Children's home rated as inadequate by Ofsted

Arnold House was rated inadequate after Ofsted inspectors identified "serious and widespread failings"

A children's home has been rated as inadequate in all areas after a watchdog identified "serious and widespread failings".

Ofsted found "serious shortfalls" at Arnold House children's home in Northampton, which had left children "at risk of harm", in a report published on 4 June.

The home, which is operated by Northamptonshire Children's Trust (NCT) on behalf of West Northamptonshire Council, provides care for children with autism and learning disabilities.

Inspectors found issues with safeguarding children and weaknesses in leadership and management which "significantly undermined the quality of care provided".

The inspection, which was carried out between 30 April and 1 May, highlighted concerns around staff responses to "several marks and bruises on a child" and a "lack of exploration" meant the causes of these bruises could not be identified which "increased the risk and harm to children".

On one occasion concerning staff practice was not reported for 11 days, but the report added that "prompt action" was taken to safeguard the child when leaders were alerted.

A vulnerable child was also left unattended and "exposed to risks that should have been avoided," Ofsted found.

The inspection was carried out between 30 April and 1 May and highlighted concerns around staff responses to "bruises on a child"

One parent, whose child is non-verbal and autistic and resided at Arnold House at the time of the inspection, said she has raised concerns about "poor standards of care and neglect" since around 2020.

The mother, who cannot be named, said that in the last 18 months her daughter's experience in the home had become "much worse".

"There's been so many unexplained injuries over the years that we don't know because [she's] non-verbal.

"There was one incident where she was dragged up the corridor and shoved into her bedroom and she had carpet burns up her back.

"She's put on 17kg (2.6 stone) in the space of just over a year, she had a hole in her gum which nobody picked up and she had cysts on the inside of her feet from wearing crocs."

The mother, whose child received specialised care at the home, added that she does not believe this Ofsted inspection will bring change.

A spokesperson for NCT and the authority said it was "not appropriate to comment on specific individual concerns" as they were dealt with through its complaints process.

The spokesperson added: "Any concerns that have been raised in relation to practice have always been taken seriously and safeguarding matters investigated, and any necessary action has been taken."

Arnold House, which was rated as good by Ofsted in 2024, was investigated by Northamptonshire Police over allegations of abuse and neglect in 2020.

One member of staff was found guilty of assault by beating following a trial in 2022.

Despite highlighting failings, inspectors said staff provided a "positive range of well-planned activities that reflect children's interests".

A spokesperson for NCT and West Northamptonshire Council said: "We are pleased that the report also highlights the positive work that staff do with young people to ensure they engage in their education and experiencing a range of activities."

Inspectors added that children had "some positive experiences" and "occasionally" received consistent, individualised support from staff.

A spokesperson for NCT and the council said they "acknowledge the challenges" highlighted in the inspection" and "apologise for the recent decline in standards".

They added: "We are committed to addressing the areas identified for improvement.

"This includes enhancements to the environment, strengthened safeguarding procedures, additional staff training and improved management oversight at the home.

"All of these steps will be closely monitored and Ofsted will continue to visit to track progress."