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

Unique reference number SC398393 Inspection date 17/03/2011 Inspector Andrew Hewston Type of inspection Random

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Date of last inspection 22/07/2010 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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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 Crispins, 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.

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About this inspection

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 outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004 and the relevant National Minimum Standards for the service.

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The inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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Brief description of the service

The home is set up to accommodate up to two young people aged between 11 and 17 in a detached property in a rural location. The care staff team cares for young people from a range of backgrounds and is able to accommodate young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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Brief description of the service

Each young person has their own en-suite room. The home has a large lounge/dining room with an additional conservatory area to allow young people to play computer games. In the large outside area the young people enjoy the bike track.

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Summary

The overall quality rating is outstanding.

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Summary

This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection.

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Summary

This was an interim unannounced inspection completed to examine the response to areas highlighted at the last inspection and to examine the staying safe outcome.

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Summary

The staff continue to offer a high level of support to young people and ensure their safety. All recording systems are updated on a regular basis and fully monitored by the Registered Manager.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The home has fully responded to the action and recommendation made at the last inspection. The medication cabinet is now sufficiently secure and all of the behaviour management records are fully referenced within the home's systems.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people's privacy arrangements are well met and they are able to use the phone in private. Systems ensure that if bedrooms need to be searched then full documentation is completed with relation to this. Young people are fully informed about how to make complaints about the service on admission and there is information available in the home regarding what they are to do if they are unhappy. Information relating to how to contact Ofsted is available and up to date. Complaints made are fully investigated and recorded including feedback to the young person. Effective systems are in place to respond to incidents of bullying including records of discussions with young people, within both home meetings and individual key worker sessions. Risk assessments are in place relating to bullying behaviours.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There have been no safeguarding issues at the home since the last inspection. All staff have completed training in responding to safeguarding concerns and there is information available informing staff of what to do if such an issue arises.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Incidents of young people absenting themselves without permission are low and are fully recorded. Protocols relating to reporting missing young people are in place and have been agreed by the local police. Risk assessments are updated swiftly with relation to this area and are robust.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Systems are in place that promote positive behaviours at the home including behaviour management plans. Challenging behaviours are responded to appropriately either through sanctions or physical intervention if necessary. All records of behaviour management are fully recorded within individual files and referenced within the home's system. All recordings are monitored by the Registered Manager to ensure that they are appropriate and responsive to the needs of the young people.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The staff ensure that there is a range of checks completed around the house to support the health and safety of young people and staff. These include fire checks and drills. External certification is available relating to checks of portable appliances, gas and electrics. Risk assessments are fully completed and updated on a regular basis relating to a range of areas including activities and the house. These fully support the welfare of the young people.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Recruitment records were examined as part of the key inspection and were assessed as being robust in supporting the safety of the young people.

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