Children's Home run by Hillcrest Children’s Services Ltd in Hampshire

Unique reference number SC012001 Inspection date 07/03/2012 Inspector Roy Bega Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 06/12/2011 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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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

A private organisation owns and manages this home. The home offers residential placements for up to six children of either sex, who are between the ages of eight and 17 years. It specialises in providing therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma in their lives and display a variety of behavioural problems.

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Progress

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

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Progress

Ashley Lodge was judged to be outstanding at the key inspection undertaken in December 2011.

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Progress

This children’s home has demonstrated continued improvement in quality of care and outcomes for children and young people by addressing the two recommendations raised at the previous inspection. Staff receive training and support for when they are required to supervise and facilitate young peoples contact with family members. Monthly monitoring systems effectively review and identify areas where outcomes for young people need to be improved.

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Progress

Young people continue to receive well planned care provided by a committed and competent staff team. Staff provide clear boundaries within a caring environment. The culture and practice within the home promotes individual identity, difference and equality. As a result, young people receive high quality care and support which is based on their individual identified needs.

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Progress

Young people benefit from staff ensuring leaving care pathway plans and guidance are carried out in accordance with the agreement of placing authorities and specialised agencies. Transitional arrangements which cover all areas for moving on into independent living, adult life or alternative accommodation are meticulously discussed and planned with young people.

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Progress

Staff take positive steps to ensure that the young people live in a safe, secure and caring environment. Staff attend training and have access to clear information about child protection and safeguarding requirements. As a result, they demonstrate a confident understanding of the action to take should they have any concerns about a young person's safety or well-being. The manager and deputy manager have successfully completed the award in safeguarding children and young people level three.

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