Children's Home, Residential special school run by Hillcrest Children’s Services Ltd in West Sussex

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 sustained effectiveness .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There were two requirements made at the last inspection that have been fulfilled. They pertained to a young person that was newly admitted to the home. An updated care plan from local authority has been obtained along with the dates of any upcoming important medical appointments. In addition, the recommendation relating to the supervision of new staff member has been met. Records reflect that supervision for new staff is held regularly. A new member of staff coming to the end of her probation period presented confidently in her ability to work with young people. She was also pleased with the quality and level of supervision provided.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Since the last inspection, the home is now settled after a period of escalation in negative behaviours of children and young people. The home experienced a sudden increase in at-risk behaviours consisting of missing from care episodes and aggressiveness towards other residents by some young people, including staff. These safeguarding issues were the direct result of bullying in the home by a now- former resident.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The trusting relationships that the staff formed with the young people allowed the bullying culture to be exposed and effectively dealt with. Young people felt comfortable enough with staff to confide in them when discussing their sudden change in behaviour and the impact on their overall progress. They showed remorse for their actions whilst providing insight into their behaviours.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manipulation of others by bullying behaviour is not tolerated in the home. A swift response and substantial actions were undertaken by management to protect all young people not only those that were victimised. This led to notice being served on a placement to ensure the safety and well-being of all young people. Despite the planned ending of placement, management was considerate of the needs of the young person and extended the notice period, when it was clear that appropriate planning had not been undertaken by the local authority. The placing social worker for the young person thanked the management for the handling of the situation by writing a complimentary email. As previously mentioned there was an increase in missing from care incidents. These incidents were evidenced to be handled extremely well by the staff. Clear management decisions were made along with a high level of cooperation with the

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

local authority and police. Return home interviews were provided along with key working sessions to address any concerns. Young people developed an awareness and support was identified to combat negative behaviours through this action.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people residing in the three houses within the children’s home continue to have their day-to-day needs met effectively by the staff. Due to the numerous changes in the allocated social worker, a house manager is taking an active role and assuming a responsibility that is normally assigned to the placing social worker. The manager is assuring that the young person’s care plan remains on target by arranging to explain the overall care plan to the young person’s parents. This creative practice prevents any misunderstandings around the young person’s care.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people newly admitted to the home settle easily. They have a good understanding of the rules associated with the home and their expectations. Young people feel comfortable, management chase all documentation relating to their care and planning starts immediately. The staff have a very good understanding of a young person admitted to the home for less than a week. The young person was excited about residing in the home and observed to be very comfortable around other young people and staff.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people views continue to be important to the development to home. Management has recently administered surveys to the young people to obtain their views regarding the staff and the functioning of the home. The views will be incorporated as of part of full appraisals for staff.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The staff of each house meets with the homes psychiatrist fortnightly to discuss their practice in managing the behaviours of the young people. Staff view this as an excellent support system guiding their practice and interactions with young people.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The development plan for the home continues to see improvements to the interior and exterior. Young people have contributed their opinions on the bright, creative décor that is now present in each house. The addition of a new kitchen in one of the houses provided young people a large area to gather whilst engaging in preparation of meals.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Management is in the process of finalising its new policy on anti-radicalisation. They want to ensure that staff are fully aware of the threats and risks associated with radicalisation. The policy will be reviewed annually and is part of the overall child protection and safeguarding policy.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Despite a robust response in providing staff with training on those young people with complex medical needs, a significant number of staff are not trained to directly intervene in case of an emergency. The management accepted this criticism and has already scheduled training to correct the issue.

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Information about this children's home

 The privately owned children’s home provides care and accommodation for up to twenty young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties.  It was registered in 2014 because of a technical change to the companies house number. The service was previously operated under URNSC14567 and this is a continuation of that service.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

09/02/2015 CH - Interim improved effectiveness

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):  Ensure the staff have the relevant skills and knowledge to be able to: respond to the health needs of children; where necessary meet specific individual health needs arising from disability, chromic condition or complex needs (The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 34 paragraph 7.12)’

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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, work based 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

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Information about this inspection

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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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