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

Unique reference number SC398480 Inspector Pete Hylton Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Registered person Young Options College Limited Registered person address Turnpike Gate House Alcester Heath Alcester Warwickshire B49 5JG Responsible individual Graham Baker Registered manager Stuart Lee Banks Date of last inspection 18/06/2014 2 of 6 Inspection date 20/01/2015

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Previous inspection adequate Enforcement action since last inspection There has been no enforcement action since the last inspection.

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This inspection

This home was judged adequate at the last full inspection. At this interim inspection Ofsted judge that it has improved effectiveness .

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This inspection

This home was last inspected in June 2014 and was judged to be adequate. Three requirements were made at this time. Two requirements related to ensuring that the home was appropriately decorated and maintained. The third requirement related to ensuring that the manager had a system in place to monitor the quality of care.

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This inspection

Since the last inspection, the Registered Manager has made improvements to the service provided at the home. The three requirements are fully met: the home has been extensively redecorated and all areas are appropriately maintained, equipped, decorated and in good repair. This means that young people now live in a home that is comfortable, well-appointed and homely. A young person commented, in relation to being asked about improvements to the décor that ‘all the new stuff is great, it looks really good now.’ The Registered Manager and staff team ensure that the views of young people have influenced the physical changes in the home. For example, young people chose a new table football game for a new games area. As a result, young people understand that their views are heard and acted upon. This leads to a feeling of inclusiveness in the home. A young person’s family member commented that ‘the home is really nice.’

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This inspection

The Registered Manager has made significant improvements in the quality assurance of the home. Detailed monthly monitoring reports are now in place and summative reports, as specified in regulation, are sent to Ofsted as required. This means that the regulator is kept abreast of the home’s operation and any emerging patterns or trends. Similarly, the Registered Manager uses this information to further drive improvement. For example, a new independence planning system is now in use that supports young people to develop their life skills. This area of practice was identified in relation to the needs of young people. The Registered Manager has clear and ambitious plans for further improving the home. 3 of 6 Young people are safe at the home. There have been no incidents of young people going missing from the home since the last inspection. Where concerns arise over the behaviour of young people, the staff team ensure that these are communicated

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This inspection

to relevant parties. A head teacher commented that the ‘staff work with us effectively’ and that ‘the staff team are proactive.’ Incidents of challenging behaviour are rare, and where they do occur, are appropriately resolved. Restraint is used as a last resort and where all other methods of de-escalating behaviour have been unsuccessful. The Registered Manager ensures that young people and staff are fully debriefed after any incident and risk management plans updated where necessary. Where sanctions are used, they are appropriate, fair and reasonable. Young people’s comments are clearly recorded and the Registered Manager uses this information to evaluate the effectiveness of such measures. Young people feel that the rules are fair and that they feel respected by the staff. A young person commented ‘I like the staff and I am treated with respect and maturity.’

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This inspection

Positive behaviour is actively promoted and appropriately rewarded. Young people are encouraged to set specific goals and are supported in working towards these. The staff team ensure that young people live active lifestyles and the home has an active social routine. Young people enjoy playing rugby and football for local community clubs and also enjoy attending the local cadet corp. Regular trips to the local and wider community ensure that young people are able to form peer relationships outside of the home.

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This inspection

Care plans are, on the whole, detailed and up to date. Young people’s views are embedded into placement plans and risk assessments. This ensures that staff provide care to young people that reflects their choices and preferences. Social workers are regularly consulted and all required reviews are held in a timely fashion. Since the last inspection, there have been marked improvements with regards to young people’s community access, independence skills, behaviour and sleep patterns. All young people are up to date with regular health checks. However, specialist support is not always identified when young people are new to the home. There has been no negative impact, to date, on the outcomes for young people as a result of this practice shortfall. A recommendation to improve this area of practice has been made.

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This inspection

All young people are in appropriate educational provisions and, in relation to their starting points, are making good progress. The routine of the home is organised to facilitate young people’s continuing excellent attendance. This means that young people are clear about what is expected of them. As a result, they are able to pursue their academic studies. Where young people are approaching the end of their compulsory schooling, the staff team work with external agencies to support career planning. For example, the staff support attendance at careers fairs and visits to training centres and colleges. This results in young people investing in their futures and being supported with exploring their career options. This further prepares young people for adulthood. 4 of 6 As a result of this inspection, the home has been judged to have improved effectiveness. One recommendation has been made to further improve the service

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Information about this children’s home

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

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

18/06/2014 Full adequate 14/03/2014 Interim satisfactory progress 18/07/2013 Full adequate 28/02/2013 Interim good progress

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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 children have prompt access to doctors and other health professionals, including specialist services, when they need these services. (NMS 6.4) Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Recommendations

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What inspection judgements mean

At the interim inspections we make a judgement on whether the home has improved in effectiveness, sustained effectiveness, or declined in effectiveness since the previous full inspection. This is in line with the Inspection of children’s homes: framework for inspection.

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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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