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

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged Outstanding 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 is a suitably qualified and experienced Registered Manager in charge of the home. He has managed the home for over a year, working in the home as the deputy manager prior to this. An experienced deputy manager is now in place to support him. They have the respect of staff and the young people who live here. They have a good understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the home and demonstrate a real commitment to improve the life chances of the young people while they are living here.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people living in the home continue to make very good progress. They attend school or college and staff advocate strongly for alternative provision, for those who are unable to manage in mainstream provision. Young people receive encouragement to consider work experience placements and to begin to think about what they would like to do when they complete their education. Staff promote a good work ethic that encourages young people to plan for their future.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

A number of staff have left since the last inspection. However, some staff already working in the home have received promotion. This has ensured the least disruption to the running of the home. Young people confirm that the routine of the home has continued as normal, although they do miss some of the staff who are no longer working here.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Consequently, staff recruitment has consumed much of the Registered Manager’s time. He has been unable to devote his attentions to his proposals for the future development of the home. Similarly, as it is only three months since the homes full inspection there has been no additional formal feedback, or consultation with stakeholders. However, some formal consultation with young people has taken place, particularly when young people have moved on from the home. Young people’s comments include, ‘This is the best place to live. I am going to miss it,’ and ‘I like the time I have spent here and will be sad to leave, but I am also excited to move on.’ Young people who move on from the home keep in contact with staff and recall happy memories of their time here. Young people spoken to during the inspection, also confirm that the home is a good place to live. They say that they feel safe living here and think that they have made good progress since

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Positive and respectful relationships are evident between staff and young people. Positive behaviour is promoted and young people are encouraged to respect each other’s differences. Staff successfully diffuse any escalating behaviours or disagreements between young people, which are the inevitable result of group living. Young people confirm that they are confident that staff will resolve any issues that do occur.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

One requirement was made at the last full inspection of the home in December 2015. This concerned weaknesses in the vetting procedures for new employees. The majority of these recruitment tasks continue to be undertaken centrally within the organisation. However, concerns remain in relation to the robustness of these. While attempts have been made to identify gaps in employment, insufficient exploration has then taken place into the reasons for these gaps. In addition, when the company had previously employed one individual, exploration did not take place in relation to different information provided on each occasion. This does not ensure the integrity of individuals employed to work in the home. Consequently, this requirement is repeated at this inspection to ensure that the appropriate action is taken.

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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.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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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

ensure that individuals who are employed at the children's home satisfy the specified requirements and that full and satisfactory information is available in respect of each of the matters in Schedule 2. (Regulation 32(1)(2)(3)) 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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