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

Unique reference number SC398393 Inspection date 22/03/2012 Inspector Trevor Hall Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 22/12/2011 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

This privately owned children's home is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to two young people with emotional or behavioural difficulties.

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Progress

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

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Progress

The last inspection took place in December 2011. An outstanding judgement was made across all outcome areas. No statutory requirements were imposed, however, two recommendations were made. These related to ensuring that staff, including the home's manager, receive regular supervision and sign the supervision register. The second recommendation was that the home's development plan should be kept up to date.

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Progress

Both of these recommendations have been appropriately addressed. All staff are now receiving sufficient supervision and counter-signing the record. The home has an updated and extensive development plan. No new requirements or recommendations have been made.

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Progress

This home demonstrates continued improvement in the quality of care, with a clear and focused commitment to service development. A particular strength of the home is the strong management structure and the commitment of the staff team, who are clearly very passionate about promoting outstanding outcomes for young people.

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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. Young people have a positive view of the care that they receive and relationships with staff are good. 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.

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Progress

The staff team are well trained, which ensures that the individual and group needs of young people are met. Staff encourage the young people to take responsibility for themselves appropriate to their age and level of understanding. Staff clearly 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 good, enabling young people to receive appropriate attention. Young people engage in education appropriate to their needs, which has resulted in high attendance and good educational attainment.

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Progress

The organisation and manager ensure that robust monitoring systems are in place to scrutinise the quality of care for the young people. Areas highlighted for improvement are addressed immediately, and practice changes are discussed during staff meetings and young people’s meetings. As a result, young people benefit from a consistent approach to their care.

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Progress

Young people enjoy the benefits of living in a home that is effectively and efficiently managed. The current manager provides outstanding leadership which enables staff to effectively help young people overcome their issues and ensures that identified needs are consistently and appropriately addressed.

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