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 outstanding at the full inspection. At this interim inspection Ofsted judges that it has improved effectiveness .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Since the last inspection the home has continued to provide an exceptionally high standard of care. Young people are appropriately safeguarded due to the dedicated and vigilant staff team, strengthened by a committed manager. As a result the home has seen a significant reduction in missing from care episodes, drug misuse and associated behaviours. A staff member captured the ethos of the home: ‘It is a great place to work, we achieve positive outcomes for young people, sometimes it is a battle, but we get there in the end.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home made a difficult decision to give notice on one young person due to the influence and impact his behaviour had on the other young people. A successful transition was achieved, with the young person moving to a home that could better meet his needs.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

All the young people are engaging in education with a marked improvement in both attendance and attainment. The combination of a more relaxed atmosphere, and the importance placed on creating a learning culture, has seen a change in focus and direction for some young people. One young person has re-engaged in education to such an extent that he is being re-integrated back into mainstream school.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The staff team are instrumental in working with the young people through key work sessions, weekly group meetings and extra curricula activities. They are mindful of individuals’ likes, dislikes and worries. In consultation with the young people there was a consensus to go abroad for their annual summer holiday this year, due to the success of the previous year’s holiday abroad. For some of the young people this will be their first experience of going abroad and experiencing a different culture.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Two young people have been admitted to the home since the last inspection. For one young person this was an emergency admission. The staff team, with the involvement of a young person, facilitated an introduction that offered reassurance and minimised anxieties. The home has been in regular and close communication with the placing authority to ensure the young person’s cultural and diversity needs are fully understood. The planned admission for the other young person was carefully managed with a clear understanding of the concerns. This enabled the home to identify specialist services and early intervention. This has seen a significant improvement in the overall well-being of the young person and may precipitate an earlier return home.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The independence plan for one young person continues to be a priority, with the emphasis on encouraging the young person to take responsibility for domestic and budgeting tasks. The home is working closely with the leaving care service to ensure the most appropriate provision is identified that will reduce social isolation. Staff will continue to offer outreach support ‘above and beyond’ expectations, in the acknowledgement of the relationships that have developed with the young person.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home is run by a manager and staff team that are extremely child- and young person-centred, with their needs being of paramount importance. This, combined with a cheerful and homely atmosphere, ensures that young people are able to meet their full potential. The home continues to be effectively managed.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The requirements made at the last inspection are met. The downstairs staff bathroom has been refurbished with a new ventilation system, and dining room chairs have been purchased.

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Information about this children’s home

This is a privately run children’s home that provides accommodation for up to six children who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 24/01/2017 Full Outstanding 09/03/2016 Interim Sustained effectiveness 20/08/2015 Full Good

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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

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 Text phone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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