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

Unique reference number SC398480 Inspection date 28/02/2013 Inspector Denise Perry Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Date of last inspection 07/11/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.1

This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated.

p.2

Brief description of the service

This home operated by a private company is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to four children with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

p.3

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.

p.3

Progress

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

p.3

Progress

At the full inspection in November 2012, the home’s overall quality rating was good with one requirement and two recommendations for improvement set. The Registered Manager has addressed all of these, demonstrating the home’s capacity for on-going improvement. She has reviewed the home’s notification procedures to ensure all significant events are reported to Ofsted. This allows the regulator to monitor the home and contributes to young people’s safety and welfare.

p.3

Progress

The management team have also reviewed and improved fire evacuation procedures. These now ensure that young people are involved in fire drills at the time of their admission. Further, young people are involved in fire safety training and provided with useful information on what to do in the event of a fire. This further contributes to young people’s safety and welfare. However, a shortfall was identified at this unannounced inspection, relating to young people’s risk assessments. While staff competently follow safety procedures to ensure young people do not have access to lighters, the associated risk assessments do not reflect the identified risks and action to be taken. This currently has no negative impact on young people’s safety because the staff team are knowledgeable and competent. Staff listen to young people’s views and feelings on a daily basis, as well as through formal channels, such as house meetings and key carer sessions. The young person’s

p.3

Progress

guide has been updated to include contact details for the Children’s Right Director and independent reviewing officers. This will enable young people to make contact with these independent people should they wish to do so. The Registered Manager has revised the home’s development plan and involved young people in this process. This provides young people with additional opportunities to influence the running of the home and the delivery of care. For example, young people have identified areas of improvement in the garden. As a result the Registered Manager has ordered outdoor equipment, such as swing balls, a trampoline and badminton sets. This forms part of the home’s promotion on healthy living and will contribute to young people’s physical health and overall enjoyment. This also shows that young people’s views are listened to and where appropriate acted on.

p.4

Progress

A well-established and committed management and staff team care for the young people and have high aspirations for them. Young people feel valued and this shows through their positive and appropriate interactions with staff. Young people say that living in this home has been a positive experience for them and that staff help and support them in their lives. A young person said, ‘I love living here and I have no complaints about this home.’ Staff create an atmosphere of openness and honesty, where young people feel confident to share their views and feelings. This benefits young people living in the home as they form and sustain positive relationships with the adults who look after them. This also contributes to young people’s sense of security and safety.

p.4

Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

p.4

Recommendations

 ensure risk assessments of the whole children’s home environment are carried out, to identify any potential sources of harm to the children are recorded in writing and regularly reviewed. (NMS 10.8)

p.4

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.

p.5

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.

p.5