Children's Home run by Acorn Homes (UK) Ltd in Kent

Assurance inspection report for children's home: SC469396 1 SC469396

p.1

Registered provider: Acorn Homes (UK) Ltd

p.1

Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

p.1

Information about this children’s home

This privately owned home can provide care for up to four children aged between 11 and 18 who experience challenges with their social, emotional and behavioural development. At the time of the inspection, there were no children living in the home.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

The manager has been registered with Ofsted since November 2021.

p.1

Inspection date: 25 March 2025

Enforcement action since last inspection: none

p.1

Information about this inspection

At this inspection, the inspector evaluated:

p.1

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: SC469396 2

p.1

Findings from the inspection

There were no children living in the home at the time of this inspection and no plans for children to move in until essential maintenance work has been completed and a full staff team recruited. Leaders recognise that the home is not ready for children to move in yet and have clear plans to ensure the environment is safe and suitable for children before considering any referrals.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

Extensive improvements are being made to ensure that the home is welcoming and suitable for children. The summer house is being renovated to provide a recreational space and a new patio will provide a further outdoor area for children to enjoy. Perimeter fencing and additional external lighting has been introduced to improve the safety and visibility of the grounds.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

The independent visitor continues to visit the home while it is unoccupied, and the maintenance team regularly attends to ensure that safety and security are maintained.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

The home has a suitable registered manager. However, the provider has recruited a new manager and deputy, who were due to start work in April 2025.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

New staff have been recruited, with a small number of vacancies remaining. Leaders are focusing on training and developing the staff team in preparation for children moving into the home.

p.2

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

12/06/2023 Full Good 21/03/2023 Full Requires improvement to be good 01/02/2022 Full Good 23/01/2020 Interim Sustained effectiveness Assurance inspection report for children's home: SC469396 3

p.2

Children’s home details

Registered provider: Acorn Homes (UK) Ltd

p.3

Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Unit 73 and 74 Maple Leaf Business Park, Manston, Ramsgate CT12 5GD

p.3

Inspector

Tash Williams, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children's home: SC469396 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 children looked after, 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 .

p.4

Inspector

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 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: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.4