Children's Home run by Hillcrest Children’s Services Ltd in Oxfordshire

Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC482295 1 SC482295

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Hillcrest Children’s Services Limited

Monitoring visit Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This privately owned home provides care and accommodation for up to seven children with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The registered manager’s post has been vacant since 30 March 2019.

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This monitoring visit

Ofsted last visited the home on 24 September 2019 when a full inspection was carried out. The purpose of this visit was to review: current registration arrangements for the manager; missing-from-care procedures; recent Regulation 44 report comments about medication practice; training for staff; and safe care for children with specific health needs. The visit was completed off site and included a review of documentation and meetings via video call.

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This monitoring visit

Since the last inspection, there have been two interim managers. The current manager is awaiting registration having submitted her application to Ofsted. A requirement from the last inspection was to ensure that the manager receives appropriate induction into their role. Records show that a thorough induction plan is in place and, for the current manager, this was completed to schedule. The manager also describes a strong culture of support from senior leaders within the organisation. She states that this has helped her to settle into the role quickly.

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This monitoring visit

The incidence of children going missing from the home is high. Staff practice in relation to the safeguarding of vulnerable children who go missing from care is well developed and consistently applied. Children have clear and comprehensive risk management strategies relating to going missing from care. The manager presented excellent evidence of inter-agency working to protect children who are prone to go missing. Children also have access to staff from outside agencies that specialise in protecting children at risk of criminal or sexual exploitation. Staff practice in Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC482295 2 response to missing-from-care episodes is good and all reasonable steps are taken to return children to safety as quickly as possible.

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This monitoring visit

Recent Regulation 44 reports note some inconsistency in the way health and medication information is recorded, with some records showing contradictory or incomplete information. The manager has responded to this deficit quickly. A full review of all health plans and records has been completed. The information is now clear and consistent throughout children’s plans. Staff have updated their medication administration training via the company’s online learning portal. The manager states that the Regulation 44 visitor’s advice is always helpful and constructive. She values the professional relationship she has developed with the visitor.

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This monitoring visit

The organisation has introduced a new online learning portal for staff. This aims to support staff to maintain compliance with mandatory training. It also gives access to a wide range of additional content that is relevant to staff’s roles in the home. Training records show good levels of mandatory training compliance for staff; this is despite the challenges of lockdown and the impact this has had on face-to-face training. However, staff say that time pressures when they are on shift mean that the time that is available to engage in online learning is often limited. They would like more dedicated time to complete the required courses.

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This monitoring visit

Recently an incident of restrictive practice resulted in a hold for a child that was contrary to the information contained within their individual behaviour support plan and health plans. This issue was picked up by the manager quickly and a thorough investigation led to some important learning for staff. This included improvements in communication, a sharper focus on staff keeping themselves informed when changes are made to children’s plans, and accurate record-keeping. Communication with external agencies after this incident, including with the local authority designated officer, was of a high standard.

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This monitoring visit

Overall, children at the home are making progress from some very challenging starting points. Staff feel well supported and morale is high. Staff face some ongoing challenges with highly vulnerable children who are prone to high-risk behaviours. A staff member said, ‘We are a really strong team in a respectful, supportive environment. Children can see that unity, and this gives them a sense of stability and security.’ Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC482295 3

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 24/09/2019 Full Good 29/08/2018 Full Good 15/11/2017 Full Good 07/10/2016 Interim Sustained effectiveness Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC482295 4

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that staff can access appropriate facilities and resources to support their training needs and should understand the key role they play in the training and development of staff in the home. In particular, the registered person should ensure that staff have appropriate time and resources to complete required training courses. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 51, paragraph 10.1)

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Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to monitor the action taken and the progress made by the children’s home since its last Ofsted inspection.

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Information about this inspection

This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000.

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Hillcrest Children’s Services Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Atria, Spa Road, Bolton BL1 4AG

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Sadie Dangerfield

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Inspector

Peter Jackson, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC482295 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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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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