Children's home run by London Paramount Care Limited

Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2704264 1 Registered provider: London Paramount Care Limited

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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 eight children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

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Information about this children's home

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

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Information about this children's home

Enforcement action since last inspection: none

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Information about this inspection

At these inspections, the inspector evaluated:

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Information about this inspection

 the care of children  the safety of children  the effectiveness of leaders and managers. Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children, using the social care common inspection framework. This assurance 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'. Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2704264 2

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Findings from the inspection

We did not identify any serious or widespread concerns in relation to the care or protection of children at this assurance inspection.

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Findings from the inspection

Two previous Ofsted inspections have raised concerns in relation to fire safety at this home. Fire safety officers have visited this home in July 2025 and November 2025. Both visits resulted in letters relating to non-compliance within areas of 'The Fire Safety Order 2005' being issued. This visit was undertaken to address specific concerns relating to fire safety.

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Findings from the inspection

The purpose of this visit was to review progress that the provider has made to meet the steps in the most recent fire officer compliance letter. These include the installation of a new fire alarm system, several fire doors requiring maintenance and a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment in place.

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Findings from the inspection

Leaders and managers have made some improvements between July 2025 and this visit. During the inspection, leaders and managers were able to evidence that they had sought advice and quotation for work to support the home's compliance with 'The Fire Safety Order 2005'.

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Findings from the inspection

High staffing levels mean that the children's immediate safety needs are well considered and supported should staff need to raise the alarm and help children evacuate the building.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff are provided with clear guidance and can demonstrate a clear knowledge of their role in safeguarding children in relation to fire safety. All staff have had specific training to support their understanding of managing risks relating to fire safety.

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Findings from the inspection

All staff in the home at the time of the inspection were spoken with. Staff were able to demonstrate a clear and cohesive approach to fire safety despite the layout of the building meaning that staff, at times, work in isolation from each other.

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Findings from the inspection

Evacuation plans for children are personalised, reflective of children's high level of need and consider known risks that could impact their timely evacuation. Leaders and managers have developed strategies to help staff ensure children's safety in the event that children are unable to evacuate safely from the home.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff help children to understand the importance of complying with fire safety procedures. This has helped all children to evacuate quickly during routine fire drills.

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Findings from the inspection

Leaders and managers complete weekly audits to check that escape routes are clear, areas of the home are in good state of repair and equipment to help manage fire safety is easily assessable to staff. Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2704264 3 The recommendation made at the last inspection was not reviewed as part of this inspection and is restated. The requirement made at the last inspection has been restated. Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2704264 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

29/07/2025 Full Good 18/11/2024 Full Requires improvement to be good 23/05/2023 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2704264 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

If the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005(1) applies to the home—

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Requirement Due date

the registered person must ensure that the requirements of that Order and any regulations made under it, except for article 23 (duties of employees), are complied with in respect of the home. (Regulation 25 (2)(b))

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Requirement Due date

This specifically refers to ensuring that the required adjustments to the home, to ensure children's safety, are completed within the timescales agreed with the fire brigade. 28 February 2026

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Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure that the home is a nurturing and welcoming environment. Specifically, ensure that all areas of the children's home are suitably decorated and maintained. ('Guide to the Children's Homes Regulations, including the quality standards', page 15, paragraph 3.9) Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2704264 6

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Children's home details

Registered provider: London Paramount Care Limited

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Children's home details

Registered provider address: Mardoc House, Spinney Gardens, Breachwood Green, Hitchin SG4 8BW

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Children's home details

Responsible individual: Christopher Pearce

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Inspector

Lexi Mitchell, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2704264 7 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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Inspector

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