Children's Home run by Hexagon Care Services Limited in Lancashire

Unique reference number SC480671 Inspector Angela Whiteley Type of inspection Full Provision subtype Children's home

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Registered person Hexagon Care Services Limited Registered person address 6th Floor, 5 Temple Avenue Temple Street Liverpool L2 5RH Responsible individual Steven Edward Cardwell Registered manager Brian James Carrott Date of last inspection N/A 2 of 12 Inspection date 10/12/2014

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Previous inspection N/A Enforcement action since last inspection none

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Overall effectiveness good

Outcomes for children and young people good Quality of care outstanding Keeping children and young people safe good Leadership and management good

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Overall effectiveness

This home was re-registered in October 2014 having been taken over by a new company. The organisation has other children's homes that provide care and accommodation. The building, staff, children and young people and the Registered Manager have remained unchanged during the re-registering of this home.

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Overall effectiveness

Children and young people benefit enormously from the stability of their placements. They enjoy high quality care and feel safe living in a calm and welcoming home. They say, ‘it’s a nice place to live.’ They are cared for by a supportive and highly motivated, experienced and stable staff team. This stability provides children and young people with opportunities to develop strong and trusting relationships with staff and each other.

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Overall effectiveness

Staff demonstrate a good understanding of safeguarding practices and are supported by robust policies and procedures that ensure children and young people’s safety and welfare are promoted. They provide effective key working based on individualised planning for children and young people that takes account of their complex needs. As a result, children and young people make good progress. A particular strength of the home is their excellent partnership working, particularly with education providers, health professionals, police community support officers and families. 3 of 12 Professionals and family members speak positively about the quality of care children and young people receive and their relationship with staff. A mother said, ‘the home provides good structure and routines, which helps to improve her sons’ behaviour.’ She feels the opportunities available at the home help her son to settle and make

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Overall effectiveness

good progress. Professionals comment about, ‘friendly, supportive and approachable staff that maintain good communication.’

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Overall effectiveness

The Registered Manager is very experienced and demonstrates effective leadership and management skills. He is committed to ensuring he secures further improvement by promptly addressing any identified areas of weakness. Nevertheless, a few areas for improvement are identified in respect of establishing a consistent approach to notifying serious incidents to Ofsted. Ensuring a written policy is in place for the use of electronic monitoring of children and young people within the home. Improve aspects of recording and recruitment practice; promptly address maintenance and repairs to the home and provide consent for access to children and young people’s case files by the independent visitor. Therefore, two requirements and four recommendations are made to help the home address these areas. These have not impacted negatively on the welfare or safety of children and young people and do not significantly undermine the otherwise excellent quality of

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Information about this children’s home

This is a private children's home that provides care and accommodation for up to eight boys with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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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) notify without delay any of the events listed in column 1 of the table in Schedule 5; with particular reference to notifying Ofsted of any serious complaint about the home or persons working there (Regulation 30 (1)) 21/01/2015

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure the independent person has consent from the child and the child's placing authority to inspect a child's case records. (Regulation 33 (8) (b)) 21/01/2015

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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 home provides a comfortable and homely environment, is kept clean and reasonably decorated and promptly maintained in all areas that show signs of wear and tear. In particular, this relates to the children's bathroom in the extension (NMS 10.3)  ensure where electronic devices are used to monitor children, there is a written poicy that sets out how they should be used and how they promote the welfare of children (NMS 10.5) 5 of 12  ensure that telephone enquiries are made as well as obtaining written references, with particular regard to adequate recording to demonstrate this (NMS 16.1)  ensure entries in records are legible, clearly expressed, non-stigmatising and distinguish as far as possible between fact, opinion and third party information. In addition, records must be in a format that can not be tampered with after the event. This specifically relates to the physical intervention record book having additional pages stapled into the bound

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Recommendations

book. (NMS 22.4 and Volume 5, statutory guidance paragraph 2.91) 6 of 12

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Outcomes for children and young people good

Children and young people confirm they feel safe at this home and say they are well cared for. They benefit from stable and permanent placements and form positive relationships with staff and each other, which develops a positive self-image.

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Outcomes for children and young people good

As children and young people settle they begin to make good progress from the start of their placement in terms of health, emotional development, relationships, regular attendance at education and a reduction in challenging behaviours. This is closely linked to positive behaviour management strategies, which includes the effective use of incentives. Some children and young people continue to display the same behaviours they were presenting prior to admission to the home. Staff take appropriate action to protect them and help them achieve long-term stability and permanence. As children and young people settle they choose not to go missing from the home and incidents requiring physical intervention begin to reduce.

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Outcomes for children and young people good

Children and young people are supported to regularly attend education and their attendance is closely monitored. For some, attendance has greatly improved since being admitted to the home. Their achievements are celebrated, which helps develop self-esteem and confidence. Some young people are preparing for Key Stage 4 examinations. Another is preparing to transfer to a mainstream primary setting having made significant improvements in a specialist school environment. The home has strong links with schools and communicates regularly to monitor progress, which provides a consistent approach to children and young people’s care.

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Outcomes for children and young people good

Children and young people have a strong sense of identity, reinforced by safe contact arrangements with family and friends; this helps them maintain positive relationships with those who are important to them. There is excellent communication between the home, social workers and families which helps to inform planning. Children and young people from different ethnic backgrounds are encouraged and supported to access appropriate activities and festivals. This helps them to retain their cultural identity and develop a positive self-image.

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Outcomes for children and young people good

Children and young people have detailed health assessments and enjoy relatively good health. They are supported to lead a healthy lifestyle and have access to a range of health services and specialist support services. They have good access to a local authority child and adolescent service alongside specialist paediatricians, a speech and language service, therapists, sexual health advice and primary health care providers. Children and young people are encouraged to understand the importance of looking after themselves and are supported to make positive life style choices.

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Outcomes for children and young people good

Children and young people enjoy a broad range of appropriate social and leisure activities, including participation in local charitable events. They are encouraged to 7 of 12 develop individual hobbies and interests, which help improve psychological and physical health. They are encouraged to develop skills they will need in independence at a pace that takes full account of their age and abilities. They are actively involved in decisions about their future.

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Outcomes for children and young people good

Children and young people enjoy a wide variety of healthy meals. Individual meal choices take full account of their likes, dislikes and cultural differences. They choose a monthly theme night, which explores different countries and gives them opportunities to experience different foods. They help to prepare meals, cook and bake with the support of staff. This helps them develop life skills and become more self-sufficient.

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Quality of care outstanding

Children and young people benefit from a nurturing environment where staff provide high quality care and support. Parents and professionals involved in their care also endorse the quality of the care and support provided. An independent reviewing officer said, 'staff maintain good levels of communication.’ A head teacher comments, ‘staff are very helpful and supportive,’ and another professional comments, ‘staff are very friendly and approachable.’

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Quality of care outstanding

Children and young people develop warm, trusting and positive relationships with staff and with each other. They receive excellent care from an experienced and consistent staff team who effectively deliver individualised and well-planned packages of care. As a result, children and young people settle quickly and develop a strong sense of belonging. Staff work tirelessly to provide opportunities for children and young people to succeed. They are not daunted by setbacks and are relentless in their efforts to help children and young people achieve their potential.

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Quality of care outstanding

Staff provide a consistent approach to children and young people’s care. They understand and effectively implement detailed care packages. Individual placement plans, behaviour management plans and detailed risk assessments are reviewed regularly to reflect the changing needs of children and young people. They provide regular updates to parents and placing social workers that clearly describe the progress and achievements children and young people make and plan future targets and goals.

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Quality of care outstanding

Staff work proactively with children and young people and their placing authority to ensure reviews are timely and include the views of children and young people. Children and young people fully participate in all aspects of planning, which means they know what progress they are making. Their opinions and views matter and are central to staff practice. For example, requests by young people to personalise their bedrooms and a request for a pool table has been agreed. Children and young people know how to make a complaint if they are unhappy with any aspect of their care. Information about making a complaint is readily available for them in the home. 8 of 12 Staff plan two regular monthly key working sessions with children and young people. They also deliver unplanned individual sessions to address any issues or potential worries that may arise. This new proactive approach ensures young people’s potential worries are addressed promptly and helps to promote positive behaviour.

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Quality of care outstanding

The use of key working sessions to address challenging behaviour has significantly reduced the use of sanctions and there has been only one complaint since the last inspection, which was dealt with appropriately.

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Quality of care outstanding

Staff have a strong commitment to supporting children and young people with their educational achievements, access to health support services and in responding to diversity and cultural needs. Staff ensure daily routines support children and young people’s participation in education and school attendance. They have established strong links with school staff, therapists, and health care providers, which ensures a consistent approach to care planning. They work effectively with providers to challenge any barriers to children and young people’s full participation in education. For example, they support children and young people with transitions to new school placements and provide in-school support, where difficulties arise, which helps children and young people settle.

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Quality of care outstanding

Photographs are displayed in the visitor/games room, which helps children and young people feel valued and helps to promote their self-esteem. Children and young people are involved in a range of activities, such as football, horse riding, fishing, youth club, and enjoy holidays and visits away from the home. They are encouraged to follow individual interests and hobbies to develop their talents. Children and young people and their parents confirm, ‘there is lots to do.’ This enhances their learning experiences and increases their social networks and self-esteem.

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Quality of care outstanding

The home is a large old house divided into three individual settings. Some maintenance and repair work is required to children and young people’s bathrooms, particularly in the extension. New carpets are being ordered for the hall, stairs and office area. Children and young people have chosen paint colours to personalise their bedrooms. These improvements will ensure the home continues to provide a homely and comfortable living environment. The enclosed multi-purpose hard court and extensive grassed area surrounding the house provides excellent outside space for children and young people to play safely and learn new skills, promoting their health and development.

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Keeping children and young people safe good

Children and young people say they feel safe at this home and are respected by the staff that care for them. They can talk to any member of staff if they have any worries or concerns and know how to make a complaint it they are unhappy with any aspect of their care. There has been one complaint since the last inspection, which has been resolved satisfactorily. 9 of 12 Children and young people benefit from consistent boundaries provided by a stable staff team who understand safeguarding issues and demonstrate confidence in implementing the home’s policies and procedures. Electronic monitoring is used to ensure children and young people’s safety at night. Motion sensors are activated on the three staircases to alert staff when children and young people come down stairs. However, the home has no agreed policy in place for their use despite this being a recommendation at the last inspection. The use of this measure is agreed by the

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Keeping children and young people safe good

placing authorities and is included in individual placement plans. It is also included in the homes Statement of Purpose, which helps to promote children and young people’s safety and well-being.

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Keeping children and young people safe good

Children and young people understand that bullying is not acceptable behaviour and they have confidence in staff to deal with any incidents that do occur. Staff take a highly proactive approach to any concerns. There has been one child protection referral since the last inspection, which was dealt with appropriately to ensure the safety and welfare of the child involved. Clear and detailed individual risk management plans are regularly reviewed which help to protect children and young people from harm.

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Keeping children and young people safe good

Staff recognise the particular vulnerabilities relating to the diverse needs of children and young people and take appropriate action to address them. They are proactive in communicating with placing authorities to highlight any safeguarding concerns. The Registered Manager reviews placement decisions with professionals where it is considered they can no longer keep young people safe from harm or where young people’s needs are no longer being met.

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Keeping children and young people safe good

Children and young people settle quickly at this home. Records kept by the home confirm incidents of young people going missing from the home are rare. If incidents do occur staff respond quickly and implement the procedures and policies to assist children and young people’s safe and quick return home. Staff have developed effective partnership working with the police and missing from home coordinator.

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Keeping children and young people safe good

Children and young people are supported to develop positive behaviour. Individual risk management plans and regular key worker sessions focus on ways to help young people self-regulate their behaviour. This is an effective strategy as the homes records show that the use of physical intervention is reducing as children and young people settle. Sanctions are rarely used and children and young people confirm when these are required, they are fair and effective.

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Keeping children and young people safe good

The recruitment and selection of people working at the home is generally thorough to deter unsuitable individuals from working with vulnerable children and young people. Though, a more thorough recording system is required to demonstrate that telephone enquiries are made for all written references. This discrepancy is acknowledged by the provider and is being dealt with promptly throughout the company. This has no negative impact on the outcomes for children and young people. 10 of 12 Young people enjoy a safe and secure environment. There are effective health and safety systems in place. Regular practice evacuations ensure children and young people know how to exit the building safely and quickly in case of an emergency.

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Leadership and management good

Children and young people live in a home that is effectively managed. The Registered Manager has been in post since June 2003. He is experienced and appropriately qualified. He is supported by a skilled, enthusiastic and motivated stable staff team who understand the needs of the children and young people in placement and the expectations for the smooth running of the home. They demonstrate their commitment to helping children and young people achieve their potential.

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Leadership and management good

The home is sufficiently resourced in respect of staffing. The recruitment of permanent waking night staff removes the homes reliance on agency staff cover. Any shortfalls in the rota are covered by the staff team and occasional use of the provider’s casual staff. This ensures children and young people are cared for by staff that know them and can effectively respond to their needs. Children and young people benefit from the home’s commitment to staff training and development. The home's records and staff themselves confirm they are well supported, through regular supervision, training and team meetings. This ensures they have frequent opportunities to reflect on their practice to help them meet children and young people’s needs.

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Leadership and management good

Children and young people’s records are generally well arranged, stored securely and of good standard. Some records are not clearly expressed, legible or tamper proof. This particularly relates to a poorly written physical intervention record contained within the bound recording book. Additional recording is included and pinned to the previous page. This means children and young people are not fully protected because there is not a clear account of the incident and the additional page is not a secure part of the record. This may prevent children and young people from raising concerns and may compromise monitoring of practice.

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Leadership and management good

Staff have developed a child-friendly placement plan for all children and young people in their care, which provides a clear picture of their care needs. This is agreed with the placing authority social worker. Children and young people are regularly engaged in discussions about their care and influence the running of the home.

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Leadership and management good

The Registered Manager has effective monitoring systems in place, which ensure children and young people enjoy good standards of care and protection. However, some consent has not yet been acquired for the independent visitor to access all children and young people’s case files during their monthly monitoring visits. The Registered Manager is addressing this matter with placing authority social workers and young people. 11 of 12 Significant events are usually notified to all relevant agencies in a timely manner, which ensures safeguarding action is taken to protect children and young people. However, Ofsted were not notified by the Registered Manager of an allegation of harm. The Registered Manager is able to demonstrate safeguarding policy and procedure and risk assessments were followed by staff to ensure children and young people are protected. Information was shared with safeguarding agencies and

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Leadership and management good

professionals and a record kept of the investigation. This had minimal impact on the outcome for children and young people and the Registered Manager is now addressing this administrative shortfall.

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Leadership and management good

The Registered Manager understands the strengths and weaknesses of the home and continues to strive for improvements to the service. Other key documents are in place, including a detailed development plan that is under review to help drive forward further improvements. The requirements and all but one of the recommendations made at the last inspection have been addressed. This demonstrates the home's commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people. Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Leadership and management good

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Judgement Description

Outstanding A service of exceptional quality that significantly exceeds minimum requirements.

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Judgement Description

Good A service of high quality that exceeds minimum requirements.

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Judgement Description

Adequate A service that only meets minimum requirements.

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Judgement Description

Inadequate A service that does not meet minimum requirements.

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Information 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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Information about this inspection

The report details the main strengths, any areas for improvement, including any breaches of regulation, and any failure to meet national minimum standards. The judgements included in the report are made against the framework of inspection for children's homes.

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