Children's Home run by Blue Mountain Homes Ltd in Nottinghamshire

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged requires improvement at the full inspection. At this interim inspection Ofsted judge that it has sustained effectiveness .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There has been substantial progress on the issues raised at the last inspection, but an isolated shortfall, identified at this inspection, demonstrates that the home continues to require improvement.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

In February 2016 a young person told a staff member about a potential safeguarding issue. The staff did not respond in line with agreed procedures. The young person’s placing authority was not informed. Therefore, they could not take action to investigate or support young people. The information that came to light is not recorded anywhere in the home. Managers have not ensured that they have a clear and settled understanding of the issue raised. Therefore, they present a confusing account of their actions in response to the issue. In addition, Ofsted was not informed and so were unable to monitor the actions of the home. The organisation fully accepts that it has not dealt with the issue well. Actions were taken during the inspection to put this right and prevent recurrence.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Despite this shortfall, there has been significant progress since the last inspection. All five requirements made at the last inspection have been met and the eight recommendations have also all been addressed, demonstrating improvement.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The newly established staff team are growing in experience and have developed very trusting relationships with young people. They are clear that they feel supported. There are enough staff to care for the complex young people who live at the home, and there is a plan to undertake further recruitment. The staff team are stable and growing in experience all the time. This offers young people better consistency of care.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The management of the home is significantly improved. Now that there are sufficient staff, the registered manager has been able to concentrate on the required improvements, rather than covering shifts. Her management is viewed positively by staff who say that, ‘the home has changed massively in a good way’.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The registered manager has completed her own careful evaluation of the home’s progress. This work has been particularly strong with regard to monitoring young people who have been missing, and ensuring their safety and welfare. The independent visitor closely scrutinises the home’s records and care to young people. This has ensured further improvement. Where the visitor makes recommendations to improve the home, the manager ensures that these are completed, demonstrating a capacity for further development.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Placement matching has improved and there is now a more effective risk assessment process. Staff have the most up-to-date information in order to keep young people safe from the onset. One staff member commented that this could still be better, but evidence gathered suggests that children are better protected through this more robust process. Admissions are managed well. One placing social worker was particularly positive about this, saying that ‘staff are good at communicating’. Young people have come to look around the home before they move in which has helped to prepare them and to reduce their anxiety. Where young people have moved from the home, there is better transition planning, with clear evidence that the views of young people are reflected in decision making.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There have been improvements to some of the home’s records and a clearer picture is emerging about young people’s progress and difficulties. For example, where one young person has moved on to another placement, their record shows that they were well supported. There are also good records of key working sessions, showing a high level of support to young people, particularly with aspects relating to safety.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There are more effective arrangements for fire protection, which ensure that young people, staff and visitors are well protected against the risk of fire. The manager has commissioned a new fire risk assessment and has ensured that the suggested actions for improvement have taken place. For example, there has been work in the attic, to fire doors, and signage to improve fire protection. Although the home is generally decorated and furnished to a good standard, some areas do not look pleasant. For example, there is a broken radiator cover and a large crack in a wall on the landing. If this is not put right, it has the potential to impact on young people’s pride in their home.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

A recently admitted young person is already in an education placement and it is clear that staff advocate for them. This ensures that they get the right support and demonstrates an improved commitment to achieving strong educational outcomes. However, staff were not aware of another young person’s attainment levels. This indicates that education is not always central to care planning. It is recommended that staff improve their awareness of individual learning objectives.

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Information about this children's home

The home is privately owned and provides care to four young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

03/03/2015 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

In order to meet the protection of children standard, the registered person must:

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Requirement Due date

(12(2)(vi)) ensure that staff take effective action where there is a serious concern about a child’s welfare. 18/04/2016

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Requirement Due date

Ensure that records are kept of an allegation of abuse or neglect and the action taken in response. (Regulation 34(2)(d)) 18/04/2016

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Requirement Due date

Ensure that the registered person notifies HMCI and each other relevant person without delay if there is an incident relating to a child which the registered person considers to be serious. (Regulation 40(4)(e)) 18/04/2016

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

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Recommendations

 ensure that staff have the knowledge and skills to understand each child's education and training targets and the next steps for learning. (The Guide to the Children's Homes Quality Standards, page 28, paragraph 5.11)

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Recommendations

 ensure that the home is a homely and domestic environment, this is in particular relation to damage to radiator covers and a crack in the wall on the landing. (The Guide to the Children's Homes Quality Standards, page 15, paragraph 3.9)

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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

The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

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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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