Children's Home run by Ash House Care LTD in Walsall

Inspection report children's home: 2724344 1 Registered provider: Ash House Care Limited Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children's home

The home is registered to provide care for up to two children with learning disabilities and complex needs. The home is privately owned.

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Information about this children's home

There is a new manager in post, who started work at the home in May 2023. They have applied to register with Ofsted.

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Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

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good

How well children and young people are helped and protected good

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good

The effectiveness of leaders and managers good

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good

The children's home provides effective services that meet the requirements for good.

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good

Overall judgement at last inspection: not applicable

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report children's home: 2724344 2

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

This is the first inspection the home has received since its registration in May 2023. At the time of the inspection, two children were living in the home. The children have settled in quickly and have developed a good relationship with the staff and each other.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children receive good, individualised care from staff who understand their needs well. Children benefit from positive experiences in the home and make good developmental progress. Notable achievements include, improved personal care skills, improved mobility, and improved communication.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Childrens complex learning disabilities and health needs are well understood. Staff are skilled and continue to develop their skills to ensure that children’s additional needs are met effectively. For example, staff receive specific training in the safe administration of medicines. In addition, the manager conducts regular audits of medication to ensure that practice remains safe.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children attend educational settings according to their needs and abilities. Staff work in partnership with education departments and other relevant professionals. This ensures that children have every opportunity to increase their academic ability and reach their full potential.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children enjoy regular and positive time with their families and significant people. This sustains their relationships and keeps them connected to the people who are important to them.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff encourage children to express their feelings and emotions through various methods of communication that include discussion, widgets, and symbols. Staff seek their views on day-to-day decisions in the home such as activities and menu planning. This helps to ensure that children are able to express their views and choices.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Adaptations throughout the home ensure that children can access all of the home’s communal areas. The home is comfortable and suitably equipped and furnished to meet their social, medical and mobility needs.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Risks for children are clearly identified and well assessed. This is reflected in children’s behaviour support plans and risk assessments. Records are clear and include known triggers points that may heighten children’s behaviour and the strategies staff should use to manage this. Inspection report children's home: 2724344 3 Staffing levels ensure that children always benefit from one-to-one support. This provides safe levels of supervision both in the home and out in the community.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Staff understand the unique needs of the children in their care. They treat them with dignity and respect, and relationships are built on trust. Because of this, staff know how best to respond to each child to de-escalate any incidents. Staff consistently encourage and reinforce positive behaviours and support children to manage their anxieties and behaviours, which positively influences their relationships in the home.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Children live in a home that provides physical safety and security. Regular health and safety checks ensure that everyone is kept safe. Records show that children and staff regularly practise evacuation of the building so that they know how to respond in the event of an emergency.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Newly recruited staff are vetted and assessed as suitable before any appointment is confirmed. These procedures promote the safety of children by preventing unsuitable adults from working with them.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

There has been a change in the management arrangements since the home opened. The previous manager is now the responsible individual, and a new manager is in place. The manager holds the relevant qualification.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff are happy with the support that they receive from the manager. This includes, regular supervision sessions, which allows them to discuss their work, reflect on their practice and continue to learn and develop. Staff receive an induction into the home when they first arrive which covers all areas where they will need support in their role. Consequently, there is a positive culture for staff led by a supportive manager.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff receive a range of mandatory and specialist training to meet the complex needs of the children in their care. This ensures that staff continue to improve their knowledge and skills for their role.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Regular team meetings and daily handovers keep staff informed about children‘s daily activities and progress. This supports staff care practice in delivering a service for children who present with diverse needs and challenges.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager has established good working relationships with external professionals, including the local police community support officers, education professionals and placing authorities. This partnership approach means that the children are benefiting from the full range of support and guidance provided by other professionals to promote their safety and well-being. Inspection report children's home: 2724344 4

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Information about this inspection

Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children and young people, using the 'Social care common inspection framework'. This 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'. Inspection report children's home: 2724344 5

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Children's home details

Registered provider: Ash House Care Limited

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Children's home details

Registered provider address: Ash House, Park Street, Cheslyn Hay, Walsall WS6 7EF

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Inspector

Dave Carrigan, social care inspector Inspection report children's home: 2724344 6 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.

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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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