Children's Home run by Esland South Limited in Bexley

Inspection report for children's home: SC387684 1 SC387684 Registered provider: Esland South Limited

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Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This privately owned home provides care for up to six children with social and emotional difficulties. The home registered with Ofsted on 19 March 2009. There has been no registered manager since October 2023. A new manager has been appointed and has applied to register with Ofsted.

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Information about this children’s home

There were four children living in the home at the time of this inspection.

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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: 28 September 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: SC387684 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

28/09/2023 Full Good 15/11/2022 Full Good 08/02/2022 Interim Improved effectiveness 07/07/2021 Full Requires improvement to be good Inspection report for children's home: SC387684 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children living in the home are supported by a staff team that has remained stable, and staff know the children very well. Consequently, the children have developed a good sense of belonging and have formed trusting and positive relationships with the people caring for them.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff have created a family feel in the home, and the atmosphere is warm, lively and joyous. Staff and children choose to congregate together in the dining room, and children appear happy and relaxed in the company of staff. Children cook, socialise and speak to staff throughout the day.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff have the necessary skills and experience to use a child-centred approach to caring for children. External professionals speak positively about the quality of care and how it has contributed to the progress children are making.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are helped to see the people who are important in their lives. Family time is promoted in line with children’s plans. Children enjoy spending time with their peers, and staff help them to maintain positive friendships.

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

Staff understand and follow missing-from-home procedures consistently. Staff are vigilant and take proactive measures to deter children from going missing from home. For example, when they suspect that a child is planning to go missing from home, they follow the child and encourage them to return. This prevents a dangerous situation occurring and shows the child that staff genuinely care and want to protect them.

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

Leaders, managers and staff identify potential risks to children and triggers for behaviour. Plans for reducing these risks are detailed and effective. They provide staff with guidance on how to support children when they are upset. There is good use of child-friendly language and terminology in the risk assessments and behaviour management plans.

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

Allegations are managed well and shared with the local authority designated officer. Action is taken in response to allegations, and there are comprehensive records that capture the level of scrutiny and rigour applied by the investigating officer.

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

Leaders, managers and staff help children to keep safe online. Staff have a good understanding of the risks online and educate children on how they can keep themselves safe when using the internet or social media. In addition, the home has safe systems in place to prevent children from accessing inappropriate content. Inspection report for children's home: SC387684 4

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager ensures that staff have a good understanding of children’s needs, and they work together as a team to help children progress towards their targets. Children’s records are a reflection of the time spent with staff and show staff treat children with the utmost respect.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Leaders and managers know and understand the home’s strengths and weaknesses. They take decisive action to address any shortfalls identified. They value the external monitoring undertaken by the independent visitor and respond quickly to feedback. In addition, the shortfalls identified at the last inspection have been acted on and met.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff receive appropriate supervision and appraisals in line with the statement of purpose. Staff have an opportunity to reflect on their practice and identify any learning needs. There is a comprehensive training programme in place, from induction to on- going training. All staff are up to date with their mandatory training, and additional training has been identified and completed to meet children’s individual needs.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Team meetings are held regularly. They cover all relevant information, and staff are given the opportunity to refresh their knowledge around policies, procedures and the regulations. Staff contribute to the agenda and are able to reflect on their practice.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

No requirements or recommendations were raised at this 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 for children's home: SC387684 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Esland South Limited

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Children’s home details

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

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Inspector

Maud Pipim-Addo, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children's home: SC387684 6 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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Inspector

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Inspector

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