use, especially cannabis.

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The care of children

Young people share their views about their care and the home and speak openly and freely to staff about any concerns they have. They also access independent advocates when needed. One young person attended his care plan review and stated he is now ‘committed to making positive changes’ to enable him to return to his home area.

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The safety of children

Staff continue to access training in a variety of formats, including training on safeguarding, missing-from-home issues, substance misuse, self-harm and allegations. Much of this training is in the form of workshops with the whole team, enabling sharing of ideas and learning.

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The safety of children

Staff understand how to manage risk to keep young people as safe as possible. There continue to be episodes where young people go off site, but the time spent away is reducing and staff know where young people are going. The acting manager works closely with the police and missing-from-care coordinator to ensure all aspects of risk, including potential exploitation, are managed as effectively as possible. Assurance visit report: 2540927 3 The acting manager has reviewed past incidents of restraint and associated allegations. This has resulted in a complete overhaul of behaviour management and physical intervention methodology. The previous generic response to behaviour has been replaced with an individual approach, and a better understanding of each young person’s behaviour. This has significantly reduced the number of incidents.

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The safety of children

Allegations have been managed swiftly and effectively. The acting manager has a good relationship with the local safeguarding team. She continues to address any poor practice with the individual member of staff, acting where required.

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Leaders and managers

Since the last inspection, the organisation has been completely restructured, providing a strong infrastructure for the leadership team. The acting manager is extremely well supported by the regional manager and responsible individual. Despite many managerial changes the home is now settled. A new permanent manager has been appointed and will work alongside the acting manager to ensure continuity in leadership.

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Leaders and managers

The acting manager and staff ensure that all young people’s plans are constantly reviewed, considering the COVID-19 outbreak, the easing of restrictions and longer- term goals of the young people. Staff clearly understand these plans and implement them appropriately.

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Leaders and managers

The independent visitor continues to monitor the progress and well-being of the young people. Visits were carried out virtually during lockdown, but the visitor has returned to on-site visits. The acting manager and responsible individual respond swiftly to recommendations made by the visitor, ensuring young people are well cared for and as safe as possible.

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Leaders and managers

Strong relationships with partner agencies continue to benefit young people, helping them make progress and reduce risk-taking behaviours.

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Leaders and managers

Staff benefit from strong leadership and support. The acting manager completed an in-depth review of staff practice and is addressing any shortfalls. The improvement in staff practice is palpable. Staff receive regular supervision and team meetings are thorough and cover a range of topics. A new member of staff commented: ‘I love it, really love it. I get amazing support from managers, I enjoy the training, and people have time for me.’

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Leaders and managers

There is a strong teamwork ethic, with a focus on ensuring learning from the past and improving for the future. The responsible individual summed this up, stating: ‘We are a team, so let’s fix it together.’

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Leaders and managers

All the requirements and recommendations made at the last inspection have been met. There are no new requirements or recommendations from this visit. Assurance visit report: 2540927 4

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Esland North Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Esland North Ltd, Suites 1 & 5 Riverside Business Centre, Foundry Lane, Milford, Belper, Derbyshire DE56 0RN

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Elisabeth Brownlees

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Inspector

Judith Longden, Social Care Inspector Assurance visit report: 2540927 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 children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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