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

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged outstanding at the full inspection. At this interim inspection, Ofsted judges that it has improved effectiveness . There is a suitably qualified and experienced registered manager in charge of the home. He has managed the home for approaching three years. An experienced deputy manager works in this home to support him, and he also has a management qualification. Together, they provide enthusiastic and dynamic leadership, as well as having a thorough understanding of the needs of the young people living here. Young people continue to enjoy positive and trusting relationships with staff and, as a result, feel safe and settled here. They benefit from the security of a stable placement, until they are ready to live independently or able to return to their families. One young person, who has recently moved to live semi-independently, commented in an email to staff, ‘I will keep in touch with you, and thank you for

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

everything that you did for me. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be who I am today.’ Similarly, a family member commented, ‘I wish to thank the staff for all the support given to my grandson and our family during his stay and through his transition home.’ These comments are reflective of the large amount of positive feedback received by the home. There have been minimal staff changes since the last inspection, ensuring stability and consistency for young people. Positive and respectful relationships are evident between young people and those caring for them. They enjoy spending time together. Young people are active and engage in a wide variety of activities. The home benefits from an onsite gym, table tennis and softball facilities. However, young people also engage in activities in the local community, such as football, golf, fishing and the trampoline park. Staff continue to promote positive behaviour. Young people confirm that they are

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

clear about what is acceptable and anticipate a polite reprimand if they step beyond these boundaries. Consequently, young people are developing better ways to express themselves and learning socially acceptable behaviours. Staff continue to engage young people in discussion about how to keep themselves safe. Young people understand that staff are concerned about their welfare. There have not been any incidents of young people going missing from the home since the last inspection. However, despite this, staff maintain regular contact with other safeguarding agencies, such as the police. This ensures that staff are aware of any recent developments and that lines of communication are established, should any concerns arise. For example, the local police community support officer (PCSO) is attending the next staff meeting. Young people continue to be well placed in the home. Careful matching ensures that the needs of the young people are compatible and that risks are minimised

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

prior to their admission. Young people generally get on well together, with staff helping to sort out any minor disagreements quickly. The last full inspection of the home in December 2016 resulted in the making of just one recommendation. The registered manager has taken action to address this. He has amended the recording systems in the home to ensure that the time of the administration of any medication is now documented. Staff have also sought medical advice before ceasing to administer prescribed medication, when they have felt it to be unnecessary. This ensures the safe administration of medication. Staff continue to liaise well with young people’s families and professionals involved with them. Positive comments include, ‘They take time to understand and get to know the child that they are working with,’ and ‘Staff remained proactive and creative in their approach to [Name of the young person]. Excellent communication

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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 who 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

23/02/2016 Interim Sustained effectiveness

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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 that 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 0300 123 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 children looked after 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

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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