Children's home run by Hillcrest Children’s Services Ltd

Information about this children’s home

This is a privately owned home. It provides care for up to eight children with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. The organisation also runs a registered school that children living in the home may attend. The manager registered with Ofsted in June 2020.

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Information about this children’s home

Previous inspection judgement: Outstanding

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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.

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Information about this visit

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

We did not identify any serious or widespread concerns in relation to the care or protection of children at this assurance visit. Assurance visit report: 1259508 2

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The care of children

All staff, including new staff, understand the model of care described in the home’s statement of purpose. The message given to children before they move in is very welcoming. This includes buying them a gift for their bedroom that matches their hobbies and interests, as well as decorating the room to suit their taste. During the assurance visit, one child told the inspectors that the best thing about living in the home was the staff.

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The care of children

The current group of children are very settled. The staff are all very caring and trained to meet the children’s individual needs, particularly during unforeseen events. During the national lockdown the staff quickly adapted their role and tasks to ensure that the children were still educated and engaged in activities. The staff prepared and implemented new routines and structure as well as giving the children a lot of positive attention throughout this time.

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The care of children

Children have access to a wide range of activities. The home is well resourced and offers the children the opportunity to spend time doing things that they like to do, for example, keeping fit and healthy on the Astroturf, baking brownies and taking care of the rabbits and birds in the aviary. The staff use this time with the children to build and maintain the relationships they have with them.

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The care of children

Children are supported to keep in touch with the important people in their lives. Through the national lockdown and the easing of restrictions, the staff organised socially distanced visits between the children and their families, which was well received. Children were also able to use their technology to keep in touch with friends.

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The safety of children

The overall safety and well-being of children is put first. Well-thought-out plans aim to protect the children from the impact of COVID-19. Staffing ratios have been maintained at a safe level without the need to use agency staff. The two existing staff teams already work for long continuous periods which has helped to minimise the risk of transmission. However, staff are also willing to go the extra mile to keep the children safe. This includes one member of staff moving out of their family home to carry on working.

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The safety of children

The registered manager has created a culture that allows the children to express themselves freely and learn from their mistakes. There is a clear separation between their behaviour at school and at home in terms of the staff’s response. Consequences are closely linked to the children’s behaviour and every day is considered a new day. This positive approach gives the children every opportunity to repair and move on.

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The safety of children

All staff are alert and respond quickly to safeguarding issues. The correct procedures are followed to ensure that the children are kept safe while concerns are followed up. The registered manager uses the designated officer appropriately to help to Assurance visit report: 1259508 3 decide the next steps. This includes suspending, disciplining and dismissing staff if necessary. This action, along with improved opportunities to share their views, reassures the children that they are listened to and that what they say is taken seriously.

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Leaders and managers

Since April, the home has been well led by an experienced and effective registered manager. Following a short period of instability at the beginning of the year, senior managers asked her to return to the previously held position. These arrangements, together with a strengthened management team, have given the staff clear direction and continuity. Because of this, the children’s experiences are more positive and linked to their care plans.

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Leaders and managers

The registered manager has a clear vision for the home. Her commitment to maintaining the high standards is evident in the way she leads the staff team. Supported by the responsible individual, she has full autonomy when making final decisions about the timing and suitability of new children moving in. This shows that the needs of the children are put first.

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Leaders and managers

All staff have access to a range of training to enable them to carry out their role. Using the various processes in place, leaders and managers can check that staff are kept up to date. However, due to COVID-19, face-to-face training was suspended. Recognising the potential impact of this, online training was made available to fill the gaps. As a result, monitoring information shows that staff are where they should be in terms of their professional development.

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Leaders and managers

The recommendations made at the last inspection have been met. No requirements or recommendations are made following this visit.

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Hillcrest Children’s Services Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Hillcrest Children’s Services Ltd, Turnpike Gate House, Alcester Heath, Alcester, Warwickshire B49 5JG

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Inspectors

Amanda Harvey, Social Care Inspector Jill Sephton-Wright, Social Care Inspector Assurance visit report: 1259508 4 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

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

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