Children's Home run by Mulberry House Care Homes Limited in Staffordshire

SC060554 Unique reference number 11 August 2009 Inspection date Jackie Callaghan Inspector Random Type of Inspection

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This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated.

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You can obtain copies of The Children Act 2004, Every Child Matters and The National Minimum Standards for Children's Services from: The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Cripins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop

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About this inspection

The purpose of this inspection is to assure children and young people, parents, the public, local authorities and government of the quality and standard of the service provided. The inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcome for children set out in the Children Act 2004 and relevant National Minimum Standards for the establishment.

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The inspection judgements and what they mean

this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is strong Good: this aspect of the provision is sound Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is not good enough Inadequate: 3 of 6 Inspection Report: SC060554

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Brief description of the service

This is one of five children's homes operated by the provider. It is a detached house that accommodates up to two young people between the ages of nine and 18 years of age. The home aims to offer a homely supportive environment where a young person can thrive and grow. It is located close to local amenities and travel networks.

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Brief description of the service

The home comprises of a reception room, lounge with dining facilities, overlooking a large back garden, and a large kitchen. The first floor has two large bedrooms with study facilities, a bathroom, study, and staff office/bedroom. At the time of this inspection the home was occupied by two young people.

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Summary

This was a random unannounced inspection that concentrated on following up actions and recommendations made at the their last inspection. The inspection focused on keeping the young people safe and how the home is managed.

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Summary

This inspection found that young people are protected by the good safeguarding processes. Care plans contain good behavioural guidelines and clearly outline management strategies. Regulation 33 visits are now taking place regularly. Staff supervisions, however, are still not taking place to robustly develop staff practice which helps to promote improvement for young people. The overall quality rating is satisfactory. This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection.

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Improvements since the last inspection

A training package is now in place which includes National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level 3. This provides all staff with the necessary training to develop their knowledge and skills. Young people's welfare is being further promoted because they all now have in place written consent from a person with parental responsibility for the administration of homely medication.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Staff supervision although improved, is still not meeting frequency timescales as identified by the National Minimum Standards and the action made at the homes last inspection is to be repeated. Regulation 33 visits are now taking place with regularity and young people benefit from staying at a home that is well monitored.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Young people's privacy and confidentially is respected by staff. Staff knock on bedroom doors before entering. Records are kept locked away and young people's issues are not discussed openly. There is a good range of policies and procedures that relate to the protection of young people. Staff receive child protection training, and are following the latest inter-agency policy 4 of 6 Inspection Report: SC060554 and reporting procedures. As a result, young people live in a stable and safe environment where their welfare is paramount.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is an effective system in place to record any concerns made known directly by young people, or by independent professionals advocating on their behalf. This helps young people and staff to work together to ensure care is continually appropriate.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people are protected from bullying as staff present a clear commitment to promoting behaviour that is respectful. There are good systems in place which are used successfully for young people when they are absent without authority. Risk assessments are recorded in relation to each young person’s vulnerability when absent from the home and staff follow a protocol with the local police, notifying them and the placing authority after agreed times according to the assessed level of risk.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff communicate clear expectations regarding boundaries which sufficiently help young people to begin to understand consequences for their behaviour. Staff’s approach to behaviour is based on redirection and purposeful intervention to calm the situation quickly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home operates a robust staff recruitment policy and practice. There are good fire risk assessments in place with weekly recorded monitoring of fire alarm bells, fire points and emergency lighting. Regular fire drills are taking place which exceeds National Minimum Standards (NMS) frequency requirements. This ensures that all young people and staff are knowledgeable about how to evacuate the building safely.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. There is continuity of staffing with young people having allocated staff for the duration of a shift. However, presently there is only one young person in the home and therefore at times only one staff member on duty. The home does have good risk assessments in place for lone working. However, staff members on these occasions are in sole charge of the home. There has been one occasion when the staff member on duty is relatively new and who has yet to complete their probationary period. This potentially places young people at some degree of risk and leaves the staff member in a vulnerable situation.

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Organisation

Staff receive appropriate training and benefit from regular staff meetings. However, staff are still not receiving regular formal supervision that helps them to develop their knowledge base and skills. New staff receive an induction package which prepares them for their role. Most staff have completed, or are undertaking National Vocational Qualifications. 5 of 6 Inspection Report: SC060554 There are good procedures for monitoring the operation of the provision with young people benefit from staying at a home that is well organised. The manager is suitably qualified and experienced for the role and provides effective leadership for the staff group. Consequently, young people receive consistent care.

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions, which must be taken so that the registered person meets the Care Standards Act 2000, The Childrens Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider must comply with the given timescales.

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Due date Action Standard

11 October 2009 ensure all staff receive appropriate supervision (Regulation 27. 4(a)).

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure that staff members who are in charge of the home have substantial relevant experience and/or have successfully completed their induction and probationary periods (NMS 29.3). 6 of 6 Inspection Report: SC060554

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