Children's home run by Esland North Limited

Inspection report for children's home: 2483823 1 Registered provider: Esland North 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

The home is privately owned. It is registered to provide care for up to four children who may have emotional, behavioural or 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. Their views were sought during the inspection.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in December 2024.

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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

Overall judgement at last inspection: good

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children's home: 2483823 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

03/01/2024 Full Good 14/03/2023 Full Good 18/01/2022 Full Good 17/12/2019 Interim Declined in effectiveness Inspection report for children's home: 2483823 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are receiving good care from a staff team who know them well. The children have all made good progress. One child has become more confident and is able to manage their behaviours and feelings in healthier ways. The child said they are proud of this. Another child has developed interests in gymnastics and dancing. All children are attending school where they are achieving academically and socially. Where children experience challenges, they are helped to find solutions. One child has moved on to a foster family and is doing well. He was well supported with his transition. Another child has moved on after a serious incident. There has been learning from this child’s experiences and careful consideration is being given before moving another child into the home. Leaders and managers have worked hard to improve the quality of care in recent months following some challenges. This has been effective and there is now a more

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

nurturing and caring approach. This is also reflected in children's records which are thoughtfully written and focus on children’s achievements. Children's health needs are well met. They attend routine appointments and have specialist help where needed. Ongoing health conditions are monitored and reviewed by relevant professionals. Children have good routines and healthy eating is promoted. Staff encourage children to exercise which has been effective in maintaining a healthy weight. All children are making good progress with their emotional wellbeing through the support provided by the staff. Children see people who are important to them. They enjoy having friends over and can stay with family. One set of arrangements is unclear in respect of a family which means children do not know when they can see one of their parents. The manager does not yet have a plan in place to enable children’s understanding of the current situation.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff ensure that children take part in activities and holidays. This means children have new experiences which develops their self-esteem and social skills. One child has been on a residential school trip, and they are now starting to have more independence.

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

Risks posed to and from children are well understood. The manager has developed detailed risk management plans which children and their families are consulted about. The manager has supported children to reduce risks and vulnerabilities. One child is very proud of their progress. Plans are currently effective at increasing safety for children. The manager and staff respond quickly to emerging issues to prevent children being at increased risk of harm. Where risks exceed the care that can be provided at the home the manager acts in a timely way to address this so that children's needs can be met more effectively. Inspection report for children's home: 2483823 4 Leaders and managers have taken appropriate actions to ensure that children are not cared for by unsuitable adults. Any allegations of harm from children are fully investigated. Actions are taken to keep children safe. Concerns raised about staff

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

conduct are monitored and reviewed and new staff are recruited safely through thorough vetting procedures. Staff have been trained to support children with their behaviour. They use therapeutic approaches to help them when they become overwhelmed by their feelings. Physical interventions have significantly reduced since the last inspection. Incidents at the home have reduced significantly over recent months. The home is settled, and children say they feel safe. Staff undertake room searches when there are concerns about items which could cause harm. These are undertaken sensitively with the child's permission.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager has energy and passion and knows the children well. She is a good advocate and ensures children receive the support they need. They are consulted through regular meetings and key work sessions. The manager has made a positive start to running the home and there have been some improvements in practice which have been beneficial for children. The manager has a good understanding of the needs of staff in terms of their development. Regular training and reflective sessions are provided to ensure staff keep their skills and knowledge up to date. There have been some changes in staffing and new workers receive a good induction. They have brought positive energy to the team. Staff like working at the home they have built positive relationships with children. They speak warmly about children and enjoy spending time with them. They work closely together to provide consistency of care. Children say they like the staff.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Overall, staff receive supervision which is focused on children’s progress. Staff are provided with records, but some do not have a structure such as an agenda and review of actions set. They are not always dated and signed. This reduces the accountability of the supervision process which is particularly important where practice and conduct issues are being monitored. The manager has positive relationships with professionals and children’s families. They have confidence in the care provided to children. The communication between the manager and families is very good which has helped them build trust and work together to keep children safe and well. Inspection report for children's home: 2483823 5

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure the arrangements for family time are included in the placement plan, agreed between the registered person and the child's placing authority and updated regularly. The registered person should ensure that children understand these plans, ('Guide to the Children's Homes Regulations, including the quality standards', page 58, paragraph 11.15)

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that a record of supervision should be kept for staff, including the manager. The record should provide evidence that supervision is being delivered in line with regulation 33(4)(b).('Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards', page 61, paragraph 13.3) Inspection report for children's home: 2483823 6

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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: 2483823 7

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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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Inspector

Laura Walker, social care inspector Inspection report for children's home: 2483823 8 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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Inspector

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