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

Unique reference number SC012001 Inspection date 04/12/2012 Inspector Roy Bega Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 12/06/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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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 with emotional and 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

Following the home's previous full inspection in June 2012, the overall quality rating for the service was assessed as outstanding with no requirements or recommendations being raised.

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Progress

The home continues to be very child-centred. Staff focus on improving outcomes for young people and are persistent in trying new ways to positively influence their behaviour. For example, introducing different bedtime routines or making adjustments to the staffing arrangements. In addition to the formal supervision arrangements, staff have various avenues through which they can seek support and some have made good use of these.

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Progress

Young people's confidence develops and outcomes continue to improve as result of the consistent support they receive from a committed staff team. Young people fully engage in their care planning and in the running of the home. Weekly house meetings and informal meal-time discussions continue to provide opportunities for young people to discuss a range of issues in a positive manner. This promotes the development of social and communication skills; helps them feel part of the home and raises their self-esteem. Young people continue to receive high quality, well-planned care from 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 say that their relationships with staff are good. Young people confirm that they 'feel safe' and that they feel that they would be able to talk to staff if they were worried

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Progress

or anxious. The culture and practice within the home promotes individual identity, difference and equality.

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Progress

Staff receive substantial levels of support from the management team. As a consequence they have an excellent understanding of their roles and responsibilities; and high expectations of what young people can achieve. Staff confirm that managers are highly committed and readily available should they have any queries or concerns. Staff are motivated to improve their knowledge and understanding of their work as a result of the specialist training opportunities that are provided.

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Progress

Effective monitoring systems review the quality of care that young people receive and identify areas where outcomes for young people may be improved. Extremely detailed reports of monitoring visits demonstrate that regular and excellent levels of consultation with staff and young people influence practice development.

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Progress

No requirements or recommendations for improvement are noted at this inspection.

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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.

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