Children's home run by Derbyshire County Council in Derbyshire Dales

Inspection report for children’s home: SC441513 1 SC441513 Registered provider: Derbyshire County Council Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

p.1

Information about this children’s home

This local authority home provides care for up to six children and young people who have learning disabilities.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

Due to COVID-19, at the request of the Secretary of State, we suspended all routine inspections of social care providers carried out under the social care common inspection framework (SCCIF) on 17 March 2020. We returned to routine SCCIF inspections on 12 April 2021.

p.1

Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

p.1

outstanding

How well children and young people are helped and protected outstanding

p.1

outstanding

The effectiveness of leaders and managers outstanding

p.1

outstanding

The children’s home provides highly effective services that consistently exceed the standards of good. The actions of the children’s home contribute to significantly improved outcomes and positive experiences for children and young people who need help, protection and care.

p.1

outstanding

Date of last inspection: 21 January 2020

p.1

outstanding

Overall judgement at last inspection: good

p.1

outstanding

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: SC441513 2

p.1

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

21/01/2020 Full Good 13/06/2018 Full Outstanding 25/07/2017 Full Outstanding 24/03/2017 Interim Improved effectiveness Inspection report for children’s home: SC441513 3

p.2

outstanding

Children grow in self-confidence and self-esteem because they are so well supported by staff. Children are able to express their individuality and they take pride in their achievements. Children have their say and they get involved in activities and other things happening at the home. Children are happy and motivated and they make exceptional progress because of this.

p.3

outstanding

Staff have a very good understanding of each child’s needs. Thorough care planning supports staff to provide exceptional care and support. Children are able to make choices, express their preferences and contribute to their plans. As a result, children feel valued. They are able to assert themselves and they grow in confidence.

p.3

outstanding

Children communicate their wishes and feelings through a variety of creative ways. Staff have a detailed understanding of each child’s expressions and methods of communication. They involve children in all aspects of the home and always act on what they say, where possible. The skill of really listening to children is a core feature of this outstanding home.

p.3

outstanding

Children’s emotional health needs are fully met. Staff work very closely and proactively with local health services. One professional said: ‘They have the children’s wishes at heart. It is their home. Staff want to be respectful and make sure that they provide care with dignity.’

p.3

outstanding

The spacious and well-equipped home is adapted very well to meet the sensory needs of children. Children have a say in their living spaces. The home adjusts and changes to meet their well-being regularly. Children’s anxiety is reduced because of this.

p.3

outstanding

Well-established routines mean that children are well prepared for the school day. As a result, children have excellent attendance in education. Children have very positive educational experiences because staff work creatively with schools, ensuring a consistent approach.

p.3

outstanding

Children have developed a strong sense of belonging and stability in the home. They are encouraged to explore their interests and take part in fun, stimulating and new activities.

p.3

outstanding

The manager and staff understand the risks posed to and from children. Risk assessments are thorough. They provide staff with clear strategies to minimise risk. Inspection report for children’s home: SC441513 4 These assessments are also shared with key professionals, for advice and support. This supports staff to take effective action to keep children safe.

p.3

outstanding

Staff have a detailed and commendable insight into the vulnerabilities of the children. They know the signs, cues and challenges of each child. Children enjoy a real sense of emotional warmth and understanding from staff. This enhances the quality and effectiveness of support and care.

p.4

outstanding

Staff receive good-quality safeguarding training. Staff know how to report and respond to any concerns they may have. As a result, they have a clear understanding of their safeguarding roles and responsibilities.

p.4

outstanding

Staff complete regular mandatory training. They also receive bespoke training which is tailored to the specific needs of the children. This supports the excellent individualised care provided. Training is focused and effective.

p.4

outstanding

Children have trusting relationships with the staff. The emotional warmth and understanding, combined with the clear routines, support children to be safe and secure.

p.4

outstanding

Complaints and whistleblowing procedures are accessible and fully understood by children and staff. Children have access to ‘social stories’, which support and educate them and add another layer of safe care. These effective systems protect children.

p.4

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The manager provides strong, supportive leadership. He is highly ambitious for children and staff. He is proud of the achievements of the home, and remains strong and consistent in providing excellent child-centred care.

p.4

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

A key strength of the home is the way that the manager and staff continually work with external key partner agencies. The advice, support and guidance from these professionals help staff to focus on children’s strengths and abilities. This is central to the outstanding care provided.

p.4

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Staff are very well supported by managers in their day-to-day practice. Managers are visible and approachable. Staff receive regular, good-quality formal supervision. This has led to a very settled, confident staff team.

p.4

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The manager and staff engage with parents and family members extremely well. This supports children to maintain positive relationships with people who are important to them. Visits are facilitated very well, and children are given the right help to deal with the emotional impact of time spent with family.

p.4

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The manager and staff speak with real passion and knowledge about each child. The team celebrates all successes. Staff are committed to ensuring that each child has the best chances and outcomes possible. They advocate for children’s individual rights and needs. The manager and staff see themselves as a family around the Inspection report for children’s home: SC441513 5 child. This approach produces excellent outcomes. Management monitoring is effective. Inspection report for children’s home: SC441513 6

p.4

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 for children’s home: SC441513 7

p.6

Children’s home details

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

p.7

Inspector

Thirza Smith, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: SC441513 8 regulates and inspects 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.

p.7

Inspector

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, 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, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.8

Inspector

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

p.8

Inspector

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

p.8