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

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2558515 1 Registered provider: Ashwood Children’s Care Home Ltd

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home is privately owned. It is registered to provide care for up to four children who experience social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

Four children were living at the home during this visit.

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Information about this children’s home

The registered manager’s position has been vacant since December 2024. A new manager has been appointed but is not yet registered with Ofsted.

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Information about this children’s home

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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Information about this children’s home

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. 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: 2558515 2

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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

Children receive bespoke and individualised care. Staff know the children well and provide genuine emotional warmth and care. Children enjoy positive and meaningful relationships with staff. Children and staff spend quality time together, including sharing family meals. Staff support children to develop positive relationships with each other, creating a family environment. This provides children with a sense of belonging, and they like living at the home.

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Findings from the inspection

All children now attend education. The team takes education very seriously, advocating on behalf of children to secure the right educational provision. As a result, all children are making good progress in education and are now attending daily.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff support children to participate in a wide range of activities, using the home’s resources and those in the wider community well. Children are also supported to have hobbies and attend clubs. One child is learning to play the guitar, another child attends weekly dance classes and others enjoy American football, going to the gym and playing pool. This enables them to grow in confidence and self-esteem and develop crucial social skills they will need later in their lives.

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Findings from the inspection

Children live in a warm and homely environment. Children have now personalised their bedrooms to their preferences. There are several photos around the home capturing children’s achievements and fun memories.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff know the risks children can be exposed to. Safety plans guide staff on how to respond. Staff have regular discussions with children to help them understand their feelings and learn how to keep themselves safe. This is an effective approach to safeguarding.

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Findings from the inspection

Concerns about staff practice are taken seriously. Safeguarding policies and procedures are followed, and relevant agencies are consulted, such as the local authority designated officer. Appropriate safeguards are put in place to reduce risk, for example the suspension of staff. Thorough internal investigations are undertaken, and disciplinary processes are duly followed.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff only restrain children as a last resort to keep children and others safe. When needed, the least restrictive measure and force is used. Staff and children receive appropriate support after each incident. The manager reviews each incident and uses any learning identified to improve practice. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2558515 3 The recruitment of new staff is now managed well and designed to safeguard children. Safer recruitment practices and protocols are followed. This means that new staff are only employed subject to clear vetting processes. This reduces the risk of unsuitable adults working with children.

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Findings from the inspection

The registered manager no longer works at the home. The newly appointed manager is committed to the role and is currently in the process of registering with Ofsted. She is a supportive and nurturing manager who leads by example. Staff were able to provide examples where the management team has gone above and beyond to support them with personal issues. As a result, staff enjoy working at the home and value the manager’s leadership.

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Findings from the inspection

There is now an effective monitoring system of the quality of care in the home. The home is being run in accordance with the home’s statement of purpose. While improvements in how the home is run are evident, a period of embedding the improving practice is required.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff receive meaningful supervision. These one-to-one discussions provide opportunities for staff to discuss safeguarding and develop their practice through reflective discussions.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager is well supported by a deputy manager. At the last full inspection, several requirements and recommendations were set. Following that inspection, the manager has taken action to address all these shortfalls. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2558515 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

18/06/2024 Full Requires improvement to be good 11/07/2023 Full Good 17/05/2022 Full Good 23/02/2022 Interim Improved effectiveness Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2558515 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Ashwood Children’s Care Home Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: G43a Repton House, Bretby Business Park, Burton- on-Trent, Staffordshire DE15 0YZ

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Inspector

Zoey Lee, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2558515 6 and inspects 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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T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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