Children's home run by Acheron Care Limited

Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2638470 1 Acheron Care Limited

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Information about this children’s home

The home is operated by a private provider and provides care for up to three children who may experience social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The previous registered manager left the home in September 2025. A new manager was registered with Ofsted in October 2025. She also manages another of the provider’s homes.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of the inspection, three children were living in the home. One of the children briefly spoke to the inspector.

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This monitoring visit

On 28 and 29 October 2025, Ofsted carried out a full inspection of the home. This inspection identified serious and widespread concerns in safeguarding practice and in leadership and management, resulting in an overall judgment of inadequate. Consequently, Ofsted issued a compliance notice under Regulation 12, the protection of children standard, and set seven additional requirements and recommendations to address the identified shortfalls.

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This monitoring visit

The purpose of this visit was to evaluate the actions taken by managers to comply with the steps outlined in the Regulation 12 compliance notice, the protection of children standard. The inspector also considered the progress made in addressing the requirements and recommendations from the previous inspection.

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This monitoring visit

Leaders and managers have successfully implemented a comprehensive improvement plan for the home. They have reviewed all children’s plans, including risk management plans, to ensure that they reflect current and emerging risks and vulnerabilities. Clear, regularly updated guidance is in place for staff to follow. Robust systems now monitor children’s progress against their plans, ensuring that support remains responsive and effective. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2638470 2 Managers work collaboratively with external professionals, sharing relevant information and developing strategies to reduce risks and meet each child’s individual needs. This well-coordinated approach ensures timely and effective intervention, promoting children’s safety and well-being.

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This monitoring visit

Leaders and managers have delivered workshops, training and development sessions to upskill staff and strengthen safeguarding practice, ensuring children feel safe and secure in the home. As a result of this learning, staff can now demonstrate that they respond effectively to safeguarding concerns, particularly when children are in crisis. These improvements have enhanced children’s safety and increased staff confidence in managing challenging situations.

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This monitoring visit

Incidents are managed effectively. Children receive medication promptly when required, and when they go missing, return home interviews are completed. The manager analyses each incident, and where learning is identified, managers and staff reflect on what could be done differently. This reflective approach helps staff adapt their practice to meet children’s changing needs more effectively.

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This monitoring visit

Systems for consulting children about their views, wishes and feelings have been strengthened. These now include more focused discussions on children’s safety and well-being. This approach helps managers and staff gain a clearer understanding of how children feel and promotes their active participation in decisions about their care.

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This monitoring visit

Children are supported to make meaningful progress in their education. Managers work closely with external professionals to identify and address barriers to learning and have implemented strategies that promote engagement. For one child, there has been significant improvement in a short period, which is likely to enhance their future opportunities.

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This monitoring visit

Managers have implemented clear and effective monitoring systems. Oversight is now consistent, thorough and analytical, incorporating reflective discussions with staff. Actions identified through monitoring are completed promptly. Ofsted is notified of all significant incidents in line with regulatory requirements. The responsible individual has strengthened oversight by visiting the home more frequently and providing direct support to the manager to drive improvements.

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This monitoring visit

All required repairs have been completed, resulting in a noticeable improvement in the home’s overall appearance. The environment now reflects a warm, well- maintained and nurturing space for children.

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This monitoring visit

As a result of this visit, the steps for the compliance notice under Regulation 12, the protection of children standard, and all previous requirements have been met. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2638470 3

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

28/10/2025 Full Inadequate 11/03/2025 Full Good 09/08/2023 Full Good 24/01/2023 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2638470 4

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Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to monitor the action taken and the progress made by the children’s home since its last Ofsted inspection.

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Information about this inspection

This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2638470 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Acheron Care Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Manor House, Hilderstone, Stone ST15 8SQ

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Inspector

Tonia Dubidat, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2638470 6 regulates 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

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

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