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

Unique reference number SC398386 Inspection date 13/09/2012 Inspector Susan Mullin Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 18/06/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

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

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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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Progress

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

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Progress

At the last inspection, the overall effectiveness of the home was judged to be outstanding. No requirements or recommendations were made at the last inspection. Progress since the previous inspection is good. The manager demonstrates good oversight of working practices and has ensured that this home continues to prioritise positive outcomes for all the young people. Young people are happy in placement and are making good progress. One young person said, 'I like living here the staff are always here for me. They support me and they trust me. I feel safe here.’

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Progress

Young people continue to benefit from well-planned and personalised care. Young people confirm they are settled and well-cared for. The promotion of equality and diversity is threaded through all areas of practice at this home and is second nature to the staff team who have day-to-day contact with the young people. Each young person is appreciated, valued and recognised for who they are as individuals. This allows young people to progress at a pace that is appropriate to their personal development. Young people's mental health and emotional support needs are well provided for through regular key working sessions and the continuity of a stable staff team. This has helped young people to come to terms with some of their unhappy life experiences, to understand and manage some of their difficult family relationships and to develop self-confidence and a feeling of self-worth.

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Progress

Young people's views are valued in the home by the manager and staff. A robust complaints process ensures that young people are confident to raise any concerns they have. This ensures that they have a voice. One young person said, I know how to make a complaint but have never needed to.’ Where young people have expressed a new idea, this has been acted upon. For example, changes to the menu and activities. One young person said, 'I am doing really well at school and I am very good at Maths the staff download old GCSE past exam papers, which I complete in my spare time. Staff also help me with cooking and I can lots of different meals now.’

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Progress

Staff spoken to were very complimentary about the home and one said, 'the best thing about this home, is that staff and young people are always happy here and we have a lot fun times together. I have been here nearly three years and still enjoy working here. The manager is very approachable and I can go to her any time for support.’ The Registered Manager and regulation 33 visitor regularly consult with young people about their life in the home, which in turn gives them a real sense of belonging in the home. Reports of the visits are sent to Ofsted as are notifications in line with the regulations.

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Progress

One requirement was made at this inspection regarding maintenance issues. Both upstairs bathrooms are requiring refurbishment to make them fit for young people, some window handles are missing and the enormous garden is full of weeds and the grass has not been cut for some considerable time. This requirement has minimal impact on the young people living in the home.

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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

(2001) ensure that all parts of the children's home used by children are reasonably decorated and maintained, with particular regard to bathroom facilities, some window latches and grounds. (Regulation 31 (2) (e)) 26/10/2012

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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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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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