Children's home run by Hillcrest Children‟s Services (2) Limited in Stratford-on-Avon

Assurance visit report: SC461275 1 SC461275

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Information about this children's home

This privately run home offers support, education and therapeutic care for up to two children who may have experienced neglect, abuse or trauma which has left them vulnerable. The home is currently providing care for one child. The registered manager post is vacant.

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Information about this children's home

Previous inspection judgement: Improved effectiveness

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Information about this visit

Due to COVID-19 (coronavirus), Ofsted suspended all routine inspections in March 2020. As part of a phased return to routine inspection, we are undertaking assurance visits to children's social care services that are inspected under the social care common inspection framework (SCCIF).

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Information about this visit

At these visits, inspectors evaluate the extent to which:

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Information about this visit

 children are well cared for  children are safe  leaders and managers are exercising strong leadership. This visit was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000, following the published guidance for assurance visits.

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Information about this visit

Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Education, Children's Services and Skills is leading Ofsted's work into how England's social care system has delivered child-centred practice and care within the context of the restrictions placed on society during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Findings from the visit

There were no serious or widespread concerns identified in relation to the care or protection of children at this assurance visit. Assurance visit report: SC461275 2

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The care of children

There is currently one young person living in the home. Staff provide him with good- quality and individualised care to meet his needs. Staff turnover has been high; however, the home is working hard to ensure there is minimal impact upon the young person.

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The care of children

Staff understand the young person’s views. Key-work sessions and day-to-day discussions provide him with opportunities to influence the care he receives. Where appropriate to do so, staff take the young person’s requests into account when planning his care.

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The care of children

Staff have followed the national guidance that was put in place because of the COVID-19 pandemic. At times, this has meant that staff have needed to be creative in helping the young person to remain in touch with people who are important to him.

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The care of children

The young person attends an education provision that supports his identified needs. Staff support this young person well to access education, including supporting him on a one-to-one basis at his provision. This has enabled the young person to remain at this provision due to a decrease in incidents with his peers.

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The care of children

The young person’s health needs have not been consistently met by staff. There has been an occasion where the young person was administered too high a dosage of paracetamol. There has been a further incident where staff have not challenged health professionals on the amount of medication a child was taking and the duration of this. Leaders have taken appropriate action to address these issues on both occasions. The young person’s care plan should reflect up-to-date and relevant information relating to his health.

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The safety of children

Staff have a good understanding of the young person’s vulnerabilities and the potential for him to place himself at risk of harm. Managers ensure that there are a range of risk assessments in place, which are updated. Risk assessments are of good quality and provide staff with details about the context of the young person’s behaviours. Staff are taking appropriate actions and measures when the young person leaves the home in an unplanned way or is missing from home.

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The safety of children

The young person’s risk-taking behaviour continues to be of concern. However, there is a decrease in incidents. Staff use their relationships with the young person to engage and de-escalate behaviour wherever possible. As a result, staff have not needed to use physical intervention for over six months.

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The safety of children

Managers notify Ofsted appropriately when there are incidents in the home. This ensures that the regulator maintains oversight between visits. One recent allegation against staff has been investigated thoroughly. This information was shared with the designated officer, who was satisfied with the outcomes of the investigation. Assurance visit report: SC461275 3 Managers have given consideration to whether new young people are able to move into the home. At this time, they have risk assessed that given the current young person’s needs, no further young people should move into the home.

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The safety of children

Staff usually use measured and proportionate sanctions. However, on one occasion, staff gave the young person two sanctions for one issue. This was identified through management oversight and a more appropriate response was agreed. This helps the young person have a better understanding of his behaviour.

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Leaders and managers

There is currently no manager in the home. However, recruitment is underway. In the absence of a manager, the responsible individual is supporting and overseeing the home. As a result of her leadership, staff are well supported and better equipped to meet the needs of the young person. There is also a deputy manager in day-to- day charge of the home.

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Leaders and managers

Staff receive a comprehensive training package within their probation period. This ensures staff have the skills and knowledge to meet the needs of young people. Staff benefit from regular supervisions with managers, which often enables them to reflect on and improve their practice.

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Leaders and managers

There are systems in place for monitoring and reviewing the care provided in the home. Throughout the pandemic, the independent visitor has continued to provide external scrutiny. The responsible individual also undertakes a monthly audit of the home, which has proven to be a useful measure. Managers and leaders have acted swiftly to rectify any shortfalls. Where training has not been able to take place due to COVID-19, the manager has arranged for staff to access online training. This enables staff to update their knowledge and skills to meet the needs of children.

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Leaders and managers

Leaders and managers have addressed previous requirements raised at the last inspection. Steps have been taken to address shortfalls within the fire risk assessment dated March 2020. Managers have also ensured that quality of care reviews are comprehensively completed.

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Recommendations

 Medicines must be administered in line with a medically approved protocol. Records must be kept of the administration of all medication, which includes occasions when prescribed medication is refused. Regulation 23 requires the registered person to ensure that they make suitable arrangements to manage, administer and dispose of any medication. Where the home has questions or concerns about a child’s medication, they should approach an Assurance visit report: SC461275 4 expert such as a General Medical Practitioner, community pharmacist or designated nurse for looked-after children. ('Guide to the children's homes regulations including the quality standards', page 35, paragraph 7.15)

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Recommendations

 The behaviour management strategy should be understood and applied at all times by staff, and must be kept under review and revised where appropriate. ('Guide to the children's homes regulations including the quality standards', page 46, paragraph 9.34)

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Recommendations

 Staff should be familiar with the home’s policies on record keeping and understand the importance of careful, objective, and clear recording. ('Guide to the children's homes regulations including the quality standards', page 62, paragraph 14.4)

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Children's home details

Registered provider: Hillcrest Children's Services (2) Limited

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Children's home details

Registered provider address: Turnpike Gate House, Alcester Heath, Alcester, Warwickshire B49 5JG

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Inspectors

Ann-Marie Jones, Social care regulatory inspector Rebecca Quested, Social care regulatory inspection manager Assurance visit report: SC461275 5 to 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 children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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