Children's home run by Hillcrest Children’s Services Ltd in Havant

Assurance inspection report for children's home: SC482293 1 SC482293

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Registered provider: Hillcrest Children’s Services Ltd

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This privately owned children’s home provides care for up to seven children with complex social and emotional difficulties who may have also suffered trauma. At the time of this inspection, three children were living in the home.

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Information about this children’s home

The home has been without a registered manager since 1 July 2024.

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Inspection date: 25 March 2025

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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Inspection date: 25 March 2025

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. The inspector has 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: SC482293 2

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Findings from the inspection

We did not identify any serious or widespread concerns. Since the last full inspection, in July 2024, two children have moved on from the home. Three children continue to live there. Leaders have decided not to welcome any new children into the home until a full staff team is in place.

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Findings from the inspection

At the time of the last full inspection, both the registered manager and deputy manager had left. A new responsible individual was appointed and an interim manager stepped in temporarily before returning to her previous role. During this transition, other managers provided leadership oversight. A new deputy manager has now been appointed and was available during this inspection. She has a good understanding of the children and has contributed to positive developments. A new manager was identified but plans to leave the organisation on 30 April 2025. A peripatetic manager has been appointed and plans to register with Ofsted.

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Findings from the inspection

Leaders take a thorough and child-centred approach to handling concerns and complaints. Investigations are well documented, with evidence of staff discussions, room searches and adherence to the complaints policy, ensuring fair and transparent outcomes for children. Bullying concerns are addressed through restorative practices focusing on rebuilding relationships, helping to foster a more positive and supportive environment for children.

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Findings from the inspection

Leaders have reinforced staff’s understanding of when to involve police in incidents at team meetings and in individual staff supervision. The focus has been on staff using their skills, experience and training to support children in managing their behaviours more positively. Clear on-call arrangements ensure that additional support is available when needed, which has successfully reduced police intervention. Incident reports demonstrate effective use of behaviour management strategies, prioritising de-escalation and the least restrictive measures. Child-focused debriefs emphasise children’s well-being and identify any need for further holistic support. This is significant progress from the last full inspection.

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Findings from the inspection

In July 2024, an allegation in relation to staff practice was referred to child protection professionals by a third party. The provider conducted an internal investigation and identified learning outcomes and actions, including additional staff training, team meetings and enhanced therapeutic approaches. However, due to leadership changes and a transition to a new electronic records system, the original investigation records were unavailable for review. Despite this, leaders were able to demonstrate that appropriate action had been taken.

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Findings from the inspection

Risk management is proactive, with risk assessments updated swiftly following incidents. Preventative strategies such as staff training, structured guidance on technology use and increased child supervision help to mitigate risks. Therapeutic support is well integrated, and where needed, safety plans are developed collaboratively with children, helping to ensure that children’s emotional and Assurance inspection report for children's home: SC482293 3 developmental needs are met. One child’s feedback reflects a more stable and supportive environment where they have more involvement in decision-making.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff supervision records show a positive commitment to professional development, with structured sessions focusing on staff well-being, accountability and ongoing growth. Despite recent staff departures, there is still a stable core team of staff who are familiar to the children.

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Findings from the inspection

The fire risk assessment review and monitoring by leaders reflect a proactive approach to safety, with all urgent actions promptly addressed to ensure the home remains compliant and secure. A structured plan is in place to complete the remaining actions within 12 months or address them as needed. Fire doors remain a key focus in leaders’ regularly reviewed action plan, with provision for the temporary relocation of children while the necessary work is carried out. This ensures both safety and minimal disruption to children’s well-being.

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Findings from the inspection

A recent quality assurance review conducted by a placing authority was highly positive, highlighting the significant improvements made since the home’s take over by a new provider. Leaders have implemented a live action plan addressing previous inspection findings and identifying areas for further development, demonstrating a strong commitment to continuous improvement and regulatory compliance.

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Findings from the inspection

All previous inspection requirements have been met, reflecting good progress in leadership, staff practice and outcomes for children.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

02/07/2024 Full Requires improvement to be good 01/11/2023 Full Good 07/09/2022 Full Good 21/03/2022 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children's home: SC482293 4

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions that the registered person(s) must take to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, The 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 provider must appoint a person to manage the children’s home if—

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Requirement Due date

there is no registered manager in respect of the home; and

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Requirement Due date

is not, or does not intend to be, in day-to-day charge of the home.

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Requirement Due date

If the registered provider appoints a person to manage the home, the registered provider must, without delay, give HMCI notice of—

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Requirement Due date

the name of the person so appointed; and

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Requirement Due date

the date on which the appointment takes effect. (Regulation 27 (1)(a)(b)(i)(ii)(iii) (2)(a)(b)) 1 July 2025 Assurance inspection report for children's home: SC482293 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Hillcrest Children’s Services Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Maybrook House, Third Floor, Queensway, Halesowen B63 4AH

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Inspector

Kelly Monniot, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children's home: SC482293 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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Inspector

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