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 privately run children’s home that provides care and accommodation for up to six young people who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

Judgement at last inspection: not judged

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Information about this children’s home

Date of last inspection: 13 September 2017

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Information about this children’s home

Enforcement action since last inspection: not applicable

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged inadequate at the last full inspection. At the interim inspection, Ofsted judges that it has improved effectiveness.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home was not operational between July 2017 and January 2018. The registered provider closed the home for this period of time to enable the necessary improvement and building work to be completed in preparation for accepting young people into the home. This interim inspection took place on 21 February 2018, to check that the registered provider has taken sufficient steps to improve the service.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

Since the inspection, one young person has been admitted to the home. This transition was well planned and coordinated sensitively in a way that provided maximum support to the young person. The young person has settled in remarkably well. He has known some of the staff from his previous placement in a sister home, and several of his core staff team moved with him. This has enabled the young person to settle in and feel comfortable in his new home.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

A number of shortfalls in safeguarding practice were noted at the previous full Inspection report children’s home: SC479654 2 inspection. There is clear evidence of progress in this area. The members of the staff team demonstrate a thorough understanding of their roles and responsibilities. Behaviour is also sensitively and effectively managed by staff. This is because the staff team members know the young person well and work cohesively as a team. Staff are alert to escalating anxieties and intervene quickly to reduce distress. This ensures that the young person feels secure and safe with his staff team.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

The young person’s risks and vulnerabilities are recorded in his individual plans, which are regularly updated. These are well understood and consistently followed by staff. The newly appointed manager has recognised the importance of equipping staff with the skills to meet the young person’s needs. As such she has identified a number of additional learning opportunities to further enhance their knowledge base.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

There is clear evidence that the newly appointed manager has made significant progress in addressing the shortfalls identified at the previous inspection. Although new to this post, she has previous experience as a deputy manager and has worked in social care for a number of years. She has a good understanding of the complex needs of the young person and demonstrates a strong commitment to ensuring that he receives a good level of care and support.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home is now well resourced in terms of staffing. There is a good mix of knowledge and experience in the staff team. Newly appointed staff have received a through induction to equip them with the knowledge to fulfil their role. All mandatory training has been kept up to date, including safeguarding and behaviour management. Regular team meetings, daily handovers and supervision also offer an opportunity for reflection. This ensures that staff keep their knowledge and skills up to date.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff reported that communication with their colleagues is excellent and staff morale has improved. One staff member said: ‘The service has come full circle, it’s 100% better. The team work well together and everyone is really happy and motivated.’ There is clear evidence that the manager and the staff team have worked together to drive improvements. This team approach has helped to develop and shape the overall ethos of the service.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager has tackled effectively the shortfalls in the physical environment of the home. The home has been completely upgraded and transformed throughout. The home is now a clean, comfortably furnished and welcoming environment for young people, staff and visitors.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

To conclude, evidence gathered at this inspection highlights that the home has a capacity to improve. No further requirements have been made at this inspection. This, again, demonstrates an ability to learn from inspection and develop practice throughout the service. Inspection report children’s home: SC479654 3

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

13/09/2017 Interim Not judged 23/05/2017 Full Inadequate 22/03/2017 Interim Declined in effectiveness 20/12/2016 Full Good

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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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Children’s home details

Registered manager: Post vacant Inspection report children’s home: SC479654 4

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Inspector

Ceri Evans, social care inspector Inspection report children’s home: SC479654 5 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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