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

Unique reference number SC437128 Inspection date 20/02/2013 Inspector Louise Redfern Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 29/05/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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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 three young people, who have emotional and/ or behavioural problems.

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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 previous full inspection in May 2012, the overall effectiveness of the service was judged as good. Two requirements and two recommendations for improvement were set within the inspection report. Good progress has been made in addressing all of the requirements and recommendations.

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Progress

The Registered Manager has amended the Statement of Purpose to include an annex, which contains details of the staff team. This means that placing social workers and parents have accurate information about the staff who look after the young people.

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Progress

There is improved reporting of the effectiveness and consequence of the measure used within the sanctions record. As a result, the Registered Manager is effectively monitoring the imposed sanctions and evaluating the effectiveness of the measures taken to ensure young people are able to reflect and learn from their negative behaviours.

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Progress

Since the last inspection, no appraisals have taken place. However, the Registered Manager and young people have produced a questionnaire for young people’s views about the home and staff team. The Registered Manager has a strong understanding of the importance of engaging young people in the appraisal process and it is the intention that he will incorporate the information from these questionnaires into the appraisal process.

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Progress

Since the last inspection, the staff team have clearly documented the work they have undertaken with young people around sexuality and life choices on an individual basis.

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Progress

Some young people are not engaging in their educational placements, despite continuing support and efforts by staff to facilitate their re-engagement. As a result, they are not achieving their full potential.

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Progress

Young people are generally positive about the quality of care. They spoke positively of the staff team. Young people and staff were observed spending positive and relaxed time together. Staff continue to be concerned for young people's welfare and develop positive relationships with them during their placements at the home.

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Progress

Since the last inspection, the Registered Manager has developed the home’s monitoring systems. This has ensured he has a stronger overview of the home and is able to identify and triggers or trends in behaviours of young people and put in place effective support. As a result, young people develop good relationships with the staff team and make good progress from their individual starting point. For example, being prepared for the transition into semi-independent living in the community.

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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 educational achievement of young people is promoted and they attend school, college or alternative provision. (NMS 8.3)

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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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