Children's home run by Esland North Limited

Inspection report for children’s home: 2785790 1 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

The home is owned by a large national provider. It provides care for up to two children who may experience social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of the inspection, two children were living at the home and were spoken to during the inspection.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager is suitably qualified and is registered with Ofsted.

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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: not previously inspected

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good

Overall judgement at last inspection: not applicable

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: not applicable Inspection report for children’s home: 2785790 2

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

This is the first inspection of the home since its registration in June 2025. Two children have moved into the home, and no children have moved out. The children’s moves into the home were well planned. The children have settled into the home and are starting to make progress.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff are committed to providing stability for children and have built positive relationships with the children. Staff treat them as individuals and take the time to understand their needs. They support children in developing their own identities and encourage them to take part in activities they enjoy, including memorable experiences like first trips to the seaside. The manager and staff encourage children to explore their own and other cultures in a child-centred way, helping to broaden their understanding and celebrate diversity.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The manager and staff prioritise children’s education and work in close partnership with schools to support their learning and development. The manager works well with external professionals to ensure the care in the home aligns with the support children receive at school, which aids consistency and continuity for children.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children’s health needs are well met by staff, and advice about self-care is handled with sensitivity. The manager works closely with health professionals to review children’s health needs, and this has led to a reduction in medication for one child. Staff talk to children about their needs and use a range of communication methods tailored to each child.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff support children to stay in touch with their families, recognising the importance of these relationships. They work closely with social workers to ensure family time is planned around each child’s individual needs and best interests. This helps children maintain positive and meaningful relationships with family members.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children’s meetings take place regularly, and children engage well. Children’s views are gained, and when they have suggestions, the manager makes changes. This helps children to know their views are valued and that they are listened to. Therapists support staff in developing their skills to care for children. Staff use therapeutic techniques when talking to children, using curiosity and empathy.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The home is a lovely, welcoming environment where children have been supported by staff to make choices for their bedrooms. The home is decorated to a high standard, and the manager and staff take pride in the home. However, the use and review of door alarms is not clearly recorded in children’s plans. Inspection report for children’s home: 2785790 3

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

Staff have good relationships with children. Children have not been held and have not gone missing from home.

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

Children are supported to manage their behaviour and emotions in a positive way. Staff respond to children with clear boundaries and take the time to understand each child’s background and the triggers behind their behaviour. This helps children feel secure and understood. Staff consistently promote children’s positive behaviour.

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

Children feel comfortable talking to staff about their past experiences. Staff share relevant information with relevant professionals to support a fuller understanding of each child’s needs and history.

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

Staff use therapeutic approaches with children and respond to them with care and sensitivity. When children hurt themselves, staff respond appropriately. Children are listened to and offered emotional support. Children trust staff and talk to them about their needs. Staff are confident and knowledgeable in how to respond to children and are supported by clinical specialists to deepen their understanding. Staff are skilled in recognising behaviours and triggers that may indicate children may be struggling, which helps them respond quickly and appropriately.

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

Children enjoy spending time on the internet. Staff have safeguards in place, including parental controls, regular phone checks and follow-up discussions with children about their time spent online. However, multi-agency agreement for social media on children’s devices is not clearly recorded on the children’s plans.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager is enthusiastic, committed and proud of the home and has positive aspirations for children. The manager welcomes and seeks feedback to support the development of the home and staff team. One professional said, ‘The manager has good oversight and ensures things are where they should be for the children. The staff are really invested in children and the home.’

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The new staff have undertaken an induction and training programme before working in the home, and they have undertaken shifts in sister homes to support their understanding of the role. The home is well staffed, and the rota is arranged to support the development of the team. Staff feel well supported and have built strong working relationships, helped by the guidance of the management team.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager considers broader experience when recruiting new staff. As a result, staff with diverse and relevant backgrounds have joined the team. New staff are enrolled on to the appropriate qualifications, and leaders and staff understand the importance of progressing their learning and development. Inspection report for children’s home: 2785790 4 Staff receive regular supervision, which supports them in their role and considers the needs of children and staff well-being. When necessary, targeted supervision takes place to help staff develop their practice.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff have completed relevant training. The manager has identified additional training based on the specific needs of the children. This training is planned to help staff continue providing focused and effective care.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Regular team meetings provide valuable support to staff, especially those who are new to the role. These meetings help reinforce expectations around key areas such as recording and safeguarding. Children are a central focus during discussions, with staff sharing updates on their progress and exploring aspirations for their future. Inspection report for children’s home: 2785790 5

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Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure that staff continually and actively assess the risks to each child and the arrangements in place to protect them. Where there are safeguarding concerns for a child, their placement plan, agreed between the home and the placing authority, must include details of the steps the home will take to manage any assessed risk on a day-to-day basis. The arrangements for social media and door alarms should be recorded on plans in agreement with the placing authority and kept updated. (Guide to the Children’s Home Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 42, paragraph 9.5)

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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: 2785790 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: Suites 1 & 5, Riverside Business Centre, Foundry Lane, Milford, Belper DE56 0RN

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Inspector

Lorna Walker, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2785790 7 and inspects 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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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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