Children's home run by East Midlands Care Matters Limited in Amber Valley

Inspection report for children’s home: SC381522 1 SC381522 Registered provider: East Midlands Care Matters 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 private company. It provides care for up to three children who may experience social and emotional difficulties or have learning disabilities.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of this inspection, two children and one adult were living at the home.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in November 2025.

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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: 18 December 2024

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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: SC381522 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

18/12/2024 Full Good 20/06/2023 Full Good 21/02/2023 Full Requires improvement to be good 05/01/2022 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home: SC381522 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The inspector spoke with one child as part of this inspection.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Since the last inspection, one child has moved into the home and one has moved out successfully. At the time of the inspection, two children and one adult were living in the home. The adult has lived at the home for over 12 years. A best-interest decision was made for him to remain at the home to allow him to complete his college course. He lives harmoniously alongside the children. A clear transition plan is in place to support his move to a specialist adult provision.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children have warm, meaningful and trusting relationships with staff, who are enthusiastic, nurturing and attentive. Children are relaxed and happy and engage positively with staff, clearly enjoying their time at the home. As a result, children feel loved, valued and understood.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children make progress in education. Both children have suitable education placements. One child did not attend school before moving into the home. She now attends regularly, has established friendships and participates in learning. The other child attends a bespoke education provision that meets his individual needs. He enjoys attending school and is working towards a Duke of Edinburgh Award.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Parents speak positively about the care provided. One parent said, ‘I cannot speak highly enough of the manager and staff; they go above and beyond for children.’ Parents feel confident that their children are receiving quality, nurturing care.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are encouraged and supported to express their views. The manager understands the importance of children having access to an independent advocate. Children feel listened to and respected, which helps them develop confidence and a feeling of self-worth.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children benefit from a wide range of activities and experiences. These include camping, rollerblading, fishing, attending concerts and participating in sports. Both children enjoy caring for their pets. Children have also enjoyed a staycation, and one child is looking forward to an imminent skiing holiday abroad with his school. These opportunities enrich children’s lives and promote positive emotional wellbeing.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff promote children’s independence effectively. They are supported to develop independent living skills and to spend time with friends both at home and in the wider community. Positive risk-taking enables children to maintain appropriate friendships and develop the skills they will need as they move towards adulthood. Inspection report for children’s home: SC381522 4

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

Children feel safe. Two social workers and two parents confirmed they are confident that children are safeguarded effectively while living at the home.

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

Behaviour management is good. There have been no physical interventions during this inspection period. Staff know the children well, and strong, trusting relationships mean that children respond positively to guidance and support. One child previously struggled to manage their emotions safely; their parent reported that the child is now significantly calmer and described them as being ‘like a different person’ since moving into the home. Safeguarding incidents are minimal due to the calm, supportive environment.

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

Staff are alert to risks, including those posed online. Staff recognise risks promptly and implement agreed risk-reduction plans. This proactive approach significantly reduces potential harm to children.

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

Staff have regular and meaningful discussions with children about healthy relationships, online safety and mobile phone use. Children feel able to speak openly with staff and are supported to understand and manage risks appropriately.

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

Most safeguarding practice is effective. Staff have received safeguarding training; however, refresher training is overdue. Additionally, while staff can explain internal whistleblowing procedures, not all are confident in describing external procedures. These shortfalls require attention, as they could potentially place children at risk if not addressed promptly.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager is knowledgeable, experienced and appropriately qualified, holding a relevant level 5 qualification. He is well supported by an experienced operational manager and is an excellent role model for staff.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff report feeling valued, respected and well supported. One staff member commented, ‘The manager is ace; he is always there, so knowledgeable, and my support is excellent.’ Staff morale is high, and staff are proud to work at the home.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff benefit from good training and development opportunities. Most staff hold a relevant level 3 qualification or are working towards one within agreed timescales. Some staff are also progressing towards level 5 qualifications. The manager is committed to staff development, which contributes to a stable, skilled and resilient staff team capable of providing high-quality care.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Feedback from professionals is positive. Two social workers praised the care provided by the manager and staff, stating that children are thriving. They described the staff team as ‘proactive’ and highlighted the excellent communication and professional relationships. Inspection report for children’s home: SC381522 5 The manager regularly consults children, parents and professionals. However, feedback has not consistently been incorporated into the six-monthly care review. Additionally, there have been delays in submitting two reports to Ofsted, which limits effective regulatory oversight.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The independent person’s monthly reports are generally of good quality, and they spend time with the children. However, consultation with social workers has been limited, and parents have not been consulted. As a result, parents’ views are not consistently represented in independent monitoring. Inspection report for children’s home: SC381522 6

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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

The leadership and management standard is that the registered person enables, inspires and leads a culture in relation to the children’s home that—

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Requirement Due date

helps children aspire to fulfil their potential;

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to—

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Requirement Due date

use monitoring and review systems to make continuous improvements in the quality of care provided in the home. (Regulation 13 (1)(a)(b) (2)(h))

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Requirement Due date

the independent person regularly consults professionals and parents; the manager’s six-monthly report reflects the feedback from children, staff, professionals and parents and is submitted to Ofsted within timescales. 14 April 2026

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Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure that skills in safeguarding are refreshed and staff understand whistleblowing procedures. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 44, paragraph 9.12) Inspection report for children’s home: SC381522 7

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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: SC381522 8

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: East Midlands Care Matters Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 58 Brackendale Road, Swanwick, Alfreton, Derbyshire DE55 1DX

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Inspector

Amy Miles, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: SC381522 9 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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