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

Outstanding

The children's home provides highly effective services that consistently exceeds the standards of good. The actions of the home contribute to significantly improved outcomes for children and young people who need help, protection and care.

p.2

Outcomes for young people:

 Young people make significant progress across all areas of their development following admission to the home.  Young people enjoy positive and respectful relationships with staff and also with each other.  Young people’s educational attendance and attainment has significantly improved since admission to the home.  Young people engage in a wide variety of activities that help keep them heathy and improve their self-esteem.  Young people are well prepared for transition and when it is time for them to move on from the home this is done in a planned manner. Young people keep in touch with the home, demonstrating the significance of the relationships that have been formed during their time here.

p.3

Leadership and Management:

 Managers are approachable; available and well respected by the staff team.  Excellent relationships exist with outside agencies.   Management monitoring is of a high standard and used effectively to drive forward improvements in the home.  Training opportunities for staff are good and equip them with the skills they need to provide high quality care for young people.  Managers request regular feedback from young people, their family members and involved professionals in order to improve the service provided.

p.3

Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):  ensure that placements for children are only accepted where the home are satisfied that they can respond effectively to the child's assessed needs and where they have fully considered the impact that the placement will have on the existing group of children. (The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 56, paragraph 11.4)

p.4

Information about this children's home

The home is one of a number owned and managed by a private organisation. The home is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to six male young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

p.5

outstanding

The home has a very positive impact on the progress of those who live here. Young people have often experienced many placement moves and inconsistent care prior to moving here. They now experience consistent care, clear boundaries and good routines. They soon learn that they are safe and become confident in the level of care they can expect to receive. Young people soon settle. Their disruptive behaviours decrease and improvements are soon evident across all areas of their development.

p.6

outstanding

Positive relationships exist between staff and young people. These are respectful. Young people describe ‘the staff’ as the best thing about the home. Staff are knowledgeable about the needs of those they care for and young people appreciate the commitment to them that staff show. Young people spoken to on inspection said they would feel able to speak to staff about any issues of concern. Young people feel that staff listen to them and that their views count. One professional working with the home commented, ‘There is an atmosphere of transparency and honesty with young people. Staff establish an immediate caring relationship when young people arrive. Their positive and caring outlook and open and honest approach is excellent.’

p.6

outstanding

Young people’s educational attendance and attainment improves when living here, they attend a variety of educational settings and staff work hard to ensure that the establishment they are attending meets their needs. Young people receive encouragement to do well and focus on career options for the future. They sit nationally recognised examinations and engage in work experience. Young people who have moved on from the home have gained paid employment as a result.

p.6

outstanding

Young people are healthy and access services appropriate to their needs. Staff have a particularly effective relationship with the looked after children nurse, who visits the home on a regular basis. She is readily available for consultation by staff and young people and acts as a point of advice regarding referral to other specialist services. Young people receive information about a range of health related issues, so that they can make their own informed choices. For example, information on the effects of drugs, alcohol and smoking. Sometimes staff discuss these issues in individual keyworker sessions but they also engage young people in larger group discussions. Some young people do continue to smoke, although there has been some reduction. However, staff continue to reinforce the benefits of not smoking; the vast majority of staff don’t smoke themselves and those that do are planning to give up themselves in a bid to support young people, following

p.6

outstanding

a planned visit from the smoking cessation nurse in the near future.

p.7

outstanding

There is an extensive range of activities available to young people both within and outside of the home. This ensures the promotion of their individual interests. The home benefits from a rear annex that houses a range of recreational facilities. This includes a gym, table tennis table, table football, soft ball facilities, and electronic games. However, young people also engage in activities in the local community. They attend boxing; golf; five a-side football and go fishing. Young people value these opportunities that help to keep them fit, while also enabling them to acquire new skills and improve their self-esteem.

p.7

outstanding

Staff ensure that young people are able to maintain contact with their family and friends while they live here. Staff have a really good understanding of the individual circumstances of the young people and ensure that important links are maintained. One parent commented, ‘The staff are brilliant with my son. They are really reliable and always keep be informed about what is going on.’ Staff work well with parents and some young people have been able to return to live with their family successfully. One parent commented, ‘Staff always made me feel welcome. I felt comfortable working with them regarding any concerns. I am so grateful for everything they have done. It is thanks to their support that my son has been able to progress so far and for his return home to be possible.’

p.7

outstanding

Similarly, young people move on from the home to live successfully in the community. Staff help them prepare for this transition and ensure that they have the necessary skills to manage. All young people keep their own rooms tidy, do their washing and help staff with shopping and cooking. Those imminently approaching transition follow a more formal independence programme. Young people keep in touch with staff when they move out, illustrating the positive relationships formed while living here. One such young person commented in feedback taken by the home, ‘I have been helped to turn my life around and gain full-time employment. Staff are always there to pick you up and make you feel better about yourself.’

p.7

outstanding

Young people who live in this home are safe. Staff engage in safe caring practice and the home’s procedures ensure that staff are clear about their responsibilities in ensuring the safety and welfare of young people. Staff make it clear to young people that bullying is not acceptable and they foster an atmosphere of acceptance and tolerance of difference. However, they remain vigilant to the risk of bullying and young people are encouraged to talk about any concerns they may have. They say that bullying doesn’t happen here and are confident that staff would sort out any problems if they were to occur. One young person commented, ‘This is a good environment were the staff look after all the young people and treat them all as equal.’

p.7

outstanding

Young people’s care plans include a range of risk assessments which identify their specific needs and how staff should best manage these. They successfully support young people with some complex and high risk behaviours. These are managed well but without drawing undue attention to them, enabling young people to participate in activities and events wherever possible.

p.8

outstanding

Staff promote positive behaviour and individualised incentives are given as rewards for turning negative behaviours around. Sanctions and physical interventions are rarely required. Young people are clear about expectations regarding acceptable behaviour and staff skilfully diffuse escalating behaviours. Similarly, young people rarely go missing from home. On the rare occasions that they do staff work effectively with the police and young people’s families to locate them and ensure their safe return.

p.8

outstanding

Young people live in a safe environment as regular safety checks are undertaken. In addition, young people are learning about safe practices themselves. They complete training in fire safety and food hygiene along with staff and receive the relating qualification. Young people also receive information on how to keep themselves safe online. Staff are knowledgeable about such risks to young people and keep up-to-date, as the deputy manager is a ‘champion’ for the wider organisation.

p.8

outstanding

Staff recruitment processes are rigorous, preventing unsuitable adults from gaining employment in the home. Any allegations made about staff are taken seriously. Staff understand the role of the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) and she is consulted about any issues that do occur. Similarly positive liaison is evident with other professionals with a safeguarding responsibility. For example, the local community police make regular informal visits to the home. This has helped improve their relationships with young people. There are plans to extend this further and involve them in playing football with the young people.

p.8

outstanding

The Registered Manager has been in post since June 2014. Prior to taking up the manager’s position he was the deputy manager of the home for four years. He has the necessary skills, qualifications and experience to manage the home. A deputy manager is in place to support him. She also has a management qualification. Together they provide enthusiastic leadership and a commitment to delivering high quality care to young people.

p.8

outstanding

The home, although continuing to be operational, is now being operated by a different provider. The re-registration process means that the home’s last inspection was over twelve months ago. This inspection resulted in a recommendation concerning the condition of the young people’s bathroom. This remains in a poor condition. However, plans have now been agreed to replace the entire fittings in the bathroom and to redecorate this area in the near future, so that this will be a pleasant environment for young people. The Registered Manager has addressed the two additional recommendations made at the last inspection. These related to having a development plan for the home and staff training. There is now a targeted development plan, which is subject to regular review and update and has helped to drive forward improvements in the home. This includes the fitting of the new bathroom. Similarly, an audit of staff skills and training needs has

p.9

outstanding

ensured that training courses have been sourced in order for staff to be equipped with the necessary skills to meet the needs of the young people that they are caring for. For example, they have recently attended training on bereavement, E- safety and attachment. The vast majority of staff have a Level three qualification in working with children and young people. Such training opportunities ensure that they are able to care for young people effectively.

p.9

outstanding

The internal and external monitoring of the home is thorough. Managers use this effectively to identify shortfalls and ensure that any issues are rectified in a timely way. Managers audit young people’s records frequently to ensure that issues have been actioned and not overlooked. The introduction of new progress monitoring forms mean that managers can clearly chart the progress that young people make following their admission. These link to a range of resources that a young person’s keyworker can access to use with them in order to target improvement in certain areas. Young people are re-assessed periodically and graphs help to demonstrate the progress that they make.

p.9

outstanding

The Statement of Purpose has been recently updated and reflects the service provided. The home is warm and welcoming. Young people are able to personalise their bedrooms and make this space their own. Both professionals and parents comment on the lovely atmosphere in the home. It is located in a residential area, with good access to public transport enabling young people to participate in community life easily.

p.9

outstanding

Staff receive regular supervision and appraisal. They confirm that this is effective in developing their practice and that the Registered Manager is keen to use their skills to best effect in the home. Reflective practice also aids improvement and is now included on the staff meeting agenda. The organisation also promotes staff development by supporting management training for staff in the role of team leader. This commitment by the organisation aids the retention of experienced staff, as they appreciate this investment in their development.

p.9

outstanding

Managers demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the young people living in the home. This ensures that new admissions to the home are well matched and the likely impact of their arrival is correctly assessed. However, the current impact risk assessment format does not make it clear how the needs of the current residents have been taken into consideration when concluding the suitability of the referral.

p.10

outstanding

Liaison with outside agencies is particularly effective. A health professional commented, ‘This is one of the best examples of residential provision. Staff work well with outside agencies and are extremely child centred in their approach.’ A social worker also commented, ‘Communication from the home is very clear and effective.’ This ensures that all those working with the young person are kept up- to-date. Representatives from other agencies are also regularly invited to staff meetings to share knowledge and increase staff awareness.

p.10

What the inspection judgements mean

The experiences and progress of children and young people are at the centre of the inspection. Inspectors will use their professional judgement to determine the weight and significance of their findings in this respect. The judgements included in the report are made against Inspection of children's homes: framework for inspection.

p.11

What the inspection judgements mean

An outstanding children's home provides highly effective services that contribute to significantly improved outcomes for children and young people who need help and protection and care. Their progress exceeds expectations and is sustained over time. A good children's home provides effective services that help, protect and care for children and young people and have their welfare safeguarded and promoted. In a children's home that requires improvement , there are no widespread or serious failures that create or leave children being harmed or at risk of harm. The welfare of looked after children is safeguarded and promoted. Minimum requirements are in place, however, the children's home is not yet delivering good protection, help and care for children and young people. A children's home that is inadequate is providing services where there are widespread or serious failures that create or leave children and young people being

p.11

What the inspection judgements mean

harmed or at risk of harm or result in children looked after not having their welfare safeguarded and promoted.

p.11

Information about this inspection

Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children and young people living in the children's home. Inspectors considered the quality of work and the difference adults make to the lives of children and young people. They read case files, watched how professional staff work with children, young people and each other and discussed the effectiveness of help and care given to children and young people. Wherever possible, they talked to children, young people and their families. In addition the inspectors have tried to understand what the children's home knows about how well it is performing, how well it is doing and what difference it is making for the children and young people who it is trying to help, protect and look after. This 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 Children's

p.12

Information about this inspection

Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the Guide to the children's homes regulations including the quality standards. the guidance raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted, which is available from Ofsted's website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted . If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.12

Information about this inspection

achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, workbased learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It inspects services for looked after children and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team,

p.13

Information about this inspection

The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.13

Information about this inspection

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.13

Information about this inspection

Store Street Manchester M1 2WD T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

p.13