Children's Home run by Hillcrest Children‟s Services (2) Limited in Telford and Wrekin

Assurance inspection report for children's home: SC398377 1 SC398377

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Registered provider: Hillcrest Children’s Services (2) Limited

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home provides care for up to four children who have had adverse early childhood experiences and trauma. A large national provider operates this home.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager has been in post since 26 May 2023 and is in the process of applying to be registered with Ofsted.

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Inspection date: 4 December 2023

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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Inspection date: 4 December 2023

Enforcement action since last inspection: none

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Information about this inspection

At this inspection, the inspector evaluated:

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Information about this inspection

 the care of children  the safety of children  the effectiveness of leaders and managers. Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children, using the social care common inspection framework. This assurance inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000 to assess the effectiveness of the service, how it meets the core functions of the service as set out in legislation, and to consider how well it complies with The Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the ‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’. Assurance inspection report for children's home: SC398377 2

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Outcome from the inspection

We did not identify any serious or widespread concerns in relation to the care or protection of children at this assurance inspection.

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Findings from the inspection

At the time of this inspection, two children were living in the home. Since the last inspection, two children have moved out and one child has moved in.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager and staff fully considered the needs of the child who moved into the home, alongside those of the children already living there. The child visited the home and met the staff and other children before moving in, which supported a quick and smooth settling-in process.

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Findings from the inspection

The staff managed the transitions of the two children who moved out of the home well. They accompanied one child when visiting their new home, providing support and guidance throughout the process. The child chose to have a farewell meal with the staff and other children. The staff gave them a good luck hamper and a memory book, creating positive memories for the child of their time in the home.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff and the manager know what action to take to keep children safe. Children’s risk assessments are individualised and include details of their current risks. These are updated when there is a change in behaviour. The organisation’s clinician also contributes to risk assessments. Changes are discussed with staff in team meetings and supervisions, so that all staff are kept up to date. One child said, ‘The staff are good. I know I can go to them. They get me.’

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Findings from the inspection

Since the last inspection, staff have completed a wide range of training, including training in risk management, safeguarding and recording. The therapeutic model of care used in the home is understood by all staff. Consequently, staff have the knowledge and skills to improve the quality of care for the children.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager ensures that consequences for unwanted behaviour are proportionate and restorative. This has helped the children to make sense of their feelings and develop strategies to manage their emotions.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff’s strengths and areas for development are discussed in appraisals. Children are discussed and there is an emphasis on improving their care through staff development and high standards of practice.

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Findings from the inspection

Since the previous inspection, the manager has improved her audit systems. For example, her monitoring includes conducting unannounced spot checks to ensure that staff have the necessary knowledge and use required practices to deliver excellent care to the children. External monitoring by an independent person and quality assurance visits from the children’s local authority also highlight areas for Assurance inspection report for children's home: SC398377 3 development. The manager promptly addresses any shortfalls, contributing to the safety of children and promoting a high standard of care.

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Findings from the inspection

Overall, allegations are managed and dealt with well. The manager takes prompt action, ensuring that information is shared swiftly with external professionals to avoid delay and ensure that children are protected. The staff and manager act quickly when there are complaints. However, on one occasion, the manager did not inform the child of the outcome of their complaint. This does not reassure the child that their complaint has been taken seriously.

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Findings from the inspection

The quality of children’s missing-from-home risk management plans and protocols is good. They clearly set out what actions staff should take if a child goes missing from home. However, on one occasion, staff did not follow a child’s plan and the police were not contacted within the timescales set in the plan. Although no harm came to the child, failure to robustly follow missing-from-home protocols can leave children vulnerable.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

09/05/2023 Full Requires improvement to be good 25/01/2023 Full Requires improvement to be good 04/08/2021 Full Good 27/11/2019 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children's home: SC398377 4

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that staff update children with results of any complaints and that children’s views have been listened to and acted on. This specially relates to ensuring that children are informed of the outcome of any allegation they have made. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 22, paragraph 4.11)  The registered person should ensure that staff follow procedures when children go missing. This specifically relates to staff contacting the police within timescales documented in the child’s missing-from-home protocol. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 45, paragraph 9.28) Assurance inspection report for children's home: SC398377 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Hillcrest Children’s Services (2) Limited

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Children’s home details

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

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Inspector

Jas Nahar, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children's home: SC398377 6 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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