Aldine House Secure Centre

Assurance inspection report for secure children’s home: SC046524 1 Aldine House Secure Centre Registered provider: Sheffield City Council

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Provider address: Aldine House, 75 Limb Lane, Dore, Sheffield S17 3ES

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this secure children’s home

This home is operated by a local authority and is approved by the Department for Education to restrict children’s liberty. The home provides care for up to 10 children aged between 10 and 17 years.

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Information about this secure children’s home

At the time of this inspection, four children were living at the home.

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Information about this secure children’s home

The home provides care for up to five children placed by the Youth Custody Service and up to five children under section 25 of the Children Act 1989 who are placed by local authorities.

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Information about this secure children’s home

The admission of any child under section 25 of the Children Act 1989 who is under 13 years of age requires the approval of the Secretary of State.

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Information about this secure children’s home

The commissioning of health services in this home is the statutory responsibility of NHS England under the Health and Social Care Act 2012. Education is provided on site in dedicated facilities.

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Information about this secure children’s home

The manager of the home registered with Ofsted in August 2023.

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Inspection date: 12 August 2025

Enforcement action since last inspection: none

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Information about this inspection

At this inspection, the inspectors evaluated:

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Information about this inspection

 the care of children Assurance inspection report for secure children’s home: SC046524 2  the safety of children  the effectiveness of leaders and managers. Inspectors have 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 secure children’s home: SC046524 3

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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

The atmosphere in the home is calm and relaxed. Improvements have been made to the internal decoration. This includes the addition of sensory chairs and other items to support children's emotional regulation and sensory needs. Plans are in place to continue refurbishing and updating the environment.

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Findings from the inspection

Children speak positively about living in the home. They could be seen laughing and having fun with the staff. The children enjoy a variety of activities and feel supported to get along with one another. These positive relationships and experiences help children feel safe and included.

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Findings from the inspection

Children say that they have staff whom they can talk to and that they feel listened to. The staff demonstrate a clear understanding of the importance of building positive relationships with children. This helps children to develop safe, trusting relationships with staff, which supports children’s emotional security and well-being.

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Findings from the inspection

Records show that the use of single separation (where a child is locked into an area alone due to significant risk) is proportionate and only implemented to ensure the safety of the child or others. When single separation is used, staff provide ongoing support during the separation and encourage the child to re-engage as soon as possible. Children are helped to understand the reasons for the separation and supported to reflect and learn from the experience. Separation is used only for as long as necessary and ends when the criteria for its use are no longer met.

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Findings from the inspection

One child has made a complaint, which was thoroughly investigated and acted upon. The child was reassured throughout this process, and they were helped to understand the outcome. The child was thanked for speaking out and reassured that they had done the right thing. Staff helped the child feel supported and confident that their voice is heard and taken seriously.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff understand that physical restraint must be used only as a last resort. They hold children only when necessary to prevent harm or serious damage to property. Closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage is regularly reviewed to support staff reflection and learning. After all incidents, staff discuss what happened with children to ensure they are safe and well, and efforts are made to repair relationships.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager is enthusiastic and committed to her role. She speaks about the children in a nurturing way, using language that demonstrates genuine care. This reflects her understanding of each child’s previous experiences and their individual starting points. Her insight enables her to lead the team with empathy, ensuring that care is tailored to meet the unique needs of every child. Assurance inspection report for secure children’s home: SC046524 4 The manager ensures that children benefit from well-prepared and thoughtfully considered moving in and moving on plans. These plans fully incorporate the children’s views, wishes and feelings. Planning is clear and well coordinated, supported by regular multi-agency meetings that promote constructive challenge and lead to clearly defined actions.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager has effective oversight of what is happening in the home. When poor practice is identified, she takes prompt action by notifying all relevant safeguarding agencies and ensuring that appropriate investigations are carried out. Action is taken to address any issues. This helps to keep children safe and promotes a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

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Findings from the inspection

Recommendations set at the home’s most recent full inspection were not considered in detail during this visit. These recommendations will remain in place and will be reviewed at the home’s next inspection. Assurance inspection report for secure children’s home: SC046524 5

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

15/04/2025 Full Good 09/07/2024 Full Requires improvement to be good 16/01/2024 Full Requires improvement to be good 31/10/2023 Full Inadequate Assurance inspection report for secure children’s home: SC046524 6

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that staff work with the clinical team to deliver targeted sessions to all children consistently and in alignment with their agreed plans in order to promote positive behaviour. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards,’ page 39, paragraph 8.13)  The registered person should ensure that the progress children make towards their education, health and care plan targets is tracked and recorded clearly. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards,’ page 26, paragraph 5.2)  The registered person should ensure that education staff receive the training they need to keep their subject knowledge current and up to date. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards,’ page 53, paragraph 10.11) Assurance inspection report for secure children’s home: SC046524 7

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Secure children’s home details

Registered provider: Sheffield City Council

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Secure children’s home details

Registered provider address: Town Hall, Pinstone Street, Sheffield S1 2HH

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Inspectors

Jo Birtwhistle, Social Care Inspector Thirza Smith, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for secure children’s home: SC046524 8 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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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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