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

Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC047483 1 SC047483

p.1

Mulberry House Care Homes Limited

Monitoring visit Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

p.1

Information about this children’s home

The home is operated by a private company. It offers long-term care and accommodation for two young people who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

p.1

This monitoring visit

This monitoring visit took place to review the progress made in addressing the shortfalls which led to the suspension of the home’s registration. The company was taken over by new owners in December 2018. The new owners chose to keep the home closed when the suspension was lifted on 4 December 2018. This was to enable them to refurbish the home, put a registered manager in place and ensure that there were enough trained and qualified staff to meet the needs of children before it reopened. The new, experienced manager registered with Ofsted in February 2019. The home has been completely refurbished to a very high standard. It is welcoming, comfortable and safe. Children’s bedrooms are ready to move into and to personalise. The new owners and manager have addressed the shortfalls identified at the previous inspection. New recording systems are in place to support managerial monitoring and oversight as well as to prompt staff action. Rigorous staff

p.1

This monitoring visit

recruitment ensures that safe adults are employed to work with children. New staff have a thorough induction and training plan to equip them with the knowledge and skills to meet children’s needs. The new registered manager is experienced in matching children appropriately and is committed to ensuring that children who come to live at the home are compatible with each other. The registered manager is enthusiastic about the new home and has worked hard to ensure a positive, fresh start for the provision. These changes now need to become embedded in the home and in practice. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC047483 2 It is evident that the new owners have invested strongly in the home and staff. The home is now ready to reopen and to accommodate children.

p.1

Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 05/02/2018 Interim Not judged 15/05/2017 Interim Not judged 13/01/2017 Interim Declined in effectiveness 13/07/2016 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC047483 3

p.2

Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to monitor the action taken and the progress made by the children’s home since its last Ofsted inspection.

p.3

Information about this inspection

This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000.

p.3

Children’s home details

Registered provider: Mulberry House Care Homes Limited

p.3

Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Tollgate Business Centre, Tollgate Drive, Stafford, Staffordshire ST16 3HS

p.3

Inspector

Louise Whittle, social care inspector Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC047483 4 to 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, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

p.3

Inspector

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, 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 http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.4

Inspector

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

p.4

Inspector

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: http://www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.4