Children's home run by Mulberry House Care Homes Limited

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged Good at the full inspection. At this interim inspection Ofsted judge that it has sustained effectiveness .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Since the last full inspection in January 2016 the home has sustained effectiveness. The three requirements made have been addressed. No recommendations or requirements were made as a result of this inspection. The current manager has been in post since December 2014. She is in the process of registration with Ofsted. The manager is undertaking the management level 5 Diploma and has over seven years’ experience in management.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Since the last inspection the manager has taken action to address the requirements made. Young people now have bedrooms that provide suitable furnishings. For example, carpets have been replaced and furniture put back into place. This provides young people with a homely environment where they can relax.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The views, comments and signatures of young people are now recorded after all positive and negative consequences. This helps staff to track patterns and trends of behaviour. As a result, key working discussions are held on topics that enable young people to express their feelings further in relation to any consequence of negative behaviour. Staff are now skilled and knowledgeable about how to respond to behaviour that requires the use of physical intervention. All staff have received refresher training in the use of the measure. This means young people are supported by trained staff.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people are safe and protected from harm or abuse. There has been no incidents of physical intervention, risk taking behaviour or missing from care. Young people are safe and protected against harm or abuse because staff take action to protect them. They know and understand the safeguarding procedures and whistle blow where necessary. This keeps young people safe.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager has begun to improve the interior of the home. For example, the hall stairs and landing have been decorated and replacement carpets provided in two bedrooms. This has refreshed the home environment and made it more welcoming and attractive. Young people continue to make progress. They all attend full time education, are in good health and benefit from positive relationships. A social worker said, ‘The service is good: they form very good relationships.’ Young people receive contact with those who are important to them. This strengthens bonds and friendships. Staff work in partnership with external agencies to ensure plans for leaving care offer the best opportunities.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

In preparation for leaving care young people are encouraged to become independent. Staff are beginning to introduce semi-independence folders that help young people to complete tasks. This promotes and enhances skills required when leaving care. A staff member said, ‘He is doing well: shopping for his meals, some attempt to do laundry and cooking his own meals’.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager continues to monitor the home’s progress. New forms have been introduced to enable staff to evidence key working sessions that were seen to be inconsistent. This helps the manager to track progress and monitor outcomes.

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Information about this children's home

The children’s home is registered for three young people who have emotional and/or behaviour difficulties. It is one of several homes operated by an independent provider.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

19/03/2015 CH - Interim Declined in effectiveness

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Recent inspection history

13/03/2014 CH - Interim Satisfactory progress

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What the inspection judgements mean

At the interim inspection we make a judgement on whether the home has improved in effectiveness, sustained effectiveness, or declined in effectiveness since the previous full inspection. This is in line with the Inspection of children's homes: framework for inspection.

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Information about this inspection

Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children and young people living in the children's home. Inspectors considered the quality of work and the difference adults make to the lives of children and young people. They read case files, watched how professional staff work with children, young people and each other and discussed the effectiveness of help and care given to children and young people. Wherever possible, they talked to children, young people and their families. In addition the inspectors have tried to understand what the children's home knows about how well it is performing, how well it is doing and what difference it is making for the children and young people who it is trying to help, protect and look after. This inspection focused on the effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of children and young people since the most recent full inspection.

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Information about this inspection

This 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 Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the Guide to the children's homes regulations including the quality standards. the guidance raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted, which is available from Ofsted's website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted . If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Information about this inspection

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, workbased learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It inspects services for looked after children and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, 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,

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Information about this inspection

The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

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Information about this inspection

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

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Information about this inspection

Store Street Manchester M1 2WD T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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