Children's Home run by East Sussex County Council in East Sussex

Inspection report for children's home: 2674792 1 Registered provider: East Sussex County Council

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Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This local authority children’s home provides care for up to 5 children who experience social and emotional difficulties, as well as being diagnosed with mild autism. There were 5 children living in the home at the time of the inspection.

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Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

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outstanding

How well children and young people are helped and protected outstanding

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outstanding

The effectiveness of leaders and managers outstanding

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outstanding

The children’s home provides highly effective services that consistently exceed the standards of good. The actions of the children’s home contribute to significantly improved outcomes and positive experiences for children and young people who need help, protection and care.

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outstanding

Overall judgement at last inspection: good

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outstanding

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children's home: 2674792 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

04/08/2025 Full Good 02/01/2025 Full Good 23/01/2024 Full Good 01/11/2022 Full Good Inspection report for children's home: 2674792 3

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Summary of findings

The home provides an exceptional standard of care, resulting in outstanding outcomes for children across all areas. Children benefit from highly skilled, committed staff who work effectively with families and professionals to promote safety, stability, education and emotional wellbeing. Children make significant progress, particularly in education, independence, confidence and in understanding and managing their emotions.

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Summary of findings

Safeguarding practice is strong, with dynamic risk assessments and effective multi- agency working, ensuring children’s risks are understood, responded to promptly and reduced. Leaders and managers are ambitious for children, creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where children’s voices are valued. Strong leadership, staff development and positive relationships contribute to consistently outstanding experiences and achievements.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Children receive highly effective care from a skilled, experienced and nurturing staff team that is ambitious for their futures. Staff know children exceptionally well and work collaboratively with a wide range of professionals to ensure that children receive the support they need to thrive. Professionals consistently speak highly of the quality of care provided and recognise staff’s proactive involvement in planning, communication and advocacy on behalf of children.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Children make exceptional progress from their individual starting points. All children are engaged in education and are supported to achieve beyond expectations. Staff have successfully helped children to re-engage with learning, improve attendance and recognise the value of education. Children achieve positive academic outcomes and develop confidence in their abilities. Educational achievements are celebrated, and children are encouraged to aspire and succeed.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Children’s emotional wellbeing improves significantly through the care and support they receive. Staff use consistent, nurturing approaches that help children develop resilience, confidence and emotional regulation. Children learn to understand and manage their feelings more effectively, resulting in improved relationships and greater stability in their day-to-day lives.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Staff recognise the importance of positive family relationships and work sensitively with children and their families to promote meaningful family time. Children are well supported before and after family visits, helping them to manage feelings and anxieties associated with these experiences. This thoughtful approach strengthens family relationships and contributes to children’s overall sense of identity and belonging. Inspection report for children's home: 2674792 4 Children enjoy a wide range of enriching opportunities that support their personal development and individual interests. They participate in community events, charitable activities, creative projects and recreational pursuits. Staff encourage children to develop new skills, pursue hobbies and take pride in their achievements. Children are supported to contribute to their communities and develop confidence, independence and self- esteem.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Children’s views, wishes and feelings are highly valued. Staff regularly seek children’s opinions through individual discussions and group forums. Managers adapt approaches to consultation to ensure that participation remains meaningful and responsive to children’s needs. Children experience a warm, welcoming and homely environment where positive relationships, laughter and enjoyment are evident throughout the home.

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

Children benefit from effective safeguarding practice that places their safety and wellbeing at the centre of care planning. Risk assessments are comprehensive, individualised and developed with children’s involvement. They are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changing circumstances, ensuring that staff have clear guidance on how to respond to emerging risks and vulnerabilities.

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

Safeguarding incidents are managed effectively and in line with agreed procedures. Staff demonstrate a strong understanding of children’s individual risks and work closely with partner agencies to ensure that concerns are responded to promptly and appropriately. Multi-agency working is a particular strength of the service and contributes significantly to children remaining safe.

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

The staff team carefully balances children’s safety with their rights and freedoms. When additional measures are required to protect children, managers ensure that these are proportionate, regularly reviewed and informed by consultation with professionals and children, for example the temporary use of door alarms. This approach promotes both safety and respect for children’s individuality and independence.

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

Staff manage children’s behaviour exceptionally well. Restorative approaches help children understand the impact of their actions, develop empathy and repair relationships. During periods of heightened tension and conflict between children, managers and staff worked relentlessly to restore stability. Through individual and group work, supported by specialist input, children developed more positive relationships and the home returned to a settled and nurturing environment.

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

Children benefit from targeted interventions that help them understand important safeguarding issues, including bullying, coercive control and the impact of harmful behaviours on others. Staff provide clear and consistent boundaries that help children to develop an understanding of expectations, responsibility and respect for others. As a result, children increasingly make safer choices and develop the skills needed to manage relationships positively. Inspection report for children's home: 2674792 5

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The home is led by a highly effective and ambitious management team that is committed to improving children’s lives. Leaders have high aspirations for every child and consistently promote a culture where children are encouraged to believe in their abilities and potential. Managers are passionate advocates for children and demonstrate a determination to secure the best possible outcomes for them.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Managers have created a warm, nurturing and child-focused environment. The home is welcoming and well maintained, and a strong commitment to sustainability and community involvement is reflected in children’s everyday experiences. Children are encouraged to contribute to their surroundings through gardening, recycling and creative projects, which provide opportunities for relationship building and personal development.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Staff report feeling well supported and valued. Leaders place a strong emphasis on professional development and ensure that staff have access to a broad range of relevant training opportunities. Training reflects the diverse and complex needs of children, including specialist learning related to neurodiversity. Regular supervision and team discussions provide meaningful opportunities for reflection, learning and the continued development of practice.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Managers work exceptionally well with external professionals and maintain positive, constructive relationships with partner agencies. They are strong advocates for children and confidently challenge other professionals when necessary to ensure that children receive the services and support to which they are entitled. This tenacious approach is valued by professionals and contributes to positive outcomes for children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Children’s voices are central to decision-making in the home. Managers demonstrate flexibility and responsiveness by adapting routines and expectations when appropriate, enabling children to contribute meaningfully to decisions that affect their daily lives. This approach promotes children’s independence, responsibility and sense of belonging.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Leaders and staff promote equality, diversity and inclusion exceptionally well. Children are supported to explore and celebrate their identities in a safe and accepting environment. Thoughtful and creative practice, including the use of personalised letters and reflective work, helps children develop confidence, self-worth and a positive sense of self. As a result, children experience a home where they feel valued, respected and able to be themselves.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

No requirements or recommendations were made as a result of this inspection. Inspection report for children's home: 2674792 6

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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: 2674792 7

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: East Sussex County Council

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: County Hall, St Anne’s Crescent, Lewes, East Sussex BN7 1UE

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Inspector

Vevene Muhammad, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children's home: 2674792 8 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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