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

Unique reference number SC398482 Inspection date 13/03/2014 Inspector David Morgan Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 30/08/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This home is part of a large private children’s care organisation and is registered to accommodate three young people who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. It is located next to another children's home.

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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 full inspection in August 2013 the service was operating at an adequate standard, which represented a decline. One requirement and nine recommendations were made. However, the manager, who was registered in May 2013, has ensured that all these issues have been addressed. Two new recommendations are raised to ensure that the cooker is secured and that Ofsted receives regular monitoring reports from the manager.

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Progress

Particular progress has been made in resolving the staffing issues that had contributed to inconsistent support of young people. The supervision of staff is now in a settled pattern and the manager is looking forward to a period of consolidation in this important area. Staff competencies are being re-assessed by the manager to ensure that their training programmes are suitable. The company is rolling out a new model of behaviour management to ensure consistency of therapeutic support to traumatised young people. In addition, the resident group has changed, which means that the remaining young people are sufficiently compatible with each other. This is demonstrated by a marked reduction in incidents and physical interventions. Staff have received clear guidance on the management of bullying and incidents have fallen to almost nil. This is a significant improvement for all involved. Lessons have been learnt from previous difficulties and all new referrals are receiving

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Progress

particularly careful consideration. Any concerns about the practices of staff are investigated thoroughly and notified to relevant agencies. This helps to ensure that young people receive an appropriate standard of care.

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Progress

The property itself is now well presented, clean and comfortable. It offers a high standard of living to young people. Redecoration and input from young people mean it is colourful and attractive. It provides a wide variety of rooms and spaces for them to use. The garden is large and varied too and there are plans to increase the facilities it provides to young people. Opportunities for young people to mix with others from the adjacent children's home are controlled appropriately. Appropriate standards of health and safety are maintained. However, the cooker is not secure, which poses a risk of burns or scolds to young people and staff.

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Progress

A written development plan is in place and the manager has provided clear leadership by ensuring that good progress has been made, as indicated above. Young people contributed ideas to improving the home and as a result there is now a wide range of pictures on the walls and more are planned. During the inspection another consultation exercise was underway to obtain young people's views. Young people know that their views are taken seriously. They feel safe in their home and have a high level of engagement with staff. Other monitoring by the organisation and the manager occur regularly and are of a good quality. Reports by the manager are required to be sent to Ofsted at regular intervals but have not been received.

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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 that avoidable hazards are removed. This is with regard to the cooker being made secure (NMS 10.3)  ensure that Regulation 34 reports are completed at six monthly intervals and a copy of every report is sent to Ofsted within 28 days of completion. (Volume 5, statutory guidance, paragraph 3.14)

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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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