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

Unique reference number SC398481 Inspection date 23/01/2012 Inspector Trevor Hall Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Date of last inspection 29/06/2011 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.1

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.

p.2

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 to assess the effectiveness of the service and to consider how well it complies with the relevant regulations and meets the national minimum standards.

p.3

About this inspection

The report details the progress made by the provider since the last full inspection, identifies any further strengths, any areas for improvement and makes judgements as outlined in the Inspection of children’s homes – framework for inspection (March 2011).

p.3

The inspection judgements and what they mean

Good progress The children’s home has demonstrated continued improvement in quality of care and outcomes for children and young people and where appropriate has addressed all requirements and the large majority of recommendations that were raised at the previous inspection. Satisfactory progress The children’s home has maintained quality of care and outcomes for children and young people and where appropriate has addressed all requirements and the majority of recommendations that were raised at the previous inspection. Inadequate progress The children’s home has failed to address one or more requirements and/or has not met the majority of recommendations and/or the quality of care and outcomes for children and young people have declined since the last full inspection.

p.3

Brief description of the service

This home is part of part of a range of children's services within a private care organisation. It is registered to accommodate four young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

p.4

Progress

Since their previous inspection the service is judged to be making good progress.

p.4

Progress

At the full inspection in June 2011 the children's home was judged to be outstanding. The home is maintaining a very good standard of care and young people continue to live in a safe, caring and supportive home environment that enables them to make excellent progress in all aspects of their lives. Young people say that they feel safe and happy.

p.4

Progress

The interactions witnessed between staff and young people are good, clearly demonstrating that the young people continue to benefit from living in a warm, caring and nurturing environment. Young people enjoy their time at the home and appear relaxed and at ease with the staff. They recognise the work staff do to support them and ensure their safety. The ethos and practice within the home promote individual identity, difference and equality. As a result, young people are provided with care and support based on individual identified needs, assessed risks and the potential to develop.

p.4

Progress

Staff have a detailed knowledge of the individual young people they care for. They provide personal support tailored to reflect each young person's development and to meet their changing needs. Staffing levels at the home are high, enabling young people to receive one-to-one care. The staff team are well trained which ensures that the individual and group needs of young people are met. Staff encourage young people to take more responsibility for themselves appropriate to their age and level of understanding. Young people engage in education appropriate to their educational needs which has resulted in high attendance and good educational progress and attainment.

p.4

Progress

The physical environment provides them with a safe, stimulating, comfortable living space. Considerable redecoration has taken place between the inspections, particularly in the main stairwell and entrance hallway and landing. This has done much to improve the visual impact and improve its homely feel. Whilst acknowledging that due to the age of the building it requires almost constant maintenance and refurbishment, some areas, particularly the boot room area are looking tired and are in need of redecoration. The vinyl floor in this room in particular has holes in it, which are not only unsightly but potentially present a tripping hazard. The home has a large garden which is supplied with ample play equipment and is an asset very much enjoyed by the young people.

p.4

Progress

The home demonstrates continued improvement in the quality of care provided with a clear and focused commitment to service development and achieving positive outcomes for young people. This has included evaluating and enhancing the level of service, appropriately addressing any and all inspection requirements and addressing issues identified from Regulation 33 visits.

p.5

Progress

The home is very effectively managed. The manager places a strong emphasis on providing a high standard of child care practice and continuous improvement and development. The home continues to show a capacity for improvement based on its performance since the last inspection and the development of very positive outcomes for young people. The manager has a clear and realistic understanding of the strengths of the service and the areas for further development based on clear evidence. Staff work closely with external professionals to ensure young people’s individual needs and views are heard.

p.5

Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

p.5

Recommendations

 ensure the home provides a comfortable and homely environment and is well maintained and decorated and avoidable hazards are removed as is consistent with a domestic setting. (NMS 10.3)

p.5