Children's Home run by Hillcrest Children‟s Services (2) Limited in Telford and Wrekin

SC398377 Unique reference number 5 February 2010 Inspection date Andrew Hewston Inspector Random Type of Inspection

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19 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: SC398377

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Brief description of the service

The home is a three 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 bungalow, with individual bedrooms for all of the young people and sufficient bathrooms. Communal areas include a large lounge / dining room and kitchen. There is sufficient office space for the staff team and manager. Externally the house has a secluded garden that is well-maintained.

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Summary

This was an unannounced inspection to examine the actions and recommendations made at the last inspection. Key outcomes relating to staying safe were also examined and show that the home continues to provide a good level of care to young people. The overall quality rating is good. This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The previous inspection highlighted six areas requiring development in line with the expectations of the National Minimum Standards and legislation. All of these areas have been responded to by the staff team and management of the home.

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Improvements since the last inspection

All young people are now appropriately placed at the home in line with the expectations of the Children Act 1989. None of these young people are currently in need of a pathway plan. There is no longer a need within the home for double signatures relating to the administration of medication. Staff are appropriately supported through an analysis of their training needs within the appraisal system. The positive response to these areas shows a high awareness of the home's staff in ensuring consistent positive care for the young people.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Young people are safe within the home. This is achieved through a range of supportive systems including responding to young peoples needs, and robust recording systems.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people's privacy is supported by the staff team with each young person having their own room and appropriate access to communication through the telephone.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

All young people are aware of their ability to make complaints to staff. Complaints are fully responded to and thoroughly recorded. Staffing arrangements are changed in some cases to support both staff and young people where complaints are made. No safeguarding concerns have been made from the home since the last inspection when systems regarding the safety of young people were assessed as being good. 4 of 5 Inspection Report: SC398377 Staff respond to young people's disagreements within the home. Concerns regarding bullying lead to support being given to all young people involved. Support is also given to young people who absent themselves from the home without permission, as well as staff following the home's procedures relating to such behaviours.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home has a new cross referencing system to support the monitoring of the home's behaviour management programme, in response to a previous action. All behaviour management recordings are completed fully and the staff promote positive behaviour.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Regular health and safety checks and effective recruitment systems further promote the safety of young people within the home.

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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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Recommendations

There are no recommendations. 5 of 5 Inspection Report: SC398377

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