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

Inspection report for children’s home: 2690357 1 Registered provider: Blue Mountain Homes Ltd

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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 home is privately run and provides care for up to two children who may experience social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The home is run by a suitably qualified manager, who has been registered with Ofsted since June 2022.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of the inspection, one child was living at the home.

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Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

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good

How well children and young people are helped and protected good

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good

The effectiveness of leaders and managers good

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good

The children’s home provides effective services that meet the requirements for good.

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good

Date of last inspection: 29 November 2023

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good

Overall judgement at last inspection: good

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: 2690357 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

29/11/2023 Full Good 12/09/2022 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home: 2690357 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Since the last inspection, two children have moved on from the home and one child had recently moved into the home the day before the inspection. The child spent time with the inspector and gave a tour of the home.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The home is warm, welcoming and feels like a family home. While there are no personal touches or pictures of the child on display currently, this is because the child has only recently moved into the home. The child has been actively supported in decorating their room to reflect their individual preferences, contributing to a sense of ownership and comfort within the home.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children who are new to the home are always welcomed sensitively and with the best possible planning. Despite the child being very new to the home, there are several documents that support staff to understand their behaviour. The admissions file is thorough and covers all aspects of the child’s care. The transition process for this child has been meticulously planned, ensuring that all the child’s needs are met. This approach is good practice, ensuring smooth and effective transitions.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Despite the short time the child has been living in the home, they say they already feel safe and welcomed. This sense of security and belonging is an important aspect in the home, and the child is beginning to build meaningful relationships with staff.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff demonstrate a strong commitment to getting to know the children in their care and work hard to establish positive relationships. This is particularly evident with the new child, with whom the staff have engaged in conversations to understand their likes and dislikes, fostering a connection that supports the child’s integration into the home.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The importance of key-work sessions is recognised and consistently emphasized. There is regular documentation of these key-work sessions for all children, reflecting the home’s commitment to ongoing support and development. However, it is noted that these key-work sessions could benefit from being more reflective.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The manager and staff ensure that there are thoughtful transitions, even in challenging circumstances. When children leave the home, staff are proactive in promoting positive endings for them. One child had a successful move to semi-independent living. Another child successfully transitioned home to their parent. In cases where endings are unplanned, the staff maintain a strong focus on the welfare and well-being of the children, ensuring that all actions taken are in the best interest of the child.

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

The children have individualised and up-to-date risk assessments in place that effectively address known vulnerabilities for children and clearly outline the actions staff should take to Inspection report for children’s home: 2690357 4 manage identified risks. There are comprehensive plans and support mechanisms aimed at reducing actual harm or the risk of harm, and evidence indicates that these risks are managed effectively and tailored to the children’s individual circumstances.

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

When allegations or suspicions of harm arise against staff, the managers refer these promptly with the appropriate external agencies. These matters are handled swiftly and in accordance with statutory guidance. Children are supported and protected throughout the process, with support provided both to the person making the allegation and the individual who is the subject of the allegation.

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

Two children who have moved on from the home experienced a high level of missing-from- care episodes. Despite this challenge, there is a good system in place to address missing- from-care incidents. The manager demonstrates a strong understanding of the triggers that may lead to children going missing and has implemented creative strategies to reduce these risks. One child was actively supported to spend time with important people in their life as a preventative measure against further missing episodes, and this is good practice.

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

Children are offered support on their return to the home, although it is noted that return home interviews are not consistently documented in the child’s missing-from-home file. Parents and carers are informed of missing incidents where appropriate and relevant to the child’s care plan. Staff are proactive in searching for children when they go missing, demonstrating a strong commitment to their safety and well-being.

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

Safer recruitment processes are followed, ensuring that all necessary checks are completed before staff begin working with children. This solid and consistent approach to recruitment is key in maintaining the safety and security of the children in the home.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager demonstrates a passion and commitment to the children in her care and to the overall environment of the home. Her experience in the field is evident in the way she leads the team, bringing knowledge and expertise to the role. The manager is ably supported by a dedicated deputy manager, who shares her commitment to delivering high- quality care and supporting the staff.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The staff speak highly of both the manager and the deputy manager, expressing that they feel well-supported in their roles. Staff report that they enjoy coming to work and that the positive leadership within the home fosters a supportive and encouraging atmosphere. This has been particularly significant during a recent challenging period with former children, where the staff team has shown considerable resilience and dedication in maintaining the quality of care.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The staff team are suitably qualified. Both the manager and deputy manager have a Level 5 qualification. Senior staff have their Level 3 qualification while other staff members are enrolled and working towards this. Inspection report for children’s home: 2690357 5 While the staff team is relatively new, the manager has a clear understanding of the team’s strengths and areas for development. Recognising the need for further development and upskilling, the manager has outlined a plan for staff development. This plan is focused on enhancing the skills and competencies of the team, ensuring that they are well-equipped to meet the needs of the children in their care.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Supervision for staff is conducted at a minimum monthly, with sessions being clearly recorded. These supervision sessions are structured, with actions and targets being set for each staff member. There is clear evidence of managerial support for staff welfare, with proactive measures being put in place to address any issues or concerns. Supervision also serves as an opportunity to identify staff development and training needs, as well as to provide constructive feedback on performance. Inspection report for children’s home: 2690357 6

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Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure when a child returns to the home after being missing from care or away from the home without permission, the responsible local authority must provide an opportunity for the child to have an independent return home interview. Homes should take account of information provided by such interviews when assessing risks and putting arrangements in place to protect each child. (Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 45, paragraph 9.30)

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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: 2690357 7

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Blue Mountain Homes Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Unit 20-21, Pullman Business Court, Mallard Way, Pride Park, Derby DE24 8GX

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Pradeep Manaktala

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Inspector

Lauren Barwell, Social Care Regulatory Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2690357 8 and inspects 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 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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