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

Unique reference number SC060554 Inspection date 28/01/2013 Inspector Philip Cass Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 23/05/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This children's home provides care and accommodation for up to two young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. It is operated by a private organisation.

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The inspection judgements and what they mean

Good progress The children’s home has demonstrated continued improvement in quality of care and outcomes for children and young people and where appropriate has addressed all requirements and the large majority of recommendations that were raised at the previous inspection. Satisfactory progress The children’s home has maintained quality of care and outcomes for children and young people and where appropriate has addressed all requirements and the majority of recommendations that were raised at the previous inspection. Inadequate progress The children’s home has failed to address one or more requirements and/or has not met the majority of recommendations and/or the quality of care and outcomes for children and young people have declined since the last full inspection.

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Progress

Since their previous inspection the service is judged to be making good progress .

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Progress

At the last inspection in May 2012, the overall effectiveness rating for the home was judged to be adequate. The home has made good progress since the last inspection. Improvements in management and care quality mean that young people experience more positive outcomes. Two requirements and seven recommendations were made at the last inspection. These matters have been addressed in full.

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Progress

The registered persons were required to improve medication administration and disposal arrangements. The risk of incorrect administration of medication is reduced because all records are now securely bound and correctly completed. Medication storage systems are improved because accurate records are now kept when medicines are disposed of by the home.

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Progress

The home was also required to ensure that young people are provided with a telephone to make and receive private calls. A private phone is now available for young people. Their safety and welfare is improved because they can now raise concerns with social workers and advocacy groups without recourse to staff on duty. The home has addressed the recommendation that all young people communicate their views about the care and support provided. Staff are proactive in listening to the views of young people and acting on these views. This has led to improved sanctions, décor, activities and contact arrangements. Consultation is now clearly recorded. This supports managers to ensure that they can respond fully to the views of young people.

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Progress

It was recommended that sufficient staff members undertake first aid training. The home is now able to provide a better response to emergency medical situations because all staff have a first aid qualification. Consequently, the safety of young people is improved.

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Progress

The home was asked to improve the range of activities provided to young people. There is now better engagement between staff and young people. This results in improved participation in a range of stimulating activities. By developing interests and skills, young people develop improved self-esteem and learn to use their time more constructively.

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Progress

Staff were asked to ensure that young people are supported to keep memorabilia of their time in placement. A wide range of mementos, souvenirs and photographs are kept on behalf of the young people. This supports them to reflect positively on their time in care. In addition, by providing information and opportunities to explore their heritage, the home has improved the way it supports young people to understand their own culture and background.

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Progress

A further recommendation was made to improve management arrangements in the absence of the Registered Manager. An identified senior member of staff is now designated to take on management responsibility in the absence of the manager. This role is reflected in amended job descriptions and organisational structure. This improvement means that management of the home is more stable and robust. Clear lines of accountability promote effective decision making when the manager is absent.

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Progress

Managers were asked to regularly monitor all records kept by the home and to promptly address all identified shortfalls. Areas for improvement are now clearly highlighted and promptly addressed. This leads to continual improvements in the care, safety and well-being of young people.

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Progress

Where young people no longer receive compulsory full-time education, the home was asked to better support them to participate in further education, training or employment. There has been a marked improvement in attendance at further education provisions. In addition young people have undertaken work placements and have accessed seasonal employment. Although not all further education placements, work placements, or employment opportunities have been successfully completed, the home has raised the expectations and aspirations of young people. Because young people are given greater encouragement, there is an increased opportunity to achieve positive outcomes. In addition to the above, the home has undergone a refurbishment. This means that the standard of decoration and furniture throughout the home is significantly improved. Young people now benefit from a home that is more pleasant, welcoming and homely.

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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 to assess the effectiveness of the service and to consider how well it complies with the relevant regulations and meets the national minimum standards.

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About this inspection

The report details the progress made by the provider since the last full inspection, identifies any further strengths, any areas for improvement and makes judgements as outlined in the Inspection of children’s homes – framework for inspection.

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