Children's Home run by Ashwood Children‟s Care Home Limited in Derbyshire

Information about this children’s home

This home is operated by a small private organisation. It is registered with Ofsted to provide care and accommodation for up to four children and young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The registered manager resigned in May 2020 and a new manager is in post. He has applied to Ofsted to become the registered manager.

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Information about this children’s home

Previous inspection date: Not previously inspected

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Information about this children’s home

Previous inspection judgement: Not previously inspected

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Information about this visit

Due to COVID-19 (coronavirus), Ofsted suspended all routine inspections in March 2020. As part of a phased return to routine inspection, we are undertaking assurance visits to children’s social care services that are inspected under the social care common inspection framework (SCCIF).

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Information about this visit

At these visits, inspectors evaluate the extent to which:

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Information about this visit

 children are well cared for  children are safe  leaders and managers are exercising strong leadership. This visit was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000, following the published guidance for assurance visits.

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Information about this visit

Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills is leading Ofsted’s work into how England’s social care system has delivered child-centred practice and care within the context of the restrictions placed on society during the COVID-19 pandemic. Assurance visit report: 2558515 2

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Findings from the visit

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

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The care of children

Children receive good-quality care from a committed and nurturing staff team. Children have positive relationships with staff, who they feel safe with and have fun with. Children are making steady progress.

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The care of children

Children’s care plans and risk assessments are detailed and are regularly reviewed. Partner agencies play an integral role in the care-planning process.

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The care of children

Staff have supported children well during the COVID-19 pandemic. This has helped children to cope both physically and emotionally when restrictions have been in place.

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The care of children

The voice of the child is strong at the home. There are a range of opportunities for children to express their views and wishes. Staff act on their suggestions, where appropriate.

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The care of children

Education is seen as important in the home. All children are well supported and encouraged by staff to engage in education. There is good partnership working with children’s schools. Staff provide learning opportunities for children to grow and develop academically and socially, while having fun. Children are encouraged to be as independent as possible.

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The care of children

Children are supported to remain in contact with their families and people who are important to them. Staff understand the emotional impact that COVID-19 restrictions have had on children due to the limited opportunities to have face-to- face contact with their families.

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The safety of children

Staff receive a range of safeguarding training and have supervision meetings with the home’s psychotherapist. These meetings focus on how staff can build their relationships with the children and be consistent in meeting the children’s needs and keeping them safe.

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The safety of children

Children are generally safe. However, a recent incident where two children went missing from the home resulted in them being placed at risk of harm. This was due to poor staff practice. However, the manager took immediate and appropriate action to address the shortfalls.

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The safety of children

At times, staff have struggled to manage children’s behaviours effectively. However, since the new manager came into post, the management of children’s behaviour has improved. More attention is given to the matching of children’s needs as part of the Assurance visit report: 2558515 3 referral and admission process. Staff are given clear guidance from managers and have a range of opportunities to discuss and reflect on incidents. When shortfalls are identified, the manager takes prompt and appropriate action to address these shortfalls to ensure that children are safe.

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The safety of children

There has been a high number of restraints, but they are reducing. This reduction is due to the proactive approach of the senior managers. They have reviewed the data, identified patterns and have shared this information in team meetings and supervisions to improve practice.

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Leaders and managers

The registered manager resigned in May 2020 and a new manager is in post. He has applied to Ofsted to become the registered manager.

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Leaders and managers

The manager is experienced and has a relevant qualification. On taking up the post, he identified several shortfalls in the leadership and management of the home and has made a number of improvements which include:

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Leaders and managers

 Providing staff with clear leadership and direction. Staff are now clear about what is expected of them both individually and as a team. As a result, children receive consistent care.  Staff now receive regular supervision and have regular team meetings. This enables them to discuss practice issues and to reflect and learn from incidents.  Improved management monitoring systems, which has led to improvements in the care provided.

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Leaders and managers

Staff are well supported by managers and they feel respected and listened to. There is a commitment to staff training and development.

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Leaders and managers

Complaints are dealt with promptly and appropriately. There is evidence that improvements are made because of learning from complaints.

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Leaders and managers

There is a commitment to partnership working to ensure that children receive the care that they need. Feedback from placing authorities confirms this and that communication from staff is good.

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Leaders and managers

There have been no requirements or recommendations made at this visit. Assurance visit report: 2558515 4

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Ashwood Children’s Care Home Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Ashwood Children’s Care Home Limited, 43a Repton House, Bretby Business Park, Ashby Road, Burton-on-Trent, Derbyshire DE15 0YZ

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Inspectors

Katarina Djordjevic, Social Care Inspector Alison Marshall, Social Care Inspector Assurance visit report: 2558515 5 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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Inspectors

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 .

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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

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