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

Inspection report for children’s home: SC490364 1 SC490364 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 five children who may experience social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The home is led by a suitably experienced and qualified manager.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of the inspection, three children were living at the home.

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Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

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outstanding

How well children and young people are helped and protected outstanding

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outstanding

The effectiveness of leaders and managers outstanding

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outstanding

The children’s home provides highly effective services that consistently exceed the standards of good. The actions of the children’s home contribute to significantly improved outcomes and positive experiences for children and young people who need help, protection and care.

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outstanding

Overall judgement at last inspection: good

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outstanding

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: SC490364 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

12/07/2023 Full Good 07/06/2022 Full Good 08/03/2022 Full Requires improvement to be good 05/02/2020 Full Outstanding Inspection report for children’s home: SC490364 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

The home is well presented and furnished, providing a cosy and comfortable home for children. It is spacious, with areas for children to relax and socialise. The large outdoor space, complete with football nets, and a dedicated games room, provides children with ample recreational opportunities, encouraging both physical activity and social interaction. Children are given the freedom to personalise their own bedrooms, promoting a sense of ownership and individuality.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

The relationships between staff and children are a key strength of the home. Numerous positive interactions were observed between staff and children, reflecting the strong bonds and mutual respect that have been developed. Staff clearly invest time and effort into forming and maintaining meaningful relationships with the children, which contributes to the warm and nurturing home environment.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Children are happy and well cared for. Observations and direct feedback from the children confirm that they have strong relationships with staff and feel comfortable and safe in their home. All children spoken to describe their relationships with staff in positive terms, and the level of care provided is clearly meeting their emotional and developmental needs. One child said: ‘I love it here, it feels like a family.’

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Creativity in the home is evident from the fun and engaging way in which activities are documented. For example, a recent activity report was written in the style of a Harry Potter book, making it both memorable and enjoyable for the child involved. This imaginative approach ensures that children can reflect on their experiences in the future with clarity and fondness. The manager confirmed that photos of the activities are also recorded and printed for each child’s personal records, further contributing to their life- story memories.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Children leave the home with positive outcomes. Staff celebrate all their successes with them. One child’s recent departure from the home highlighted how staff ensure that children experience positive and supportive transitions. The thoughtful preparation, including a party with the children and staff, personalised cards, photos, and a ‘flying the nest’ document summarising their time at the home, ensures that children feel valued and loved as they move on. This is further evidenced by the many children that leave yet remain in regular contact with staff, reflecting the lasting impact of the care received.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Staff are strong advocates for children in their care. A recent example involved supporting a child to raise a formal complaint to their local authority regarding a desire to meet with their social worker. This advocacy led to the child’s concerns being addressed, highlighting the proactive and child-centred approach of the staff.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Professionals who visit the home are equally impressed with the care provided. One professional remarked: ‘I sat and watched staff on my last visit, reflecting in my head Inspection report for children’s home: SC490364 4 that those on duty were the type of people I would choose to look after my own child.’ This endorsement is a testament to the exceptional quality of care and commitment demonstrated by the staff team.

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

The help and protection children receive has resulted in a significant decrease in their vulnerabilities and risks. One child, who was displaying significant aggressive behaviour when they first arrived at the home, has not had an incident of that nature for several months. The child was supported to find other ways to deal with their anger which resulted in a decrease in this behaviour.

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

Risk assessments in the home are thorough and highly effective in addressing any known concerns for the children. They are tailored to each child, providing detailed guidance for staff on how to manage and mitigate identified risks. One child’s risk assessment clearly demonstrated a reduction in risks over time, providing both the child and staff with a visible record of progress. The risk assessment for a newly admitted child was similarly comprehensive, showcasing the team’s strong understanding of the child’s needs and how best to minimise potential risks.

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

Complaints within the home are minimal, and when they do arise, they are handled promptly and professionally. For example, a recent complaint made by one child about another child was acknowledged and responded to in a timely and appropriate manner by the home manager, demonstrating a commitment to resolving issues quickly and fairly.

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

The use of restraint or restrictive practice is only employed when necessary to protect the child or others around them. Such interventions are always proportionate to the situation, ensuring that the child’s safety and dignity are maintained. All incidents of restraint are meticulously recorded, reviewed and monitored by the leadership team. Importantly, the child’s perspective, depending on their age and level of understanding, is always sought and taken into account during these reviews, ensuring their voice is heard.

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

The staff team’s response to incidents of going missing from care and concerns around exploitation is exemplary. In one case, staff actively sought to gather additional information when the police did not provide sufficient detail to ensure a child’s safety. This proactive and resourceful approach demonstrates the staff’s commitment to safeguarding children. Staff also employ creative strategies to engage children, reducing the likelihood of them going missing. One child expressed their appreciation for the staff’s efforts, stating that they understood the staff were acting to keep them safe.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The manager knows the children in the home exceptionally well. She is deeply committed to improving outcomes for all children and is passionate about creating an Inspection report for children’s home: SC490364 5 environment that closely mirrors the warmth and care of a family home. Her dedication is clear, and her approach has a positive impact on the culture of the home.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

A key strength of the manager is her passion for using ‘language that cares’, which is reflected in the way activities with the children are documented. These records are written in a child-friendly manner, ensuring that they are accessible and meaningful for the children. The manager emphasised that ‘the way we speak to, for and about kids is important. I want to make sure we get that right.’ This child-centred ethos is woven throughout the home’s daily practice.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Staff demonstrate an understanding of the children in their care, investing time and energy into listening to them and promoting their welfare. Conversations with staff reveal their passion for working with children, and this enthusiasm is reflected in the quality of care provided. The children’s well-being is at the heart of staff practice, and they are proactive in meeting individual needs while celebrating each child’s achievements. Regular, effective supervision discussions ensure that staff feel supported and confident in their roles, and they speak highly of the manager and the leadership team.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Leaders and staff work collaboratively and proactively with external agencies and professionals. They are committed to building positive working relationships with parents, social workers from placing authorities and the local authority where the home is located. This joint working is effective in securing positive outcomes for the children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The manager benefits from strong support from an excellent leadership team, who are equally dedicated to the care and progress of the children. No statutory requirements or recommendations were made during this inspection, reflecting the high standard of care provided in the home. Inspection report for children’s home: SC490364 6

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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: SC490364 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 Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: SC490364 8 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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