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 judges that it has declined in effectiveness . The home was last inspected in August 2016. Two requirements were raised. One has been met. The home is judged to have declined in effectiveness, and two requirements and one recommendation have been raised. The flooring in the laundry room has not been replaced. No action has been taken since the last inspection to replace it. The manager confirms that discussions about replacing it have taken place with the landlord. However, it remains a hazard because the floor covering is lifting up and creating an uneven surface. Some damage to the floor has been temporarily masked with tape. As a result, the floor creates a tripping hazard. The annex has not been painted. There is still a large stain on one of the walls. The room does not present to a good standard because of the lack of attention to the

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

decor. The temperatures of the fridge and freezer have not been routinely monitored to ensure that the appliances are safe to store food. The young person moved out of the annex in November, but food has not been removed from the freezer. This does not guarantee that the food has been stored safely. Staff have undertaken bedroom searches. The records lack details to demonstrate that the young person was consulted before the search took place. This does not promote young people’s rights. Some areas of the home require re-decoration. For example, doors on the first floor are dirty and are in need of paint. The carpet on the landing is heavily stained. This does not reflect the good standard of other communal areas in the home. Two young people have successfully moved out of the home in line with their pathway plans. Both young people secured accommodation to help them to live independently. Staff provided excellent support to help them to move into their

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

new homes. The transition was well planned, and, as a result, was smooth. One young person has moved into the home. The relationship between the two residents is good. A young person said, ‘I get on well with him. He welcomed me to the home.’ Staff confirmed this and told the inspector that the resident had purchased a present to give to the new young person when she arrived. As a result, friendships have been formed quickly. Young people feel safe in the home. The use of physical intervention has reduced since the last full inspection in August. This is because young people manage their emotions better. Incidents of missing from care have also reduced. A young person said, ‘I did go missing but I’ve settled down now.’ Staff continue to provide young people with an atmosphere that reflects that of a family home. They encourage young people to take part in activities together. This has helped to strengthen bonds and form friendships. A young person said, ‘We get

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

good support from staff. We go and play pool together. Staff talk to us and we have dinner together around the table.’ Both young people access education. When difficulties have arisen, the staff have worked in partnership with the young people and the education services to secure alternative arrangements. As a result, young people continue to access education that is appropriate for them.

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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 31/08/2016 Full Good 02/03/2016 Interim Sustained effectiveness 21/01/2016 Full Good 19/03/2015 Interim Declined in effectiveness

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions which must be taken so that the registered person(s) meet(s) 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

12. The protection of children standard: In order to meet the protection of children standard, the registered person must ensure— (2)(d) that the premises used for the purpose of the home are designed, furnished and maintained so as to protect each child from avoidable hazards to the child’s health. 31/03/2017

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Requirement Due date

6. The quality and purpose of care standard In order to meet the quality and purpose of care standard, the registered person must ensure— (2)(c)(i) that the premises used for the purpose of the home are designed and furnished so as to meet the needs of each child. 31/03/2017

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further, the service should take account of the following recommendation:  Ensure that staff are familiar with the home’s policies and procedures on record- keeping and understand the importance of careful, objective, and clear recording. In particular, this is in relation to room searches. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 62, paragraph 14.4)

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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 whom 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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