DrPA Secure - Oakhill Secure Training Centre

We looked at 3 quality statements in this key question. Staff demonstrated compassion and children felt well cared for, but clinical records often lacked evidence of involvement in care planning, and many children had no care plans, creating risks. Workforce morale was positive, staffing levels were generally sufficient, and recruitment processes were robust, though mental health teams faced high workloads pending service redesign. Staff were skilled in responding to needs, but systemic issues such as incomplete handovers occasionally delayed care. Children had excellent access to staff and felt able to discuss their health freely.

We looked at 4 quality statements in this key question. Children in the STC did not consistently receive timely or comprehensive health assessments, and some records lacked critical information or updates when needs changed. Additional assessments, while valued, were non-clinical and could not compensate for incomplete CHAT assessments. Care records were often fragmented, and handover processes failed to capture essential tasks, resulting in missed interventions. Substance misuse cases were not managed in line with national guidance due to insufficient training and policies. Despite these shortcomings, staff demonstrated commitment to health promotion, and children had access to routine services such as vaccinations, though uptake remained below average.

We looked at 5 quality statements in this key question. Many children lacked person-centred care plans, and existing plans were often incomplete. Communication needs were understood, yet SALT recommendations and multilingual resources were not consistently shared with relevant professionals. There was no formal feedback process, though children knew how to raise complaints. Access to care was flexible with reasonable adjustments made, but these were not always documented. Staff were experienced and trained.

We looked at 8 quality statements in this key question. We found concerns regarding healthcare and medicines management, including incomplete care records, missed healthcare interventions and poor documentation of risks. Medicines administration and stock control were inconsistent, with gaps in electronic records, delays in therapy, and inadequate emergency provisions. Mental health care was delayed, and key health information was not always obtained on admission. Positive improvements included robust safeguarding practices, good access to allied health professionals, good infection control practice, increased staffing, and the introduction of assistant psychologists, which enhanced care and outcomes. The provider took immediate action to address concerns raised during the inspection.

We looked at 6 quality statements in this key question. The inspection found some improvements had been made however, gaps remain. Mental health services lacked clear implementation plans, referral processes, and consistent risk oversight, while primary care and substance misuse pathways were absent. Systems were unreliable, audits insufficient, and partnership with community services weak. Leadership was strong and committed, staff felt supported, and diversity was valued.