Children's Home run by Derbyshire County Council in Derbyshire

Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2508344 1 Registered provider: Derbyshire County Council

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children's home

The home is owned and operated by a local authority. It provides care for up to 4 children who experience social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children's home

At the time of this inspection, 3 children were living at the home and they contributed to the inspection.

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Information about this children's home

The manager registered with Ofsted in June 2026

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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 these inspections, the inspector(s) evaluated:

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Information about this inspection

 the care of children  the safety of children  the effectiveness of leaders and managers. Inspectors have 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 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: 2508344 2

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Summary of findings

Since the last inspection there has been a significant improvement in the quality of care provided to children. The management team have worked hard to strengthen team cohesion, reflective care practice and the understanding staff have of the children's individual needs. As a result, children are receiving consistent care from staff who are attuned to their needs. Management oversight is thorough and staff feel well supported. All the statutory requirements and recommendations raised at the last inspection have been met.

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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

Staff are now spending one to one time with children, which has had an exceptionally positive impact on the quality of children's day-to-day experiences and relationships they have with staff. This is reflected in the conversations children are having with staff, which are meaningful and supportive. Staff can have difficult conversations with children and children are able to share their thoughts and feelings with staff.

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Findings from the inspection

There has been a significant reduction in safeguarding incidents. Actions taken by staff in response to children's behaviour are reflective of the information in children's individual safe care plans. Staff can support children in the moment and de-escalate situations and use known strategies to help children to regulate more overwhelming emotions. Staff are working well together, and this consistency has improved children's safety and stability.

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Findings from the inspection

Incidents requiring children to be held by staff are rare. When this happens it has been necessary, staff have acted appropriately to ensure that it is only used as a last resort and for minimal time. Staff provide reassurance to children following incidents and opportunities to reflect on their feelings and any concerns the children may have had regarding the intervention.

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Findings from the inspection

Managers have reflective discussions with staff following any worrying or concerning incidents. This helps to evaluate the effectiveness of the staff care practice and identify any learning. Staff can reflect on children's behaviour in the context of their past experiences and current circumstances, promoting a trauma-informed approach to care.

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Findings from the inspection

Consequences are natural and restorative in nature, and staff support children to understand the impact of their actions. Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2508344 3 Staff are aware of what to do if a child makes an allegation. Likewise, children are supported to access the children's guide, to understand how to make a complaint if they are unhappy and all children have access to an independent advocate.

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Findings from the inspection

There have been no allegations against staff since the last inspection. Staff use professional curiosity when children make negative comments about staff, to gain a deeper understanding of what this is referring to. As a result, staff are better able to discern between what is an allegation and what is a minor grievance. This has opened opportunities for children to explain their concerns and for relationships with staff to be repaired promptly.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff morale has improved significantly since the last inspection. Staff feel confident in their roles and the team around them, and they can make day-to-day decisions in children's best interests. Improved communication between staff members has been reinforced through reflective practice sessions with an external provider, and team meetings which encourage peer reflection and shared learning.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager has ensured that staff receive regular, reflective supervision. Supervisions sessions are structured to cover professional wellbeing and development, relationships with children and guidance around staff's care practice. Staff report feeling very well supported by management and speak of a good, relaxed atmosphere in the home.

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Findings from the inspection

There has been a notable improvement in management oversight and quality assurance. Managers provide evaluative review across all aspects of children's care. They ensure that areas identified for development are shared with the team promptly via email, updates to care plans, team meetings and individual supervisions. Relevant training is identified in response to emerging concerns or gaps in knowledge. Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2508344 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

13/05/2026 Full Requires improvement to be good 01/04/2025 Full Requires improvement to be good 10/07/2024 Full Good 21/11/2023 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2508344 5

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Children's home details

Registered provider: Derbyshire County Council

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Children's home details

Registered provider address: Derbyshire County Council, County Offices, Matlock DE4 3AG

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Inspector

Jenna Allen, social care inspector Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2508344 6 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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Inspector

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