Children's Home run by Esland North Limited in Leicestershire

Inspection report for children's home: 2483693 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 owned and managed by a private company. It offers care for up to 3 children who experience social and emotional difficulties or learning disabilities.

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Information about this children's home

The manager has applied to be registered with Ofsted.

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Information about this children's home

At the time of the inspection, 3 children were living in the home and were consulted.

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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: 16 January 2025

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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: 2483693 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

16/01/2025 Full Good 24/01/2024 Full Good 21/02/2023 Full Good 04/10/2021 Full Outstanding Inspection report for children's home: 2483693 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children receive individualised care from staff who know them well. Staff use this knowledge to respond to children's needs each day. As a result, children make clear progress from their starting points and are growing in confidence.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff actively promote enjoyable and purposeful experiences for children. Children take part in activities, such as jujitsu, football, gym sessions and play games. Staff plan holidays, including trips abroad and in the United Kingdom. These experiences are carefully chosen to match children's interests and needs. As a result, children develop confidence, resilience and a sense of achievement.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children attend regular house meetings and have meaningful conversations with staff. A therapist works consistently with the children. This helps children to feel respected and increases their sense of belonging.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children's education is well supported. Staff work closely with education providers to secure appropriate placements. One child attends school regularly and is making progress. Another child recently moved to a new school, and staff maintain regular contact with education professionals to address barriers or challenges quickly. This leads to improved engagement over time.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff plan and manage transitions effectively. They prepare children for moves at a pace that suits them, which helps children to feel less anxious. Two children have moved on successfully to family and friend-based care. A new child moved in during the inspection following a well-planned transition.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff promote children's independence through daily routines and achievable targets. This helps children to gain practical skills for the future.

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

Staff have a clear understanding of children's risks and vulnerabilities. They work closely with the therapist to develop effective, personalised strategies. This reduces the frequency and impact of incidents.

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

When incidents occur, staff respond appropriately and proportionately. Physical intervention is rare and only used when necessary to keep children safe. Staff identify triggers early and respond calmly using skilled de-escalation and relationship-based practice.

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

Children can identify trusted adults in the home. They say that staff listen to them and act when needed to keep them safe. Staff follow clear safeguarding procedures and Inspection report for children's home: 2483693 4 complete relevant training. This ensures that concerns are recognised and acted on without delay.

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

There has been one missing incident. Staff followed procedures promptly and worked effectively with others to secure the child's safe return. Risk assessments are reviewed and updated quickly. Staff reflect on incidents to improve future responses.

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

Staff promote children's positive behaviour effectively. They use rewards to reinforce positive choices. When consequences are necessary, they are proportionate and discussed with children. This helps children to understand their behaviours and supports positive change.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Leaders provide clear direction and maintain a strong focus on improving children's experiences. Since the last inspection, there have been 2 changes in the manager's role. These changes have been managed well, as each manager has been promoted from within the home, therefore reducing disruption for the children and staff.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The home is currently led by manager who is well supported by senior leaders. She knows the children well and provides consistent care and leadership. The manager remains focused on improving outcomes and maintaining stability for children and staff.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager is visible and works alongside staff. She sets clear expectations and leads by example. Leaders promote a culture of reflection and learning. Staff review incidents, discuss practice and identify improvements.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff receive regular, meaningful supervision. Sessions focus on practice, wellbeing and development. The therapist also supports staff to reflect on their work with children. This strengthens staff resilience and consistency.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Leaders ensure that staff are suitably trained. Training includes safeguarding, first aid, deescalation and online safety. Staff are equipped to meet the needs of the children. Parents and professionals provide positive feedback about communication and the progress that children make.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Independent monitoring provides oversight of the home. However, this is not consistently evaluative. The independent person does not consistently gather feedback from children, parents or professionals. This limits the effectiveness of monitoring. Inspection report for children's home: 2483693 5

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Recommendation

 The registered person should make best use of information from independent monitoring to ensure continuous improvement. The independent person's consultations with children, their families and professional network should be more frequent. ('Guide to the Children's Homes Regulations, including the quality standards', page 55, paragraph 10.24).

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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: 2483693 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, Belper, Derbyshire DE56 0RN

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Inspector

Thembie Mzila, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children's home: 2483693 7 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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