Children's Home run by Hillcrest Children‟s Services (2) Limited in Staffordshire

SC398481 Unique reference number 4 February 2010 Inspection date Andrew Hewston Inspector Random Type of Inspection

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26 November 2009 Date of last inspection .

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This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated.

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You can obtain copies of The Children Act 2004, Every Child Matters and The National Minimum Standards for Children's Services from: The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Cripins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop

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About this inspection

The purpose of this inspection is to assure children and young people, parents, the public, local authorities and government of the quality and standard of the service provided. The inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcome for children set out in the Children Act 2004 and relevant National Minimum Standards for the establishment.

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The inspection judgements and what they mean

this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is strong Good: this aspect of the provision is sound Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is not good enough Inadequate: 3 of 5 Inspection Report: SC398481

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Brief description of the service

The home is a four bedded unit offering care and accommodation to young people with a range of differing needs including services for young people that experience emotional and behavioural difficulties. The accommodation is within a semi rural area, and consists of a detached house, with individual bedrooms for all of the young people and sufficient bathrooms. Communal areas include two large lounges, a dining room / kitchen and conservatory. There is office space for the staff team and manager. Externally the house has a garden.

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Summary

This was a random unannounced inspection and was completed to examine the previous actions and recommendations made at the inspection in November 2009. Standards within staying safe were also examined. The inspection showed that although the standard of care is generally good, issues regarding the use of restraint need attention by the management. The overall quality rating is satisfactory. This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The previous key inspection highlighted three recommendations towards good practice and one action to be completed. All of these areas have been responded to and the findings are within the main body of the report. The home is now able to evidence that all young people are appropriately placed, listened to effectively and have planning in place.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Young people's privacy is supported by the staff team appropriate.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people are aware of how to make complaints and those that have been made are responded to in a timely fashion. Sufficient evidence of how these have been resolved is completed within the home's systems. There have been no concerns relating to safeguarding issues since the last inspection and staff continue to be trained on a regular basis in safeguarding systems.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people within the home do have arguments, but these are quickly responded to and there are no concerns relating to ongoing bullying. There are also no concerns relating to leaving the home without permission. Risk assessments and appropriate paperwork is in place regarding these areas.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home has a positive behaviour management system to reward success and individual achievements. The recording of restraints has improved since the last inspection, but highlights that staff are using a risk assessment inappropriately. This has resulted in a number of restraints being completed without sufficient jurisdiction, suggesting that restraints are used to ensure 4 of 5 Inspection Report: SC398481 compliance. This is not in line with the expectations of the standard and does not ensure the full safety of the young people at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Health and safety checks are completed on a regular basis and are fully recorded. Weekly checks take place relating to fire safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Recruitments checks completed at the last inspection showed that staff are thoroughly checked as part of their fitness evaluation prior to working for the organisation.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Placement plans have been updated since the last inspection and now include greater detail including objectives that are being worked on by the staff and young people. Recordings relating to discussions with young people have also improved. Both of these areas were recommendations at the previous inspection.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The previous inspection highlighted that not all of the young people had an appropriate legal basis for accommodation at the home. This has been responded to and paperwork for all young people relating to their looked after status is available within all files.

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions, which must be taken so that the registered person meets the Care Standards Act 2000, The Childrens Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider must comply with the given timescales.

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Due date Action Standard

9 February 2010 ensure no measure of control, restraint or discipline which is excessive or unreasonable shall be used at any time on children accommodated in a children’s home. (Regulation 17.1)

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Recommendations

There are no recommendations. 5 of 5 Inspection Report: SC398481

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