Children's home run by Hexagon Care Services Limited in Preston

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 .

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager has taken appropriate action to address the two good practice recommendations made at the last inspection. However, one requirement is repeated and a further recommendation has been made. This has resulted in a judgement of sustained effectiveness. That said, there are a number of areas in which progress has been made. One key area is that the cohort of young people currently living in the home are more settled. This enables them to make good progress across all areas of their development.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people are happy in their home and appear relaxed and content when interacting with staff. Since the last inspection they have continued to make good progress and benefit immensely from the positive relationship they have with staff. One young person stated: ‘It’s pretty good here, I like staff and it’s kind of like another family.’ Staff have excellent knowledge of each individual young person and foster meaningful relationships. This promotes mutual respect and trust and helps young people feel that they can count on staff for support and guidance on important issues in their life.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager has improved the manner in which education is monitored and promoted in the home. There is a clear expectation that young people attend school and staff are persistent in their efforts to ensure that they attend regularly. Effective communication between home, school and alternative education provisions quickly counters any unplanned difficulties. This enhances young people’s learning and leads to improved progress.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

In general, young people relate well to each other. Bullying is not an issue that young people currently identify with. That said, the home operates a zero- tolerance policy and staff take immediate action if any issues arise. Overall, behaviour has improved. Good behaviour is actively encouraged and young people are more able to regulate their own emotions. Conflict management is effective because of the consistent implementation of boundaries and young people clearly know where they stand and what is expected of them. Staff focus on positives and make good use of incentive and rewards. The use of restorative techniques also helps young people confront their unacceptable behaviour, take responsibility and reflect on how they can handle future situations more constructively.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There have been instances where staff have used physical intervention. However, records demonstrate that these have reduced in number since the full inspection. Evidence gathered highlights that when physical intervention has been necessary it has been used appropriately to safeguard the young person. All are well recorded and carefully analysed by the manager. Good management monitoring helps to ensure that practice remains effective.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people’s risk taking behaviour is managed well. For example when young people go missing, staff make concerted efforts to keep in touch with them and encourage their safe return. When missing episodes of more serious concern have occurred these have been appropriately escalated to a multi-agency strategy meeting. Thus leading to an effective coordinated response to managing risk. In recent months, records demonstrate that missing episodes have steadily reduced. This is partly due to the departure of one particular young person. However, it is also clear that staff, social workers and the police have taken effective measures to prevent further incidents.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

In general risk assessments are good. They are individualised and reflect the diverse needs and personalities of each of the young people. They provide an overview of identified behaviours, triggers and warning signs. However, control measures and strategies to manage risks lack clarity. To date, there is no evidence that this has impacted adversely of young people safety. However, this is not best practice and requires revision.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This is an effectively managed home. The Registered Manager is suitably qualified and experienced and provides the home with visible leadership which promotes good quality of care and positive experiences for young people. He maintains a thorough oversight of care practices and has an excellent understanding of the individual needs of the young people accommodated in the home. Staff are supported through frequent team meetings, handovers and regular supervision. The manager has a thorough understanding of the home’s strengths and weaknesses and makes good use of his development plan. This ensures the home continues to grow and develop for the benefit of young people.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

As noted, one repeated requirement has been made as a result of this inspection. While some re-decoration and repair work has been undertaken further work is required. This includes, removing litter from the garden, personalisation of young people’s bedrooms and ongoing re-decoration. The manager does have a maintenance plan and acknowledges that further work is required. Overall, further attention to the environment will make for a more homely environment.

p.3

Information about this children's home

This home is one of a number of children’s homes operated by a private company. It is registered to care for up to six male young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

p.4

Recent inspection history

This home was re-registered in October 2014 having been taken over by a new company. The company has other children’s homes that provide care and accommodation. This is the first interim inspection since the home was re-registered.

p.4

Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

p.4

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.

p.5

Requirement Due date

6: The quality and purpose of care standard

p.5

Requirement Due date

In order to meet the quality and purpose of care standard the registered person must ensure -

p.5

Requirement Due date

(vii) Provide to children living in the home have the physical necessities they need in order to live there comfortably.

p.5

Requirement Due date

With particular reference to, removing litter from outside the property, re-decoration and personalisation to specific areas of the home. 30/04/2016

p.5

Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

p.5

Recommendations

 Staff should continually and actively assess the risks to each child and the arrangements in place to protect them. Where there are safeguarding concerns for a child, their placement plan, agreed between the home and their placing authority, must include details of the steps the home will take to manage any assessed risks on a day to day basis. This specifically relates to ensuring that risk management strategies are clearly recorded on risk assessments. (The Guide Page 42, paragraph 9.5)

p.5

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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 .

p.6

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.7

Information about this inspection

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

p.7

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.7

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.7