Children's Home run by Esland North Limited in North Northamptonshire

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2553861 1 Registered provider: Esland North Limited

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home is privately owned. It is registered to provide care for three children who may have social and emotional difficulties and learning disabilities.

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Information about this children’s home

There were three children living at the home at the time of the inspection.

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Information about this children’s home

The home has not had a registered manager since September 2024. The appointed manager has applied to register with Ofsted.

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Information about this children’s home

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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Information about this children’s home

Enforcement action since last inspection: none

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Information about this inspection

At this inspection, the inspector evaluated:

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Information about this inspection

 the care of children  the safety of children  the effectiveness of leaders and managers. The inspector looked closely at the experiences and progress of children, using the social care common inspection framework. This assurance 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’. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2553861 2

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Findings from the inspection

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

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Findings from the inspection

There has been good progress made to ensure care plans and risk assessments are reflective of the current needs of children. These documents are well understood by staff. The manager has ensured that plans are informed by the wider historical experiences of children. As a result, both requirements set at the last inspection have been met.

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Findings from the inspection

Children live in a home that is warm and inviting. Recent adaptions have created two living rooms, meaning children have more shared spaces where they can relax away from their bedrooms. Children’s bedrooms are well maintained and reflect children’s personalities and interests.

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Findings from the inspection

Children were observed to have warm interactions with staff. Children’s records evidence a willingness by children to talk with staff following incidents. Staff encourage children to reflect on their feelings. One social worker spoken to said that a child had developed trusting relationships with staff and had begun to share their historical experiences for the first time. This indicates that the children feel safe being cared for at the home.

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Findings from the inspection

When children make allegations against staff, they are taken seriously and are thoroughly explored and escalated by the manager. The manager advocates well for children and is confident to challenge professionals if deemed necessary. Decisive action, such as the suspension or dismissal of staff, is taken to ensure only the most appropriate staff are working with children.

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Findings from the inspection

Children are supported to understand the risk posed to them online and the importance of staff oversight of their phone usage. Staff work collaboratively with children to understand how to keep themselves safe when using the internet. A recent investment in specialised technology is enabling the manager to implement appropriate restrictions and have clear oversight of how the internet is used by children in the home. This helps to identify areas of vulnerability and informs direct work conducted with children.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff meet regularly together to discuss individual children. This is providing a valued space where staff can raise concerns, learn from incidents and inform care plans. Consequently, care and boundaries offered to children within the home are becoming more consistent.

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Findings from the inspection

Children are well prepared when they are moving into and out of the home. One child has a structured plan to support their move to independence and develop their skills in managing their money. The manager carefully considers the impact of new children moving to the home and how this could alter the dynamic. This has meant there are improved relationships among children now living at the home. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2553861 3 The manager and responsible individual have recognised the shortfalls at the last inspection and have worked hard to ensure that staff have the support and guidance they require. Staff said that support through team meetings and supervision is taking place regularly. Staff morale has subsequently improved, and this has stabilised the staff team.

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Findings from the inspection

The statement of purpose has been updated but has not been submitted to Ofsted within the required timescales. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2553861 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

10/06/2024 Full Requires improvement to be good 12/03/2024 Full Requires improvement to be good 11/01/2023 Full Good 11/05/2021 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2553861 5

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions that the registered person(s) must take to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, The Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the ‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’. The registered person(s) must comply within the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

keep the statement of purpose under review and, where appropriate, revise it; and

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Requirement Due date

notify HMCI of any revisions and send HMCI a copy of the revised statement within 28 days of the revision.

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Requirement Due date

This specifically refers to any revised statement of purpose being submitted to Ofsted within 28 days. 10 March 2025 Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2553861 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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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Chelsea Lightfoot

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Inspector

Louise Copping, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2553861 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 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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T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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