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

Inspection report children’s home: SC479654 1 SC479654 Registered provider: Hexagon Care Services Limited Interim inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This is a private children’s home that provides care and accommodation for up to six male young people who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

Judgement at last inspection: Inadequate

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged inadequate at the last full inspection. At this interim inspection, the home was ‘not judged’.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

No judgement was made at this inspection because the home does not currently provide accommodation for young people. The home has not been operational since the last young person left in July 2017. The registered provider has indicated that the home will not be operational for another four to six weeks to enable the necessary improvement and building work to be completed in preparation for accepting young people into the home.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

Improvements have been achieved in the home’s staffing arrangements. Recruitment of skilled staff is ongoing and the existing team has been dispersed across the organisation, and staff are working with young people in different homes. The provider and deputy manager have implemented robust arrangements to ensure that the staff are well supported and guided to fulfil their roles. The staff team members have continued to Inspection report children’s home: SC479654 2 receive training and supervision for the roles while working in different homes. This ensures that staff are kept fully informed of developments and have the necessary skills and knowledge to provide continuity of care for young people.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

Since the last inspection, reasonable action has been taken to improve safeguarding practice within the home. The provider has been proactive and has revised the format for risk assessments. This ensures a more comprehensive account of young people’s individual needs and provides improved guidance for staff to enable them to effectively manage to promote young people’s safety.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

At the last inspection, a requirement was raised in relation to the promotion of education. Clear evidence was presented at this inspection of a significant increase in the use of educational resources. Furthermore, in future, young people admitted to the home will be able to attend the organisation’s school with support from the in-house education department. This proactive, well-planned approach means that young people will not be out of education for long periods and, therefore, will be able to progress in line with their peers.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

Improvements have been made to the recording systems in the home. Case files are well organised and demonstrate that recording practice is more effective. Furthermore, staff attended a recent recording skills refresher training. This back-to-basics approach has helped re-focus and support staff in their roles.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

The provider has addressed the requirement raised in relation to fire precautions. The deputy manager has carried out fire drills in accordance with their fire procedure. Moreover, staff have attended an updated fire safety training. This ensures that staff know what action to take to safeguard young people in the event of a fire in the home.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

To conclude, the provider continues to make good progress with the improvement plan. The deputy manager has taken action to address the previous requirements, which demonstrates her ability to learn from inspections.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

Moving forward, the provider has demonstrated that the organisation is focused on developing systems and improving the overall effectiveness of home. The home will remain closed until the building work has been completed and staff have attended relevant training. The provider has voluntarily agreed to inform Ofsted of its intention to admit young people once the home is operational.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

No shortfalls were identified as part of this inspection.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

23/05/2017 Full Inadequate Inspection report children’s home: SC479654 3 22/03/2017 Interim Declined in effectiveness 20/12/2016 Full Good 29/02/2016 Interim Sustained effectiveness

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Information about this inspection

Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children and young people. Inspectors considered the quality of work and the differences made to the lives of children and young people. They watched how professional staff work with children and young people and each other and discussed the effectiveness of help and care provided. Wherever possible, they talked to children and 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 whom it is trying to help, protect and look after.

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Information about this inspection

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

Using the ‘Social care common inspection framework’, this inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000 to assess the effectiveness of the service, how it meets the core functions of the service as set out in legislation, 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’.

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Hexagon Care Services Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Unit 1 Tustin Court, Riversway, Preston PR2 2YQ

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Inspector

Ceri Evans, social care inspector Inspection report children’s home: SC479654 4 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, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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