Children's home run by Hillcrest Children‟s Services (2) Limited in Stratford-on-Avon

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged Requires improvement at the last 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

The new manager has steadily improved the service since the last inspection. She has made improvements to the organisation of the service, the team, and the property itself. As a result, the home has lost its unsettled atmosphere and young people feel safe and happy.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Ofsted registered the manager in December 2015. She has introduced new senior staff to the team who have the necessary experience and authority. These personnel have been an important factor in the improvement of the service. The last inspection identified a substantial number of important shortfalls. Critically, the leadership of the home and of individual shifts is now at a good standard. This means that staff now address and monitor children’s needs in sufficient detail. This meant, in particular, supporting one young person to find a more suitable placement elsewhere. This protracted process required a high level of fortitude and advocacy on behalf of the young person with his local authority. The manager ensures that other agencies address young people’s rights as much as possible. However, the statement of purpose does not describe these rights, as required.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

During this period, extra staff were involved to keep young people as safe as possible. The staff team maintain close contact with other professionals and have made improvements to the processes to support young people after they have been missing or absent. Far fewer negative incidents now occur and the management of young people’s free time is carefully controlled. This contributes to young people feeling secure and presenting very low levels of risk, particularly on site. This is a substantial improvement and has led to young people engaging with their therapists for the first time. Consequently, young people are taking more and more responsibility for themselves and are progressing well in their education.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager is exercising great care over new admissions. She has admitted one new resident since the last inspection and he experienced a planned move from another home in the company. This was a positive experience for the young person that made him safer while sustaining most of his relationships and his education placement. The manager has implemented part of her development plan by reducing the size of the service from three to two beds. This reflects the fact that the design and small size of the property did not contribute sufficiently to the welfare of three young people.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff now record information on an electronic system. This substantial improvement is more secure and accurate. It contributes to the smooth running of the office. As part of their administrative duties, staff regularly complete vehicle safety checks. However, they do not always record the remedial action correctly. Therefore, the record implies that young people are travelling in unsafe vehicles.

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Information about this children's home

This home is part of a large organisation. It is registered for up to two children who may have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

11/08/2015 CH - Full Requires improvement

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Recent inspection history

19/03/2015 CH - Interim Sustained effectiveness

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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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Requirement Due date

In order to meet the protection of children standard, ensure that children are protected from harm and enabled to keep themselves safe, the registered person must ensure: 2(b) that the home’s day-to-day care is arranged and delivered so as to keep each child safe and to protect each child effectively from harm. This is with reference to recording that vehicles are safe to use. 18/04/2016

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Requirement Due date

Include in the statement of purpose a description of the home’s policy and approach in relation to children’s rights. This is with regard to describing the rights themselves. (Regulation 16, schedule 1, section 9(b)) 18/04/2016

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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

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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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