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

Information about this children’s home

This is a privately owned children’s home. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to four children and young people who have emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager has been in post since April 2020 and has been registered with Ofsted from August 2020.

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Information about this children’s home

Previous inspection date: 10 December 2019

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Information about this children’s home

Previous inspection judgement: Requires improvement to be good

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Information about this visit

Due to COVID-19 (coronavirus), Ofsted suspended all routine inspections in March 2020. As part of a phased return to routine inspection, we are undertaking assurance visits to children’s social care services that are inspected under the social care common inspection framework (SCCIF).

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Information about this visit

At these visits, inspectors evaluate the extent to which:  children are well cared for  children are safe  leaders and managers are exercising strong leadership.

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Information about this visit

This visit was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000, following the published guidance for assurance visits.

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Information about this visit

Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills is leading Ofsted’s work into how England’s social care system has delivered child-centred practice and care within the context of the restrictions placed on society during the COVID-19 pandemic. Assurance visit report: 1264438 2

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Findings from the visit

We identified no serious or widespread concerns in relation to the care or protection of children at this assurance visit.

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The care of children

Staff build positive relationships with children and young people. This provides the children and young people with a sense of belonging and stability. Children and young people settle quickly in the home, as they receive a nurturing, warm, welcome from the staff team.

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The care of children

The staff have supported one young person’s return to school. This has built the young person’s confidence and is likely to have a positive influence on their learning. Some children and young people are new to the home and do not have a school placement. The staff support these young people to gain qualifications in functional skills through the AQA programme. This promotes their learning in the absence of formal education placements.

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The care of children

Children and young people receive support from staff to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Staff promote the children and young people’s interests, which include football, basketball and visiting the local skate park. Staff support children and young people to access health services to meet each young person’s individual health needs.

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The care of children

Staff consult effectively with children and young people to gain their wishes and feelings and respond to these where appropriate. Key work sessions and daily conversations support children and young people to understand the risks affecting their lives.

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The care of children

The staff team has supported children and young people to move on from the home when their placement has ended. Staff work with professionals to ensure that children and young people have a smooth planned transition.

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The safety of children

Appropriate staffing levels have allowed staff to care and support children and young people well. S taff turnover during the COVID-19 pandemic has been low. Children and young people benefit from care by a consistent core team of staff.

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The safety of children

The staff have open and honest discussions with children and young people to help them understand COVID-19, using child friendly information.

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The safety of children

The manager and staff have a good awareness and understanding of the children and young people’s needs and vulnerabilities. The risk assessments are well documented with strategies for staff to reduce the risks and better protect children and young people. Assurance visit report: 1264438 3 There have been no incidents of children and young people going missing from the home. Protocols are in place for each child and young person in the event of them going missing. Staff have a good understanding of the action they need to take to ensure the safety and well-being of the children and young people .

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Leaders and managers

The manager has made positive changes to the home environment and in the delivery of care of the children and young people. The children and young people’s needs are met as a result of the manager’s hands-on approach. Staff receive extensive support and guidance from the manager.

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Leaders and managers

Regular supervision allows the staff to reflect on their practice. This enhances their learning to care and support children and young people. It also contributes to staff feeling supported by the manager.

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Leaders and managers

The manager’s monitoring and quality assurance system ensures that children and young people receive good-quality care. Comprehensive shift-handover discussions and child-centred staff meetings ensure that all staff are informed of any changes to the children and young people’s care plans.

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Leaders and managers

Independent visits have taken place remotely and on site during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, not all the reports have been submitted to Ofsted. This means that the regulator does not have an overview of the outcomes for children and young people or how the home is managed.

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Leaders and managers

The manager has developed memory books for the children and young people. This involves the staff writing positive comments in the individual children and young people’s books. It is intended to boost good feelings and improve the children and young people’s motivation to succeed.

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Leaders and managers

The requirements and recommendations made at the last inspection have all been actioned and met.

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions that the registered person(s) must take to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, the 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 within the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

The independent person must provide a copy of the independent person’s report to— HMCI. 16/10/2020 Assurance visit report: 1264438 4 (Regulation 44 (7)(a)

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Blue Mountain Homes

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Flat 17, Leeland Mansions, Leeland Road, London W13 9HE

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Pradeep Manaktala

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Inspector

Sue Hatton, social care inspector Assurance visit report: 1264438 5 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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T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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