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

Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2534684 1 Registered provider: Hillcrest Children’s Services Ltd

p.1

Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

p.1

Information about this children’s home

The home is registered to accommodate up to five children. However, the statement of purpose sets out the intention to support two children at a time. Children living in the home are planned to be accommodated on a short-term basis, lasting up to 24 weeks. During this time, children will be provided with a safe and therapeutically informed environment while a suitable long-term placement is identified.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

The manager was registered with Ofsted as part of the home’s reopening and its revised approach to the children and staff who she will support. She is currently undertaking a level 5 diploma in leadership and management for children living in a residential setting. The responsible individual was appropriately assessed as suitable in April 2024.

p.1

This monitoring visit

This monitoring visit was completed to evaluate the home’s readiness to reopen and to assess the suitability of the environment, staffing and systems to meet the needs of children, as set out in the revised statement of purpose.

p.1

This monitoring visit

In August 2024, a change in ownership and leadership led to plans to alter the home’s purpose. The last child moved out in September 2024, and the home remained closed while preparations for reopening with a new focus were underway. During these preparations, in November 2024, the provider requested that a condition be added to the home’s registration requiring Ofsted to be notified at least three months before any child moves in.

p.1

This monitoring visit

Senior leaders intend to reopen the home as a planned, trauma-informed service that is designed to meet the needs of children with complex emotional and behavioural difficulties. The model will involve close collaboration with a dedicated clinical team from the outset, including joint referral discussions, thorough Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2534684 2 information gathering and risk assessments to ensure that children are suitably and safely placed. Staff will receive specialist training to equip them with the skills required to provide therapeutic, relationship-based care.

p.1

This monitoring visit

The proposal includes individualised transition plans and a structured four-week clinical assessment to guide care planning and goal setting. This service aims to provide a safe, stabilising environment that supports children in crisis, with the goal of reducing the risk of unplanned or premature moves and helping them to progress towards longer-term positive outcomes.

p.2

This monitoring visit

The environment is safe and suitable for children to move into. The home is decorated to a high standard, with well-furnished bedrooms, a lounge, games room and kitchen/diner, creating a warm, child-focused atmosphere. Spacious indoor areas and scenic rural surroundings support a sense of calm and safety. A dedicated education room allows for flexible learning, including online or private tuition, recognising that short-term placements may not suit mainstream school enrolment.

p.2

This monitoring visit

The provider has recruited nine skilled and experienced staff ahead of the home’s reopening. These staff members have a strong understanding of the therapeutic model and are committed to delivering the intended outcomes for children. They are at various stages of the provider’s onboarding process. Senior leaders plan to have the team fully operational by September 2025, following a planned training programme, in preparation for children moving into the home.

p.2

This monitoring visit

Good recruitment procedures are in place and consistently applied. All staff undergo comprehensive background checks, reference verification and safeguarding vetting.

p.2

This monitoring visit

The responsible individual is engaging with placement authorities and the local authority to promote the service, particularly for children with high and complex needs, offering intensive support as a stabilisation home.

p.2

This monitoring visit

As a result of the findings from this monitoring visit, the three-month condition on the home’s registration has been lifted. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2534684 3

p.2

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

12/06/2024 Full Good 06/02/2024 Full Requires improvement to be good 17/05/2022 Full Good 20/05/2021 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2534684 4

p.3

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.

p.4

Information about this inspection

This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2534684 5

p.4

Children’s home details

Registered provider: Hillcrest Children’s Services Ltd

p.5

Children’s home details

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

p.5

Inspector

Kelly Monniot, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2534684 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 looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

p.5

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 . 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.6

Inspector

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

p.6

Inspector

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

p.6