Children's home run by Blue Mountain Homes Ltd in Ealing

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged good at the last full inspection. At this interim inspection Ofsted judge that it has declined in effectiveness .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Safeguarding issues have not been consistently passed to the local authority in a timely manner. One safeguarding concern was not referred on to the relevant authorities, or to Ofsted, for ten days. In addition, staff on duty failed to follow the home’s own safeguarding procedures because they did not contact their manager on the same day that the concern came to light. Opportunities to protect young people may be missed because the appropriate professionals do not receive important safeguarding information promptly. Managers do not present a clear or coherent account of decision making in response to safeguarding issues. There is a sense of disorganisation, with no clear strategy to move forward.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The company have not followed safe recruitment procedures. Where staff are newly recruited, the company does not always obtain a reference from their most recent employer. Therefore, full information about the staff member’s background is not established or available. This puts young people at potential risk of harm or abuse from unsuitable adults.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people’s privacy and confidentiality is not respected at all times. A staff member has taken several pieces of confidential information pertaining to young people home. There is the possibility that other people could have access to young people’s private information because data protection procedures are not fully adhered to.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

At the last full inspection in May 2015, three requirements were made. These have all been met, demonstrating a capacity for improvement. There have been improvements in the way that young people are prepared for independence, the home’s location risk assessment has been improved, and safeguarding training is more comprehensive. However, this training has not proved effective because procedures were not followed effectively when there was a recent allegation.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

One recommendation, about return interviews after young people have been missing from home, was also made at the last inspection. When a young person goes missing now, information is established from return interviews and key working sessions so that lessons can be learned. This further protects young people should they go missing again.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There has been a change in management arrangements. There is currently no registered manager. However, an acting manager has been in place since the registered manager left. She has applied to Ofsted to be the registered manager. The acting manager, is well liked and there are some positive comments about her performance from young people and staff. One young person said, ‘she is good’. Another reported that she and the deputy, ‘always try their best for you’.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people do make some very good progress in this home. In particular, attendance and attainment in education is significantly improved. All young people enjoy their education, which is bespoke according to their individual educational needs. They are achieving at a higher level than they were before coming to the home. Young people made some positive comments about their education demonstrating their progress is better than it used to be, for example, ‘I never used to learn’, and, ‘this school is helping’.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people make some significant improvements to their health. One young person reported that they are addressing issues around alcohol misuse and that they no longer smoke as many cigarettes. All young people spoken with told the inspector about a reduction in their smoking. This impacts very positively on their health now and in their future.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people reported that their behaviour is better since their move to this home. They feel that they are more able to regulate their own behaviour. One young person said, ‘I used to kick off at anything and that has changed’. This demonstrates significant improvement.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

New admissions are well matched in accordance with the home’s statement of purpose. This means that young people can make progress from an early stage. Young people report that they are welcomed to the home as a new admission and that they feel happy and safe from the beginning of the placement. When young people move out of the home, this is because they are ready for the move rather than the result of placement breakdown. One placing social worker spoke very positively about a young person’s placement, despite them having to move on. They also spoke very positively about collaborative working with social workers, families and other agencies, showing that staff are pro-active in promoting young people’s progress.

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Information about this children's home

This children’s home is owned and run by a private organisation. It is registered to care for young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties. The home aims to provides settled care to four young people.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

21/01/2015 Interim Sustained effectiveness

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Statutory Requirements

This section sets out the actions which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, 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 with the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

Ensure that the privacy of children is appropriately protected. (Regulation 21(a)) 15/03/2016

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Requirement Due date

Ensure that full and satisfactory information is available in relation to each staff member in respect of each of the matters listed in Schedule 2.3. This is in particular relation to a reference from the most recent employer. (Regulation 32(3)(d), Schedule 2.3) 15/03/2016

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Requirement Due date

The procedure to be followed in the event of an allegation of abuse or neglect must in particular, provide for the prompt referral to the placing authority and, if different, the local authority in whose area the home is located. (Regulation 34(2)(b)) 15/03/2016

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Requirement Due date

Ensure that HMCI is notified without delay if there is an allegation of abuse against the home or persons working there (Regulation 40 (4)(c)) 15/03/2016

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What the inspection judgements mean

At the interim inspection we make a judgement on whether the home has improved in effectiveness, sustained effectiveness, or declined in effectiveness since the previous full inspection. This is in line with the Inspection of children's homes: framework for inspection.

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Information about this inspection

Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children and young people living in the children's home. Inspectors considered the quality of work and the difference adults make to the lives of children and young people. They read case files, watched how professional staff work with children, young people and each other and discussed the effectiveness of help and care given to children and young people. Wherever possible, they talked to children, young people and their families. In addition the inspectors have tried to understand what the children's home knows about how well it is performing, how well it is doing and what difference it is making for the children and young people who it is trying to help, protect and look after. This inspection focused on the effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of children and young people since the most recent full inspection.

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Information about this inspection

This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000 to assess the effectiveness of the service 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. the guidance raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted, which is available from Ofsted's website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted . If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Information about this inspection

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, workbased learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It inspects services for looked after children and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team,

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Information about this inspection

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Information about this inspection

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Information about this inspection

Store Street Manchester M1 2WD T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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