Children's home run by Mulberry House Care Homes Limited in Stafford

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged good at the last full inspection. At this interim inspection Ofsted judges that it has declined in effectiveness .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home was last inspected in June 2016. Two requirements made at the last inspection have not been met. The home is judged to have declined in effectiveness, with four requirements being raised.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

On one occasion staff employed from an agency have undertaken sleep-in duties alone. This means the staffing levels were not adequate because the ratio of half agency to half permanent staff was not met. Since this occurrence, the staffing levels have improved. A senior post has been filled along with the return of a part- time staff member who had recently retired. A further care staff vacancy has also been filled.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The records of the home’s budget does not clearly identify where money is deducted. For example, one column is headed ‘activities’, but there is an additional amount recorded in the column that does not reflect the heading. This makes it difficult to establish what money is used and for what purpose. This has not been adequately addressed from the last inspection and the requirement has been raised again.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The register of young people is now up to date. This means all information required to be held is now provided. The medication records of the young person are also now up to date. The medication record held cross-references to the young person’s permanent record. This reduces the risk of medication errors.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There has been an increase in notifications received to Ofsted since the last inspection. As a result of a serious incident, the safety of the young person was compromised. The manager did not share the full details of his decision-making process with the social worker. This impacts on the communication between the placing authority and the provider.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Following a significant event, emergency accommodation was provided for the young person. However, no risk assessment was completed to demonstrate how the new arrangements would be effectively and safely managed. This compromised the privacy of the young person and made the staff vulnerable to potential allegations against them.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There have been no complaints about the home since the last inspection. The use of physical intervention has not been used. The staff use positive praise and reward to encourage positive behaviour. Sanctions are fair and proportionate. The young person said, ‘I get a car ban and have to use the bus. This is fair.’ The young person has engaged in some anti-social behaviour since the last inspection. This has resulted in him receiving a youth offending order. However, the staff say that his behaviour is improving and there has not been any involvement with the police for a while. The young person feels safe living in the home and said, ‘I now feel safe living here. This is my house.’ The manager and the team work well with the vulnerability safeguarding team. A police officer said, ‘We have good relationships with the service’. As a result, the young person has reduced his offending behaviour.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Some improvements have been made. The young person is now enrolled on a training plan for the next four weeks. This will hopefully help him to gain an apprenticeship. The home now benefits from a new bathroom suite, the kitchen worktops have been replaced and the hallway has been decorated. As a result, the home looks bright and welcoming. The health and safety arrangements are safe. Regular fire drills and checks on equipment keep the home safe.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The staff continue to provide a dedicated, passionate and committed approach to their role. Regardless of the difficulties the young person has faced, they are determined for him to succeed. They never give up, and continue to face any challenges with open arms. They are a testament to helping the young person to get back on the right track.

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Information about this children's home

The home provides care and accommodation for one young person who has emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. The home is one of four homes that are run by a private provider.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 05/02/2016 Interim Improved effectiveness 27/07/2015 Full Good 06/02/2015 Interim Sustained effectiveness 22/10/2014 Full Adequate

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions which must be taken so that the registered person(s) meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the ‘Guide to the children's homes regulations including the quality standards’. The registered person(s) must comply within the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must, and must ensure that staff seek to involve each child's placing authority effectively in the child's care, in accordance with the child's relevant plans. (Regulation 5 (a)) 28/02/2017

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Requirement Due date

12. The protection of children standard:

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Requirement Due date

In order to meet the protection of children standard, in particular reference to assessing whether each child is at risk of harm, the registered person must:

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Requirement Due date

(12)(a) (i) ensure that staff assess whether each child is at risk of harm, taking into account information in the child's relevant plans, and, if necessary, make arrangements to reduce the risk of any harm to the child. 28/02/2017

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Requirement Due date

13. The leadership and management standard:

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Requirement Due date

In order to meet the leadership and management standard, with particular reference to staffing levels as stated in the statement of purpose, the registered person must ensure that:

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Requirement Due date

(2)(d) the home has sufficient staff to provide care to each child. 28/02/2017

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must maintain in the home the records in Schedule 4. In particular, in relation to finances. (Regulation 37 (2)(a) Schedule 4(7)) 28/02/2017

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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 that 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

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Information about this inspection

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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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