Children's Home run by Destiny House in Harrow

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC038906 1 SC038906

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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 children’s home provides care for up to 3 children with social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The home registered in 2007. The previous registered manager, who left the home several months ago, has now submitted a voluntary cancellation form, which has been accepted.

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Information about this children’s home

A recently appointed manager is yet to submit an application to register with Ofsted.

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Information about this children’s home

There was one child living in the home at the time of this inspection. An inspector spoke with the child.

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Information about this children’s home

Date of last inspection: 17 December 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 inspectors evaluated:

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Information about this inspection

 the care of children  the safety of children

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Information about this inspection

 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, Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC038906 2 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: SC038906 3

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Findings from the inspection

This assurance inspection was carried out to review the safety and experiences of the child living in the home. We did not identify any serious or widespread concerns in relation to the child’s care or protection.

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Findings from the inspection

The child has made progress since the last full inspection. They are increasingly engaged in learning and benefit from the consistent support of a tutor who attends the home each weekday. The tutor shared positive feedback about the child’s growing confidence in reading and writing, and staff support the child’s routines so that they can take part in learning positively.

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Findings from the inspection

The child enjoys being active, especially playing basketball. Staff have further supported this interest by installing a basketball hoop in the garden, helping to promote the child’s physical health and wellbeing.

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Findings from the inspection

The child said that they feel safe living in the home and have good relationships with staff. Staff understanding the child’s needs and vulnerabilities and respond in ways that help the child feel supported and secure.

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Findings from the inspection

As the child has grown and developed, staff have worked with the child’s social worker and other professionals to review and reduce some restrictions. The child can use more areas of the home, such as the kitchen and garden, when staff are with them. This is helping the child build independence at a pace suited that is right for them.

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Findings from the inspection

Leaders have strengthened risk management plans so that they give staff clear guidance on how to keep the child safe. Recent records show no incidents that raise concern about safeguarding practice.

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Findings from the inspection

There is currently no registered manager in post. A new manager has begun working in the home but has not yet applied to register with the regulator. As a result, a requirement made at the last inspection has been restated.

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Findings from the inspection

Despite this, leaders and managers have continued to oversee the home well. They have improved monitoring systems, and most of the requirements from the previous inspection have now been met.

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Findings from the inspection

Leaders also improve the home environment. They have carried out repairs and redecorated some areas, creating a safer and more comfortable home for the child.

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Findings from the inspection

Leaders and staff work collaboratively with the child’s social worker to plan for the child’s ongoing progress and to explore how the child’s opportunities can be developed further. This joint work ensures that any changes are made in line with the child’s care-planning arrangements. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC038906 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

17/12/2025 Full Requires improvement to be good 01/10/2024 Full Requires improvement to be good 21/11/2023 Full Requires improvement to be good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC038906 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, 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 provider must appoint a person to manage the children’s home if—

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Requirement Due date

there is no registered manager in respect of the home; and

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Requirement Due date

is not, or does not intend to be, in day-to-day charge of the home.

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Requirement Due date

If the registered provider appoints a person to manage the home, the registered provider must, without delay, give HMCI notice of—

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Requirement Due date

the name of the person so appointed; and

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Requirement Due date

the date on which the appointment takes effect. Regulation 27 (1)(a)(b)(i)(ii)(iii)(2)(a)(b))

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Requirement Due date

This requirement has been restated. 4 May 2026 Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC038906 6

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Inspectors

Thobekile Bandama, Social Care Inspector Kelly Monniot, Regional Inspection Manager Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC038906 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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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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