Children's Home run by Blandford House (UK) Limited in Hillingdon

Inspection report for children’s home: SC484912 1 SC484912

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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 is a private home that provides care for up to 10 children who may have autism and learning disabilities.

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Information about this children’s home

The home has been registered with Ofsted since February 2015. The manager was registered with Ofsted at the time of the inspection.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of this inspection, five 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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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: 21 February 2024

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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: SC484912 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

21/02/2024 Full Good 17/01/2023 Full Good 16/11/2021 Full Good 09/12/2019 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home: SC484912 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children living at the home make good progress in their physical and emotional health, education and in developing their independence skills.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff and managers provide tailored support to each child. Children’s voices are integral to their care, and staff have an in-depth understanding of each child’s unique ways of communicating, promoting choices about their care and health needs.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

All children attend school or college, with their progress regularly reviewed and milestones celebrated by staff. While one child is occasionally reluctant to attend college, staff consistently encourage and engage in conversations with them.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

One child is preparing for their independence. They are learning skills such as travelling independently, cooking and cleaning on their own. Staff are committed to providing consistent care and support, balancing the child’s needs with their goal of independence. This support is providing a solid foundation for the child’s future.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children engage in a variety of activities aligned with their interests and preferences, including being able to go on nature walks and visiting local attractions. Some of the children enjoyed a holiday last year.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Three children spend time with their families and people who are important to them. Staff support these relationships and keep good communication with families to ensure that children continue to receive consistent and personalised care.

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

One child expressed that they feel safe at the home. Feedback from families and social workers also shows that children are safe.

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

Risk assessments provide staff with clear steps to reduce risks to children. These assessments are updated regularly to reflect the children’s changing needs. Meaningful conversations help children to understand their individual strengths and vulnerabilities.

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

Instances of children going missing from the home are rare. However, there is a plan in place for staff to follow should this occur. Physical restraints have not been used in the home, and staff are trained to use them only when there is an imminent risk of harm.

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

When allegations are made, steps are taken to protect children and staff. Allegations are investigated by the right agencies. Outcomes are communicated in a manner suitable for the child, ensuring that they feel safe and heard. Inspection report for children’s home: SC484912 4 Safe recruitment processes are in place to ensure that only suitably assessed adults can care for children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The home benefits from a highly motivated leadership team. The registered manager, responsible individual and deputy manager use their experiences and combined knowledge to support the staff and children. Their passion for ensuring that a positive environment is created for both children and staff is clear in their day-to-day practice.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

There have been recent changes to how the home records information. Although these changes have not had an impact on the quality of care, they have hindered the registered manager’s ability to keep close oversight of children’s progress.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff feel well supported and are proud of the care they provide. They receive regular supervision sessions, which allows them to reflect on their practice and for their own welfare and well-being to be discussed. However, the registered manager’s supervision records are not always sufficiently detailed.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The staff and the manager receive purposeful annual appraisals that outline their achievements and goals. Training is frequent and tailored to the children’s needs and staff development.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Leaders and managers maintain effective communication with families. One parent described the leadership team as ‘amazing’. Inspection report for children’s home: SC484912 5

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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 registered person must maintain records (“case records”) for each child which—

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Requirement Due date

include the information and documents listed in Schedule 3 in relation to each child;

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Requirement Due date

are kept up to date; and are signed and dated by the author of each entry. (Regulation 36 (a)(b)(c))

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Requirement Due date

In particular, these records should include oversight of the management team. 25 April 2025

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Recommendation

 The registered person should be responsible for maintaining good employment practice (regulation 33). A record of supervision should be kept for staff, including the manager. The record should provide evidence that supervision is being delivered in line with regulation 33(4)(b). (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 61, paragraph 13.3)

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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: SC484912 6

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Inspectors

Richard Wyper, Social Care Inspector Thobekile Bandama, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: SC484912 7 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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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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