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

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

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

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people make significant progress during their time living in this home in all areas of their lives. Education and training are highly valued by managers and staff, with all young people having formal education or training in place. From their starting points, young people have achieved extremely well in relation to gaining formal qualifications and continuing on to further education. They engage fully and take great pride in their achievements. Some have gone on to study vocational courses in childcare and are resitting examinations next year, because their grades were not as good as they had hoped for. There is a strong and positive learning ethos in the home, with a member of staff having a lead role as the education champion. This person ensures that all young people have education provision in place to meet their needs. It is commendable that staff have advocated strongly for young people, to ensure that they get the most suitable educational provision

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Some of the young people have lived in this home for a considerable period of time now. They have fully integrated into the local community, attending youth clubs and organisations and have made friends. Some have sought part-time paid work and taken part in organised events on a regular basis in the local town. Young people’s friends regularly visit them at the home, as well as siblings being welcome to come for sleep-overs. There is a very strong feeling of family within this home, where visitors are welcome and young people learn to live with each other in a very empathetic and supportive manner. New admissions have been very well considered, with the registered manager fully taking into account the needs of existing young people and how new young people to the home will fit in. Such positive and proactive consideration of matching has led to a harmonious living environment, with all young people reporting that they get along and support each

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people report feeling well listened to by the staff team, with one stating: ‘The staff are all great here, they really care about us and make sure that we have the best possible chances in life.’ Another young person said: ‘I am really pleased that my sibling can come and visit me at the home and stay over, this is really important to me.’ Young people report feeling happy with how well staff support them in relation to contact with family members and those significant to them. Staff demonstrate a clear and detailed awareness of the histories of each young person and their contact arrangements. Staff work closely with placing authorities to ensure that young people’s holistic needs are known and met at all times.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There have been no reported incidents of physical intervention for a considerable period of time now. This is attributable to the high levels of skill and competence of the staff team. Young people learn to manage any concerning behaviours or emotions extremely well with staff support and grow considerably in relation to self-esteem and a positive sense of self-worth. There have been no reported incidents of young people going missing from care for a considerable period of time either. This again reflects the positive progress young people make during their time living in this home and the excellent management monitoring and oversight of all aspects of how this home is run.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There have been no complaints since the last inspection. Young people know how to raise any concerns with staff and managers, and use daily young people’s meetings to discuss with staff any issues they may have. They report total confidence in the staff team and in feeling listened to and valued at all times.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people learn new skills and take great pride in their achievements. Some are in the process of becoming ‘young inspectors’ for the local authority in the area where the home is situated. This will provide them with a positive experience of supporting other children and young people who are looked after. Others are active members of local children in care councils, representing the voice of looked after children locally and nationally. Some young people have experienced their first holiday since moving to this home. One young person spoke with great pride of having her first trip to London and going camping. Such positive experiences significantly improve young people’s sense of value and belonging.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people feel very well supported in relation to planning for their move to independence. Staff support them to manage their own budgets, with several now being responsible for shopping, preparing their own meals and meeting their own personal care needs fully. Staff also proactively support young people to secure suitable accommodation and have successfully assisted several young people to move to supported accommodation in the local area.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Three requirements and one recommendation were made at the last inspection. The registered manager has responded fully to these. Young people now have advocates and report finding this very helpful. New systems have been introduced in relation to the notification of relevant incidents to Ofsted and placing authorities. These clearly reflect and identify actions staff should take in the event of any incidents relating to young people. Recording of all incidents is now extremely detailed and robust and enables staff to take clear and proactive action in a timely manner, overseen by managers. The registered manager has also ensured that placing authorities have provided detailed information for each young person, to assist them in devising and implementing placement plans and risk assessments. As such, young people receive excellent care and support from a highly dedicated and competent staff team. There have been no identified shortfalls as a result of

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Information about this children's home

This home is registered for four children and young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties and learning difficulties. It takes single sex placements only, currently female young people. It is run by a large private organisation which has a number of other similar services nationally.

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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 (England) Regulations 2015 and the Guide to the children's homes regulations including the quality standards. The registered person(s) must comply with the given timescales.

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What the inspection judgements mean

At the interim inspection 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

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 focused on the effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of children and young people since the most recent full inspection.

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Information about this inspection

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 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 .

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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,

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Information about this inspection

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

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Information about this inspection

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

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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

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