Children's home run by Hexagon Care Services Limited

Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2509367 1

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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 privately run home provides care for up to three children aged between 11 and 17. The home specialises in providing medium- or long-term therapeutic residential care for children with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The registered manager was working their final day on the day of the visit.

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This monitoring visit

Due to the restrictions in place relating to COVID-19 (coronavirus), this visit took place off site. This visit was undertaken to address specific concerns being shared with Ofsted in relation to changes in leadership and management, appropriateness of sanctions, young peoples access to resources and engagement in activities including education and reviews, and continuing use of virtual regulation 44 visits. In addition, it has been over a year since Ofsted last visited the home. The visit included a review of documents, a virtual tour of the building and discussions with staff and relevant professionals.

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This monitoring visit

Children living in the home benefit from a therapeutic approach which is embedded within the staff team. This enables children to receive both formal and informal therapy to process previous trauma and build the skills to manage their emotions.

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This monitoring visit

A new manager has been appointed to replace the current registered manager. A new deputy manager is already in post. The responsible individual is supporting the transition of the managers and consistency from the therapists is intended to provide a level of stability for the children during these management changes.

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This monitoring visit

Children are aware of the reasons for the home’s rules and boundaries that are implemented by the staff. As a result, sanctions are rarely implemented and are clear and proportionate with the child’s voice being heard. Children’s records provide clarity and promote consistency for the children and staff team. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2509367 2 Children are involved in decisions regarding their care. When children decline to engage in formal meetings, their voice is still heard through staff who advocate on their behalf. This ensures that children influence their plans.

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This monitoring visit

The manager has been creative in developing the staff’s knowledge and understanding regarding e-safety during the restrictions in place due to COVID-19. This includes adapting some training courses to being held virtually and the creation of work packs to aid learning while awaiting face-to-face courses. The training and support staff have received has prepared them to meet the needs of the children.

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This monitoring visit

Medication records are difficult to read and are not consistently completed. Medication is not always safely administered or stored appropriately. This is not safe practice and has the potential to lead to serious errors.

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This monitoring visit

Most of the regulation 44 visits have been completed virtually. While these reports are detailed, factual errors within them significantly change the reader’s understanding. However, going forward, visits will take place in person to enable full scrutiny. This will promote the independent visitor’s ability to clarify information while on site.

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This monitoring visit

The previous recommendation regarding supervision records was not checked during this visit.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 23/01/2020 Interim Sustained effectiveness 16/09/2019 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2509367 3

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions that the registered person must take to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the ‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’. The registered person(s) must comply within the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must make arrangements for the handling, recording, safekeeping, safe administration and disposal of medicines received into the children’s home. (Regulation 23 (1))

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Requirement Due date

In particular, ensure that recording is legible and accurate, including dual signing when required. Any medication dispensed but not taken should be destroyed safely and as soon as possible. 30 May 2021

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that supervision records include any follow- up work that is needed following an allegation against staff. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 39, paragraph 8.15)  The registered person should ensure that physical visits to the home take place by the independent visitor when completing regulation 44 visits and that reports are accurate. (‘Guide to the children’s homes 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. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2509367 4

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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

Responsible individual: Thomas Cappleman

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Inspector

Debra Boldy, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2509367 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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