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

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC482517 1 SC482517

p.1

Registered provider: Hexagon Care Services Limited

p.1

Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

p.1

Information about this children’s home

This privately run home provides care for up to four children aged between 11 and 17 years old with social, emotional and mental health difficulties.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted on 26 February 2025. They are suitably experienced and hold the relevant qualification.

p.1

Inspection date: 24 March 2025

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

p.1

Inspection date: 24 March 2025

Enforcement action since last inspection: none

p.1

Information about this inspection

At this inspection, the inspector evaluated:

p.1

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: SC482517 2

p.1

Findings 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.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

Two children live at the home. Both children were spoken to during the inspection. Since the full inspection, two children have moved out in line with their care plans. Staff have continued to support both children's transition into their new homes.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

There has been significant positive change to the home environment. Children are now provided with a child-friendly, warm and cosy environment to live in. Their wishes, feelings and interests are evident in the décor and furnishings. Children feel comfortable in their home. The home is beautifully decorated, and staff are preparing for Easter festivities. The fencing in the back garden is being replaced to enhance the home’s security.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

The atmosphere in the home is harmonious and relaxed. There is a strong sense of togetherness between children and staff and within the staff team. Children feel safe and happy. They like living at the home and have developed a sense of belonging. Both children have improved confidence and self-esteem.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

Children have detailed education plans. There is a collaborative approach to supporting children to engage in education. One child now attends online learning every day. This is good progress given their starting point. Staff have advocated for the child to receive an education, health, and care plan. This will help to identify a more appropriate learning environment for them. The registered manager has implemented education trackers to monitor children’s education. This ensures that children receive good support in the absence of formal education.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

Staff support children’s relationships with their families. This helps children to remain in touch safely with people who are important to them. Family members are able to visit children in their home. Children also enjoy sleepovers with their siblings and their friends. Staff also organise activities during special events such as birthdays. These relationships have significantly improved children’s emotional well-being. They have also helped staff to form trusting relationships with children. As a result, children have achieved stability and feel safe and reassured.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

Managers have reviewed the format of children’s risk assessments and care plans. Risk assessments set out in detail children’s presenting risks. They contain clear guidance for staff to follow to keep children safe. Overall, staff follow this guidance and take prompt action to safeguard children.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

Incidents of children going missing from the home have significantly reduced. One child who frequently went missing for long periods is now investing in the home. They are also engaging with education and attending health appointments with staff. This progress has helped to reduce concerns around criminal exploitation. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC482517 3 One child moved out with immediate notice. This was in the best interests of other children living at the home. Incidents that occurred at the home had a negative impact on them, particularly in relation to their emotional well-being. This became known during consultation with the children after the child left. Managers completed a lessons learned exercise using a theoretical model of reflection. They identified several actions to improve children’s experiences living at the home.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

Overall, children are receiving care in line with the home’s statement of purpose. Staff have a much better understanding of children’s needs. They respond with empathy and are non-judgemental.

p.3

Findings from the inspection

Staff are implementing consistent routines and boundaries for children. Children receive praise and meaningful incentives. As a result, their ability to manage their emotions safely has improved. They feel wanted, valued and cared for. However, one child’s record contained language that is oppressive.

p.3

Findings from the inspection

Managers have monitoring systems in place. The registered manager completes a monthly audit. However, there is a delay in their completion of the most recent report, which is now overdue. Actions from their audits are appropriate and when implemented will improve children’s care.

p.3

Findings from the inspection

All of the requirements and recommendations issued at the full inspection were met. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC482517 4

p.3

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

09/07/2024 Full Requires improvement to be good 22/08/2023 Full Requires improvement to be good 18/10/2022 Full Requires improvement to be good 15/12/2021 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC482517 5

p.4

Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that consultation with children on their experiences living at the home is routine, in particular around their relationships with other children who live at the home and the impact of children’s behaviours on one another. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 22, paragraph 4.10)  The registered person should ensure that the language used by staff and how this is recorded is non-stigmatising and non-oppressive. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 62, paragraph 14.4)  The registered person must ensure that the manager’s audits are recorded promptly so that action taken to rectify shortfalls is evident prior to their next audit. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 55, paragraph 10.24) Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC482517 6

p.5

Children’s home details

Registered provider: Hexagon Care Services Limited

p.6

Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Unit 1 Tustin Court, Riversway, Preston, Lancashire PR2 2YQ

p.6

Inspector

Sarah Berry, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC482517 7 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.

p.6

Inspector

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.7

Inspector

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.7

Inspector

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.7

Inspector

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.7