Children's Home run by Country Care Children’s Homes Ltd in Derbyshire

Assurance inspection report for children's home: SC020151 1 SC020151

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Registered provider: Country Care Children’s Homes Ltd

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children's home

This home is registered to provide care for up to eight children who may experience social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children's home

Children live across two homes. One is a large farmhouse in a rural location, and the other is in a local town.

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Information about this children's home

The manager registered with Ofsted in November 2024. They are currently on maternity leave.

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Information about this children's home

At the time of the inspection, two children were living in the main house, and one child was living in the other home.

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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

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Information about this inspection

 the effectiveness of leaders and managers. The inspector has 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 Assurance inspection report for children's home: SC020151 2 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: SC020151 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

Arrangements for children moving into the home have strengthened notably. There is a clear and well-established process for obtaining comprehensive information from relevant professionals and those who know the child well. This ensures care planning is appropriately informed and responsive to individual needs. Risk assessments now appropriately consider how children will live alongside one another, reflecting a proactive and thoughtful approach to safeguarding and promoting positive peer relationships.

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Findings from the inspection

Children benefit from consistent and supportive care from staff. One child who experienced a high level of incidents following their admission has been well supported to build positive relationships. As a result, incidents have reduced significantly, and the child is now experiencing improved stability.

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Findings from the inspection

Children leaving the home do so in a planned and child-centred manner. Since the previous inspection, three children have moved on successfully, with each transition carefully planned and supported by relevant professionals. Staff maintained ongoing support throughout and after the move, demonstrating a strong commitment to children’s continued well-being.

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Findings from the inspection

Children have positive and trusting relationships with staff. Interactions are warm, respectful, and responsive, demonstrating that staff know the children well and understand their individual needs and preferences. This contributes to a settled environment where children feel safe, supported, and emotionally secure.

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Findings from the inspection

Risk assessment processes have continued to strengthen and are consistently maintained. Assessments are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect children’s changing needs and circumstances. Monthly summary reports are produced and used effectively to identify emerging patterns and trends, supporting proactive and informed risk management strategies.

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Findings from the inspection

The use of physical intervention is only when necessary to prevent harm. Management oversight is robust, with incidents reviewed promptly and staff supported through debrief discussions to promote reflective practice. Records confirm that interventions are proportionate, in line with policy, and focused on safeguarding children’s welfare.

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Findings from the inspection

Incidents of self-harm are responded to promptly and sensitively, with children’s safety and well-being prioritised. Practice demonstrates learning from incidents, which informs updates to individual safety plans. These plans are implemented consistently and contribute to effective risk reduction and support for children. Assurance inspection report for children's home: SC020151 4 Arrangements for managing missing episodes are generally effective. Staff respond appropriately and debrief discussions with children are routinely undertaken to help understand underlying factors and inform future planning. On one occasion, staff did not attend promptly to collect a child who had been located at a police station. This isolated lapse was identified through management oversight and addressed through supervision. Management actions demonstrate effective monitoring and a commitment to continuous improvement.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff demonstrate a strong understanding of the children they care for, including a clear awareness of individual risks and the measures in place to manage these effectively. They can articulate children’s specific needs and describe how practice promotes safety and well-being. Staff are also knowledgeable about the areas identified at the previous inspection and can explain the actions taken in response. There is a shared understanding of progress across the staff team, with staff providing examples of improvements and expressing confidence in the positive impact of changes made.

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Findings from the inspection

Arrangements for staff support and oversight are well established. Supervision sessions take place regularly and provide appropriate opportunities for reflection, learning, and professional development. Team meetings are well organised and promote open and constructive discussion, supporting a collaborative approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.

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Findings from the inspection

Despite the registered manager being on maternity leave, effective leadership continuity has been maintained. The acting manager and acting deputy, with support from the responsible individual, have provided clear direction and oversight. They have worked proactively to address the requirements from the previous inspection. Evidence demonstrates that actions taken have resulted in meaningful and sustained improvements, which are embedded in practice and contributing to improved outcomes for children. Assurance inspection report for children's home: SC020151 5

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

22/07/2025 Full Requires improvement to be good 10/12/2024 Full Good 27/02/2024 Full Good 29/06/2022 Full Outstanding Assurance inspection report for children's home: SC020151 6

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Children's home details

Registered provider: Country Care Children’s Homes Ltd

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Children's home details

Registered provider address: The Meadows, Beech Lane, Dove Holes, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 8DJ

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Inspector

Lauren Barwell, Social Care Regulatory Inspector Assurance inspection report for children's home: SC020151 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 children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspector

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