Children's Home run by Harmonia House Ltd in Barnet

Inspection report for children’s home: 2809398 1 Registered provider: HARMONIA HOUSE 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 privately run home provides care for up to four children with social and/or emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The home and the manager registered with Ofsted in April 2025.

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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 outstanding

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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: not previously inspected

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good

Overall judgement at last inspection: not applicable

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: not applicable Inspection report for children’s home: 2809398 2

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The home has a calm and welcoming atmosphere. The child living at the home has developed positive trusting relationships that have resulted in the child making significant progress.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff are attuned to the child’s moods and behaviours and adjust their approach with sensitivity and empathy. This has allowed for the child to build strong relationships with staff, contributing to their sense of stability and trust.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child’s personality, interests and behaviours are cherished by a staff team that is dedicated and committed to them. Staff show a deep understanding of the child’s needs. They encourage the child to embrace their talents and hobbies, and these are celebrated regularly and with enthusiasm.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child leads a fun and busy life at their home. They enjoy various activities, including going to play bowling, participating in karaoke, arts and crafts, board games, baking, cooking, making scrapbooks and having fun trips to the cinema and theatre.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child is supported to share their views at regular house meetings and to plan their weekly activities and meal choices alongside staff. Observations and discussions with the child indicate that they feel able to express their opinions freely. Staff listen respectfully to the child’s views and negotiate effectively to meet their requests. These are recorded sensitively by staff, enabling them to have a good understanding of where the child is at on a day-to-day basis and to tailor interventions or adapt existing plans.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

After a period of 18 months out of formal education, the child is now attending a mainstream school. Managers and staff have worked closely with education professionals, providing encouragement and practical support to help the child transition smoothly. An education professional commented that communication with the staff team is strong and that staff demonstrate a ‘clear understanding of how education is a protective factor’ for the child.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff prioritise the child’s health. This has resulted in improvements in the child’s physical and emotional well-being. The input of specialist support, such as an external child psychologist, has offered the child emotional support. The child’s social worker has stated that the staff’s ‘holistic approach to care’ and the ‘nurturing environment and tailored support have enabled [name of child] to begin thriving’.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The home is a modern, well-decorated and well-furnished environment. It is bright, clean and maintained to a good standard throughout. The child has a large comfortable bedroom that is tidy and personalised to their taste. Inspection report for children’s home: 2809398 3

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

The child feels safe in their home and can speak with any staff member if they have any worries. Staff engage in discussions with the child about risks. They provide support and guidance on staying safe, both within and outside the home.

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

Risk assessments and behaviour plans for the child are comprehensive, with regular reviews and management oversight. This ensures that all known information regarding changes in behaviour and any emerging risks are known and communicated promptly to staff.

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

The registered manager and responsible individual pay close attention to the admission processes, with a proactive child-centred focus enabling a new child to have a smooth move into the home.

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

Staff understand risks well and respond appropriately and effectively to any changes in behaviour or concerns. Staff demonstrate a good awareness of how to manage complex behaviours and support the child’s vulnerabilities.

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

Staff are trained in de-escalation techniques and, when necessary, have employed physical intervention techniques to keep the child safe from harming themselves or others. Management and staff ensure that the child is given space to discuss how they feel following these incidents, and these are sensitive and reflective discussions that encourage the child to learn how to manage difficult feelings more safely.

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

Feedback from involved professionals is positive. They have no safeguarding concerns.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The registered manager is a highly skilled and inspirational leader. She has high expectations for the staff and children at the home. She maintains rigorous oversight of the home’s daily practice. Decisions are informed by consistent reflective practice and analysis, which contributes to the child’s progress and well-being.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The manager, alongside support from the responsible individual, has developed a positive staff culture where the home’s ethos and approach are consistently embedded in staff practice.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Staff can clearly articulate how their practice impacts positively to support the child’s progress and aligns to the therapeutic ethos of the home. Staff enjoy their work and say that they feel highly supported. All staff benefit from regular and reflective supervision, training and team meetings that offer the opportunity to further their understanding of the child and for professional and personal development. Inspection report for children’s home: 2809398 4 The manager advocates effectively on behalf of the child and works collaboratively with other professionals. The child’s social worker commented that the manager and staff ensure that the child’s wider support network is kept informed and involved. They said, ‘This collaborative approach has been key in maintaining consistency and transparency in their care.’

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

A well-structured quality assurance framework developed by the management team ensures that practice is monitored robustly and responsively. Managers strongly value the scrutiny and input of the independent visitor and act promptly on considered suggestions for improvements.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Detailed reports and progress updates are regularly shared with the placing authority and partner agencies. These are analytical and child focused and demonstrate the manager’s ongoing evaluative approach.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

No requirements or recommendations were raised at this inspection. Inspection report for children’s home: 2809398 5

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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: 2809398 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Woodgate House, 2-8 Games Road, Cockfosters, Barnet EN4 9HN

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Inspector

Amanda Burrows, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2809398 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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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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