Children's Home run by Children of the Mangrove Limited in Merton

Assurance inspection report for children's home: 1235653 1 Registered provider: Children of The Mangrove Limited

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This privately owned home provides care for up to five children who experience social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of this inspection, there were five children living in the home.

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Information about this children’s home

The home registered with Ofsted in April 2016. The manager registered with Ofsted in April 2021.

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Information about this children’s home

The inspector was aware during this inspection that an allegation has been made that a serious incident has occurred at the setting since the last inspection. This is under investigation by the appropriate authorities. While Ofsted does not have the power to investigate incidents of this kind, actions taken by the setting in response to the incident were considered alongside other evidence available at the time of the inspection to inform the inspector’s judgements.

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Inspection date: 8 February 2024

Date of last inspection: 13 September 2023

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Inspection date: 8 February 2024

Enforcement action since last inspection: none

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Information about this inspection

At this inspection, the inspector evaluated:

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Information about this inspection

 the care of children  the safety of children  the effectiveness of leaders and managers. Assurance inspection report for children's home: 1235653 2 The inspector has looked closely at the experiences and progress of children, using the social care common inspection framework. This assurance inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000 to assess the effectiveness of the service, how it meets the core functions of the service as set out in legislation, 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’. Assurance inspection report for children's home: 1235653 3

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Findings from the inspection

We did not identify any serious or widespread concerns in relation to the care or protection of children at this assurance inspection.

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Findings from the inspection

Leaders and managers respond effectively to safeguarding matters and respond appropriately to matters of concern. The allegation that led to this inspection has been managed appropriately. The organisation uses an external social care consultant to attend team meetings and deliver bespoke training for staff. This training includes operational safeguarding that covers whistle-blowing, allegations and how confident staff are to disclose concerns, as well as professional boundary- setting.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff show a good knowledge and awareness of safeguarding procedures, including managing allegations, the lone-working policy and whistle-blowing processes.

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Findings from the inspection

Safeguarding incidents are managed appropriately. Staff have restorative and reflective discussions with children following incidents. Key-work sessions also support children with their identified needs. If children go missing from the home, staff follow missing-from-care protocols in place for each child appropriately and maintain regular contact with children to encourage their safe return home.

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Findings from the inspection

Children’s care plans are specific to the needs of each child. These are updated to reflect risk and note children’s progress. Children’s risk assessments are thorough. However, some of the information in some of the children’s records is historical and may confuse new staff regarding management of the day-to-day risks.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff are resilient and respond appropriately to children’s complex needs. They demonstrate consistency and empathy when responding to concerns or enforcing the house rules. Staff develop positive relationships with children and know them well.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff are sufficiently trained in effective de-escalation techniques. During the inspection, staff appropriately supported one child in crisis. Staff were able to successfully de-escalate the situation.

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Findings from the inspection

Children are supported to attend education. For those not in formal education, alternative provisions are in place, such as online teaching and home tuition. Staff support children to develop their independence skills. One child has successfully started working part time. This has increased their self-esteem, autonomy and time management and organisational skills.

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Findings from the inspection

The registered manager and staff receive regular and effective supervision. Staff meetings are well attended. The home’s psychotherapist attends these monthly meetings and offers staff space to reflect on incidents of concern, as well as on their own practice. This helps to further assess children’s behaviours. Assurance inspection report for children's home: 1235653 4 The requirement raised at the full inspection has been met. One recommendation has been restated.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

13/09/2023 Full Good 02/08/2022 Full Good 22/02/2022 Full Good 06/01/2020 Interim Sustained effectiveness Assurance inspection report for children's home: 1235653 5

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Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure that when there are safeguarding concerns for a child, their placement plan is updated, including details of the steps the home may take to manage these risks on a day-to-day basis. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 42, paragraph 9.5) Assurance inspection report for children's home: 1235653 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Children of The Mangrove Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Chester House, Fulham Green, 81-83 Fulham High Street, London SW6 3JA

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Knowlton Crichlow

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Inspector

Amanda Burrows, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children's home: 1235653 7 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 children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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