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

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2815815 1 Registered provider: Blue Mountain Homes Ltd

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home was registered with Ofsted in January 2025 and is privately owned. It provides care for up to 2 children who experience social and emotional difficulties due to past trauma.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of the inspection, 2 children were living at the home, who were present. One child spoke with the inspector.

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Information about this children’s home

Date of last inspection: 8 September 2025

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Information about this children’s home

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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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 this inspection, 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. The inspector has 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: 2815815 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

Since the last inspection, the same 2 children have remained living at the home. They receive individualised, nurturing care from staff, which contributes to the development of positive, trusting relationships. Staff know the children well and are therefore quick to recognise when they may require additional emotional support. One child said: ‘The staff are all nice here and I can talk to them.’

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Findings from the inspection

Children are supported to access education effectively. Staff work proactively to source provisions that meet each child’s individual needs. One child, who previously did not attend any education, has made notable progress and now attends 2 days per week, with a clear plan in place for them to increase their attendance. This demonstrates staff’s commitment to overcoming barriers to learning and promoting positive educational outcomes for children.

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Findings from the inspection

Feedback from children’s social workers is positive. Both children are making good progress, supported by consistent communication from the registered manager, which promotes effective multi-agency working. One child’s social worker highlighted significant progress across all areas for their child and noted that the child has built trusting relationships with staff. The child is now engaging well in structured routines and positive activities, including attending the gym and taking part in go- karting.

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Findings from the inspection

The home is clean, well-furnished and well maintained. Photos displayed throughout the home help to remind children of positive experiences. Children’s bedrooms reflect their personalities and interests, and there is now adequate storage for their personal belongings. However, unnecessary door alarms are used, which does not always support or promote a homely environment.

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Findings from the inspection

Since the last inspection, there have been no incidents of children going missing from the home. There have been 2 significant incidents, both of which were responded to promptly and appropriately, with professional support sought to ensure the children’s ongoing safety and wellbeing.

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Findings from the inspection

Physical interventions remain rare and are used only when necessary and proportionate. Discussions with staff and children now take place in a timely manner and are completed by an individual independent of the incident, promoting transparency and reflective practice.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff take appropriate steps to help keep children safe online. They now have regular discussions with children about online safety. While there are no restrictions placed on children’s internet access, children willingly participate in checks of their electronic devices. This approach helps to promote children’s understanding of online risks and supports them to use the internet safely and responsibly. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2815815 3 When concerns arise regarding staff practice, information is shared appropriately with Ofsted and other relevant agencies, including the local authority designated officer. The registered manager ensures that internal investigations are undertaken promptly and in line with safeguarding procedures to promote children’s safety. Children are informed when an investigation is taking place, and they are offered the opportunity to share their views. When children do not wish to speak directly with

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Findings from the inspection

the registered manager, they are provided with a written letter to ensure they remain fully informed and included in the process.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff have completed the required mandatory training, including safeguarding and behaviour management. In addition, staff have now undertaken training in the therapeutic approaches outlined in the home’s statement of purpose. They have also completed specific training to meet children’s individual needs and to manage higher-risk behaviours. As a result, staff are now better equipped to meet children’s complex emotional needs and staff provide consistent, individualised support.

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Findings from the inspection

The registered manager does not have effective systems in place to monitor, review and evaluate the quality of care provided for children. The quality of care review does not demonstrate sufficient analysis of the home’s strengths or areas requiring improvement. Furthermore, the registered manager’s review does not consider the views and opinions of children, their families or placing authorities. As a result, opportunities to drive forward improvements and ensure that children’s experiences inform practice are being missed.

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Findings from the inspection

Since the last inspection, 6 requirements raised have been met. One requirement has been restated, and one new requirement has been issued. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2815815 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

08/09/2025 Full Requires improvement to be good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2815815 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 may only use devices for the monitoring or surveillance of children if—

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Requirement Due date

the monitoring or surveillance is no more intrusive than necessary, having regard to the child’s need for privacy. (Regulation 24 (1)(d))

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Requirement Due date

This specifically relates to managers ensuring that any monitoring devices are used only when necessary and relates to children’s individual risks.

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Requirement Due date

This requirement was raised at the last inspection and is restated. 18 April 2026

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must complete a review of the quality of care provided for children (“a quality of care review”) at least once every 6 months.

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Requirement Due date

In order to complete a quality of care review the registered person must establish and maintain a system for monitoring, reviewing and evaluating—

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Requirement Due date

the quality of care provided for children;

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Requirement Due date

the feedback and opinions of children about the children’s home, its facilities and the quality of care they receive in it; and

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Requirement Due date

any actions that the registered person considers necessary in order to improve or maintain the quality of care provided for children.

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Requirement Due date

The system referred to in paragraph (2) must provide for ascertaining and considering the opinions of children, their parents, placing authorities and staff. (Regulation 45 (1) (2)(a)(b)(c) (5)) 18 April 2026 Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2815815 6

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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: 21 Mallard Way, Pride Park, Derby DE24 8GX

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Pradeep Manaktala

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Inspector

Sharonpreet Kaur, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2815815 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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Inspector

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