Children's Home run by Assure Care Homes Ltd in Hampshire

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2666995 1 OFSTED USE ONLY

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Registered provider: Assure Care Homes 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 provides care for up to four children who experience social and emotional difficulties. It is owned by a private organisation. At the time of this inspection, three children were living at the home.

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Information about this children’s home

There has not been a registered manager in post since 17 September 2025.

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Inspection date: 18 December 2025

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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Inspection date: 18 December 2025

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: 2666995 2 OFSTED USE ONLY

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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

Staff are increasingly positive about the care children receive. They highlight improvements in the home that have strengthened relationships with children. One child recently expressed feeling safe and loved living in the home, demonstrating the positive impact of these changes.

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Findings from the inspection

Children are developing positive relationships with each other, although some sibling conflict remains. Staff respond effectively when disagreements occur and help children to manage these situations. On occasions, children take the initiative to repair relationships themselves. Staff praise these efforts and use them as opportunities to teach constructive ways to resolve conflict.

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Findings from the inspection

Children are building independence skills by participating in everyday tasks, such as cooking meals and doing their own laundry. They are also improving their self-care, which supports confidence and preparation for future life. Staff have introduced clear boundaries and consistent routines, giving children structure and predictability throughout their day.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff have worked hard to secure advocacy support for children. Two children now have advocates they have met, and a third child’s referral has been accepted, with an advocate soon to be allocated. This ensures that children have additional opportunities to express their views and receive independent support in decisions about their care.

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Findings from the inspection

Children live in a warm and welcoming home, which has been decorated for Christmas. Children have also decorated their bedrooms, creating a homely and festive atmosphere. Any damage in the home is promptly reported and repaired.

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Findings from the inspection

The new home manager is applying to register with Ofsted. Staff speak positively about the new management structure. They feel supported and listened to by leaders and managers. The new manager demonstrates effective leadership by challenging staff practice when necessary to maintain high standards of care.

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Findings from the inspection

Leaders and managers have successfully recruited to the service, resulting in a full staff team. All staff receive training relevant to their roles, including childcare qualifications for eligible staff. Staff benefit from regular supervision and frequent team meetings.

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Findings from the inspection

Leaders and managers have developed strong multi-agency working with the wider network. Any concerns are promptly shared with professionals involved in children’s care. Leaders and managers attend regular meetings to ensure that children’s needs are met. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2666995 3 OFSTED USE ONLY

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Findings from the inspection

Staff respond promptly to risks and take action to keep children safe. However, written records do not always clearly show what actions were taken. This means that reports sometimes lack detail about how concerns were managed. Although managers have reviewed these records, they have not addressed the gaps in clarity. This is a missed opportunity to strengthen staff’s recording skills and reinforce the importance of accurate and detailed records. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2666995 4 OFSTED USE ONLY

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

28/07/2025 Full Requires improvement to be good 24/09/2024 Full Good 15/08/2023 Full Requires improvement to be good 17/10/2022 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2666995 5 OFSTED USE ONLY

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions that the registered person(s) must take to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, The Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the ‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’. The registered person(s) must comply within the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

The leadership and management standard is that the registered person enables, inspires and leads a culture in relation to the children’s home that—

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Requirement Due date

helps children aspire to fulfil their potential; and

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to—

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Requirement Due date

use monitoring and review systems to make continuous improvements in the quality of care provided in the home. (Regulation 13 (1)(a)(b) (2)(h)) 6 February 2026 Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2666995 6 OFSTED USE ONLY

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Assure Care Homes Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Unit 4, Northbrook Industrial Estate, Hollybrook Road, Shirley, Southampton, Hampshire SO16 6PB

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Christopher Newman

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Inspector

Louise Webling, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2666995 7 OFSTED USE ONLY

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Inspector

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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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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