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

Assurance visit report: SC381522 1 SC381522

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Information about this children’s home

This home is owned by a private company. It provides care and accommodation to young people aged up to 19 years. Young people may have a range of emotional and behavioural needs. They may also have a learning disability or a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.

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Information about this children’s home

The registered manager has been in post for over 12 years.

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Information about this children’s home

Previous inspection date: 19 February 2020

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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:  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.

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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. Assurance visit report: SC381522 2

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The care of children

Young people thrive because of a hugely committed, consistent team of carers who provide high-quality care and support. This is enhanced with excellent multi-agency work. The progress young people make as a result is recognised by all professionals involved. A placing authority commented, ‘Colleagues at [the home] have supported agencies to identify next steps and the pace at which it is appropriate to implement these.’

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The care of children

The manager has advocated for young people, ensuring that they continue to receive education throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Young people have increased their hours of education and their attainment levels have improved. One tutor said, ‘The possibility of gaining qualifications is now on the horizon.’

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The care of children

Measures taken during COVID-19 have restricted visits to some public entertainment venues. However, alternative options and activities have taken place, meeting the sensory needs of young people and encouraging engagement in social activities.

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The care of children

Carers are sensitive to the emotional health of the young people. Their perseverance and consistent approach have helped young people make huge progress in their emotional well-being. Young people have more confidence, take more pride in their appearance, and have improved their personal hygiene.

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The care of children

Young people continue to keep in touch with their families and friends. Carers have enabled families to communicate during times of COVID-19 restrictions and social distancing.

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The care of children

Young people who have left the home often keep in touch. The manager said, ‘We are still part of each other’s lives.’

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The safety of children

Carers keep young people safe and talk to them about how to keep themselves safe. Young people who have mobile phones understand the potential risks of social media.

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The safety of children

No young people go missing from the home. Despite this, carers have maintained their knowledge in this area and know how to protect young people should an incident occur.

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The safety of children

Young people trust the carers and feel safe discussing any issues or concerns they have. Strong relationships between carers and young people help improve their behaviour. There have been no restraints since the last inspection. One young person said, ‘I am a better person because I am around better people.’ Carers routinely carry out fire-safety checks and hold regular fire-evacuation drills. The home’s risk assessment is not routinely reviewed in respect of the need for restrictors on the upstairs windows. A recommendation has been made to address this. Assurance visit report: SC381522 3

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Leaders and managers

The manager and care team are a real strength of this home. The manager has restructured the senior workforce and established a team whose members she values and supports. The members of the care team also value, respect and support each other. This has been particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic and is clearly reflected in the high-quality care and support they provide for the young people. One parent commented, ‘They are doing everything they can. They are a lovely staff team and have managed well.’

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Leaders and managers

Supervision and training have continued despite the COVID-19 restrictions. The manager has sourced training and support for the team members around their own emotional well-being and resilience. One carer has used his skills and knowledge from his counselling and mental health courses to offer additional support for his colleagues.

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Leaders and managers

The manager acts swiftly to address any shortfalls identified by the independent visitor. The quality of the visitor’s report has improved, and the requirement made at the last inspection in this respect has been met.

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that staff continually and actively assess the risks to each child. This specifically relates to a regular review of the need for window restrictors. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 42, paragraph 9.5)

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: East Midlands Care Matters Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 58 Brackendale Road, Swanwick, Alfreton, Derbyshire DE55 1DX

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Inspector

Judith Longden, Social Care Inspector Assurance visit report: SC381522 4 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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