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

Unique reference number SC398480 Inspection date 03/02/2012 Inspector Denise Perry Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 04/11/2011 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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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.

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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).

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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.

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Brief description of the service

This home operated by a private company is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to four children with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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Progress

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

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Progress

At the full inspection in November 2011, the home’s overall quality rating was outstanding with one requirement set within the inspection report. The Registered Manager and staff have demonstrated improvement having met and addressed this requirement following the inspection.

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Progress

The home now records any measure of control, restraint or discipline in a volume kept for the purpose, which includes all the detail in the regulation. However, not all written entries are fully recorded and do not meet with regulations. As a result, further requirements have been made to ensure the duration of holds and any injuries sustained to staff are recorded. This will contribute to the home’s monitoring systems to evaluate the appropriateness and effectiveness of measures of control.

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Progress

There are effective internal and external systems in place to monitor quality of care. Regulation 33 monitoring provides comprehensive reporting on the effectiveness of the home and specifies areas of improvement, which the manager acts on. This has included reviewing timescales on financial sanctions imposed on some young people by way of reparation. Staff now deal with similar sanctions in a shorter timescale allowing young people to address their agreed sanctions in a timelier manner. The manager also completes internal monitoring for the continued improvement of the home. This has produced information to identify any trends or patterns relating to young people’s behaviour and identified risks. Staff act on this information to support young people’s individual needs. This contributes and maintains young people’s provision of quality of care.

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Progress

Staff support young people with their independent life skills, as part of their transitional plan towards semi-independence. However, staff do not have access to completed pathway plans from the placing authority and some young people have not been appointed personal advisors. The impact of this omission is presently minimal because the Registered Manager and placing authority have agreed aims and objectives for young people through individualised placement plans. However, staff are not able to work collaboratively with social workers or personal advisors to implement young people’s pathway plans. If not met this could potentially impact on quality of care and outcomes for young people. Staff interact positively and warmly with young people. Young people are cared for in conjunction with their placement plan, which identifies individual needs. Staff have good knowledge of young people’s family background and experiences. This

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Progress

knowledge of information supports staff in helping young people develop their own identities and values. They talk positively about all the young people in their care and have high aspirations for them. Young people clearly benefit from the care provided to them from committed and knowledgeable staff.

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Progress

Staff endeavour to promote young people’s interests and talents. Young people are actively encouraged to participate in social and physical activities such as ice skating, bike riding, walking and karaoke. Some young people choose not to fully engage in meaningful activities but staff continue to encourage them. Young people have been on city trips and theatre shows, and are planning to attend a music event. This means that staff are providing young people with new and exciting experiences to develop their interests in different areas.

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Progress

The home has established routines for health and safety monitoring to keep young people safe. Staff carry out fire drills regularly and young people are involved in the procedures. The home environment remains in good condition and provides young people with ample space to relax in private or in the company of others. A young person said, ‘this is the best home I have ever lived in’. Young people have personalised their own rooms and appear confident in their surroundings. However, damaged furniture in some young people’s bedrooms has not been repaired or maintained. Addressing this will enhance young people’s living experience and meet with Children's Homes Regulations.

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Statutory Requirements

This section sets out the actions which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Children's Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The registered person(s) must comply with the given timescales.

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Reg. Requirement Due date

17B (2001) ensure the duration of the measure of restraint used on a child is recorded (Regulation 17B (4) (a)) 02/03/2012

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Reg. Requirement Due date

17B (2001) ensure a description of any injury to the child concerned or any other person and any medical treatment administered. This specifically relates to injuries sustained to staff (Regulation 17B (3) (g)) 02/03/2012

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure the children's home is suitably furnished. This specifically relates to the repair of broken bedroom furniture. (Regulation 31 (4)) 02/03/2012

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Recommendations

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

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Recommendations

 ensure the home contributes to the development of each child's pathway plan and works collaboratively with the young person's social worker or personal advisor in implementing the plan. (NMS 12.2)

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