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

Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: SC479650 1 SC479650

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Hexagon Care Services Limited

Monitoring visit Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home is privately operated and is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to six children or young people who may have emotional and behavioural difficulties. The home works specifically with children and young people who have a history of concerning sexualised behaviour and may require therapeutic input.

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This monitoring visit

This visit took place due to a number of notifications regarding allegations of concerning sexualised behaviour. The visit took place on and off site and included speaking to children and young people, parents and professionals. No concerns were found in relation to how children and young people are cared for and kept safe.

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This monitoring visit

Children and young people appear to feel very comfortable in their home. When asked for ideas for improvements, there were very few suggestions; a bigger television and reclining sofas. Children and young people benefit from positive, respectful relationships with staff. Clear routines and boundaries help children and young people to feel safe.

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This monitoring visit

Staff supervise children and young people’s interactions closely to ensure that they are safe but do this in a way that does not feel intrusive. The therapeutic approach is very much embedded into the day-to-day care. As a result, children and young people receive consistent, research-informed care. This helps them to work through any concerning behaviours that they may have.

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This monitoring visit

Clear risk management plans are in place that are both proactive and reactive to the risks presented. Due to staff following the plans, they have been able to intercept children and young people before they have been at risk. On one occasion, staff were able to find notes being left between children. Strategies such as allocated seating in the home and car help staff to observe communication discreetly. Direct Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: SC479650 2 work is also completed with children and young people, to help them understand safe and healthy relationships.

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This monitoring visit

Staff are suitably trained in areas that meet the needs of the children and young people. Staff spoken to are knowledgeable, invested in the children and young people, and work consistently. Staff have clearly identified roles and feel supported by managers.

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This monitoring visit

One young person has a history of viewing inappropriate content on their mobile phone. Staff help the young person to learn how to be safe online and prevent criminalisation without judgement. A phone application is used, with agreement, which helps staff to monitor internet use and notifies staff of any unsafe content. A contract is also in place that includes breaks in the day from using the mobile phone. This is to ensure that the young person’s mental health is not affected by overuse.

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This monitoring visit

Regular meetings take place with the therapists. This allows the team to review the risks and strategies being used, which are then put into therapeutic support plans. This improves staff’s understanding of the underlying needs and motivations behind the presenting behaviours.

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This monitoring visit

Children and young people have also been able to continue therapy sessions with measures in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus). As a result, children and young people are understood and well supported.

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This monitoring visit

Children and young people are respectful to each other, the staff and the home. Staff help children and young people to improve their tolerance and ability to compromise. On the day of the visit, the inspector was able to sit with five children and young people having lunch. It was evident that each has their own personality and feels able to express this. Conversations were appropriate, calm and entertaining.

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This monitoring visit

Children and young people contribute to cleaning the home and bedrooms. This increases their independence skills for the future and helps them to invest in their home now. All were proud of their bedroom.

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This monitoring visit

Staff have been creative in keeping children and young people active throughout the pandemic. Children and young people have enjoyed a range of activities, including fishing, kite flying, going to parks, running and playing indoor games, while other services have been closed.

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This monitoring visit

Children and young people only move in if they are well matched to the current group. As a result, young people have settled in quickly. Children and young people who have moved on from the home have remained in touch with staff.

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This monitoring visit

Children and young people are engaging with their education and this is considered an essential part of the daily routine. Good communication and planning with school Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: SC479650 3 and college take place to ensure that all the children and young people are safe and progressing.

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This monitoring visit

Managers work closely together and promote an open-door culture. Managers and staff are open to learning and reflection and do not promote a blame culture. As a result, staff are able to own their mistakes and improve their practice.

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This monitoring visit

Monthly independent visits take place but would be strengthened by including feedback from children and young people, parents and professionals.

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This monitoring visit

Feedback received as part of the visit is positive. Any suggestions made for improvements were discussed with and welcomed by the manager. One social worker said, ‘The key worker is really good and has a great understanding of [name of young person], one of the best key workers I’ve ever worked with. She is really firm and he respects her. I have been really impressed.’

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 04/12/2019 Full Outstanding 12/12/2018 Full Outstanding 14/02/2018 Interim Improved effectiveness 19/06/2017 Full Good Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: SC479650 4

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that the independent visitor completes a monthly review of the home that reviews a range of sources and includes the views of children, young people, parents and professionals. (‘Guide to the children’s home regulations including the quality standards’, page 65, paragraph 15.5)

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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: 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

Sylvia Eboigbe, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: SC479650 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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