Children's Home run by St Hill Establishments Ltd in Kingston upon Hull

Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC385633 1 SC385633

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St Hill Establishments Limited

Monitoring visit Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

A private provider owns and operates this home. It is registered to provide care for up to five children who may have social, emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in July 2014.

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This monitoring visit

The monitoring visit was carried out to consider potential regulatory breaches following the sharing of information with Ofsted through the independent visitor’s reports. These concerns included children having access to relatively large amounts of money and possible substance misuse.

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This monitoring visit

Ofsted last inspected the home in July 2019 and completed a full inspection. This monitoring visit took place remotely and in line with COVID-19 (coronavirus) guidance. The inspectors reviewed children’s case files and records and spoke with children, managers and staff.

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This monitoring visit

There is no policy in place to address personal relationships between staff, for example family members working together. The operational procedure relating to this issue does not provide staff with clear guidance on how to raise a concern about members of staff who may be related to other more senior members of staff. A lack of transparency with regard to related staff working with each other potentially places children at risk of harm.

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This monitoring visit

With the support of a nurse, staff work hard to educate children on the dangers of substance misuse. However, some children remain reluctant to engage with these specialist agencies. Nevertheless, the registered manager ensures that children can easily access these services as and when they are ready to do so. Furthermore, children’s behaviour support plans provide staff with clear actions to follow to manage and reduce risks to children’s safety if they return to the home under the influence of illegal substances. As a result, children receive consistent care. Supporting children to make positive lifestyle choices remains a priority for the home. This is helping children to Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC385633 2 become increasingly safe and to better understand the impact that substance misuse has on their development and progress.

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This monitoring visit

The independent visitor raised concerns with regard to some children accessing and spending large amounts of money. Although this relates to children’s legitimate finances and allowances, managers and staff continue to work with children to help them to understand how to budget and monitor their own spending. This approach helps children to become more independent.

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This monitoring visit

During the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, children have remained in contact with their family. The registered manager recognises the importance of this contact and has a teepee set up in the grounds to facilitate face-to-face contact at the home. As a result, children are not isolated from their families.

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This monitoring visit

The registered manager and staff strongly advocate on behalf of children. They make sure that children’s wishes and views are heard, and that they receive the care and support that they need. For example, one child was supported to make a complaint to their local authority with regard to frequent changes to their allocated social worker. As a result, the children feel listened to and involved in the decisions about their lives.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 16/07/2019 Full Good 27/11/2018 Full Good 23/01/2018 Full Good 09/11/2016 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC385633 3

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Recommendations

 The registered person is responsible for maintaining good employment practice. In particular, the registered manager must ensure that a policy is in place for relatives working together and consider the safety and welfare of children in these circumstances. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 61, paragraph 13.1)

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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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Inspectors

Gemma McDonnell, Social Care Inspector Jane Titley, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC385633 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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