Children's home run by Esland North Limited in Amber Valley

Inspection report for children's home: SC063794 1 SC063794 Registered provider: Esland North Limited Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home is owned by a private company. It provides care for up to three children who have experienced social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The deputy manager has been promoted to manager since the last inspection. She has submitted her application to register with Ofsted and is currently completing the required qualification.

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Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

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good

How well children and young people are helped and protected good

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good

The effectiveness of leaders and managers good

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good

The children’s home provides effective services that meet the requirements for good.

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good

Date of last inspection: 31 January 2023

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good

Overall judgement at last inspection: good

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children's home: SC063794 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

31/01/2023 Full Good 08/03/2022 Interim Sustained effectiveness 18/05/2021 Full Good 08/04/2019 Full Requires improvement to be good Inspection report for children's home: SC063794 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

There are currently two children living in the home. The children have lived at the home since the last inspection and are both very settled because of their positive relationships with staff and with each other. When there are tensions, staff know how to support peer relationships and help the children to live happily together.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children like the rural setting of the home and the surrounding scenery. Staff ensure that children can see their friends and enjoy activities in the local community so that the impact of living in a rural location is minimised.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The home promotes children’s independence through household chores and self- care tasks and children are encouraged to manage their free time safely, within clear boundaries. Children work on an independence programme based on their individual capabilities. This helps them to learn to be responsible for their actions in a supported way.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children’s education is supported well. Attendance at school and college is good. One child has recently started to attend a mainstream school on a reduced timetable and there is a structured plan in place that includes time at school and with a tutor. This supports the child to have a structured education as part of a plan to return to school full time.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children’s health needs are supported well. Staff support children to attend health appointments and are also proactive in seeking medical advice to help children understand positive relationships and sexual health. Children eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. This means that children are supported to live a healthy lifestyle and manage any health needs.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Children living at the home feel safe. They trust the adults who care for them and are confident to share any concerns because they know staff will listen to them and support them.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Managers and staff have a very good understanding of the children’s needs and how to manage them. Comprehensive risk assessments help staff to understand children’s risks and how to keep them safe. Regular phone checks are carried out and door alarms are used in line with children’s care plans.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

When children go missing, staff know the processes to follow. They are proactive in searching for children and work in partnership with external agencies to help return children home safely as soon as possible and manage any future risks. Inspection report for children's home: SC063794 4 Children are supported to reflect on incidents and their behaviour. Individual discussions and access to the home’s clinician help children to work through difficult emotions and learn how to manage them. One child has been allowed to get a cat, who is now part of the family and loved by staff and children.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Behaviour management is a strength of the home. Rewards and consequences are used effectively to promote positive behaviour and children’s views are taken into account. Physical interventions are rare but when they are used, they are proportionate and carried out safely by trained staff.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The new manager has only recently taken up the role, however, she has worked at the home for some time and knows the children and staff well. The staff team is stable and staff work well together. This has provided stability for the children by giving them care from a consistent staff team.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager has effective monitoring systems in place to oversee practice in the home. There is good management oversight of incidents and medication, and regular comprehensive audits are carried out, which are shared with senior managers.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager understands the children’s needs and plans well. She is proactive in working with external agencies to support the children and is a good advocate for them. One child was waiting a long time for a health assessment. The manager advocated use of the company’s clinician to carry out the assessment so that a diagnosis and support could be received more quickly.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff receive a wide range of training, including some that is specific to the needs of the current children. The manager is proactive in sourcing additional training when required to meet children’s developing or emerging needs. This helps staff to have the knowledge and skills to care for children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager and staff receive regular supervision and appraisal. Additional supervisions are carried out following incidents, and these include thorough reflective discussions to help staff consider their practice. As a result, the manager knows the staff’s development needs well and staff feel supported in their roles.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

No requirements or recommendations were made following this inspection. Inspection report for children's home: SC063794 5

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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 for children's home: SC063794 6

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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 Ltd, Suite 1 & 5, Riverside Business Centre, Foundry Lane, Milford, Belper DE56 0RN

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Inspectors

Vicky Smith, Social Care Inspector Charlotte Love, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children's home: SC063794 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 looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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