Children's Home run by Witherslack Group Limited in Oxfordshire

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 1244160 1 Registered provider: Witherslack Group Limited

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home is run by a private organisation that operates several children’s homes. The home is registered to provide care for up to 8 children with social and emotional difficulties. At the time of the inspection, 5 children were living at the home. The provider also operates a school that is linked to the home.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager has been registered with Ofsted since September 2025.

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Information about this children’s home

The inspector only inspected the social care provision.

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Inspection date: 19 February 2026

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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Inspection date: 19 February 2026

Enforcement action since last inspection: none

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Inspection date: 19 February 2026

At this inspection, the inspector evaluated:

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Inspection date: 19 February 2026

 the care of children  the safety of children  the effectiveness of leaders and managers.

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Information about this inspection

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: 1244160 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

Since the last inspection, the registered manager has been appointed.. Additionally, there is a responsible individual in post who is providing appropriate support and guidance to the registered manager. This management stability is helping the staff in their practice and has led to children experiencing a more consistent approach to care.

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Findings from the inspection

Leaders and managers are ensuring that all the requirements set at the last inspection are met. The home environment is better maintained and the allocated maintenance person visits the home regularly. Any issues are now remedied swiftly to ensure that the home is comfortable for the children. Some children have been actively involved in decorating the home, learning key skills such as painting, as part of their preparation for adulthood. The children are rightly proud of their achievements. Some areas require further refurbishment, and a funding application has been put in for these larger jobs, which include relaying the patio and replacing some fences.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff are confident in their safeguarding responsibilities and know how to report any concerns that they may have. The manager has been reporting any safeguarding concerns to Ofsted as required, as well as to partner agencies. Investigations into safeguarding concerns are thorough and have involved the local authority designated officer and the police, as needed. Children are supported to work through their behaviours when they are distressed, and staff know how to respond more effectively at these times. Should children go missing, there is a coordinated response to locate them, following specific procedures as identified in the child’s plans.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff are benefiting from increased management support through supervision and they are now up to date on training. They receive therapeutic input and guidance on supporting children from the organisation’s therapist who works in the home, and they now have more time allocated to reflect as a team. Staff say that they feel supported by both managers and the team as a whole.

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Findings from the inspection

Children appear confident in the environment, and while there are some relationship challenges in the group, staff are proactive in supporting the children at these times. Children enjoy a wide range of activities, both in the home and in the community.

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Findings from the inspection

Children who are struggling with education are helped to overcome these barriers. Teaching assistants from the linked school have been working in the home during school holidays, which has helped with children’s relationships and has given the staff a better understanding of the children’s needs and personalities. Should children be unwilling to go to school, there are now clear plans for the structure of their day if they do not attend. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 1244160 3 The manager has a good understanding of what needs to continue to improve in the home, in terms of practice and regarding the physical environment. She is actively supporting the team to develop their skills and understanding, to ensure that there is a consistency of approach for the children living in the home. She is evaluating children’s progress to identify areas for continued development, but also to celebrate

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Findings from the inspection

where progress has already been made. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 1244160 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

17/06/2025 Full Requires improvement to be good 01/10/2024 Full Requires improvement to be good 19/12/2023 Full Good 10/01/2023 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 1244160 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Witherslack Group Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Lupton Tower, Lupton, Carnforth, Lancashire LA6 2PR

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Children’s home details

Registered manager: Emily Wallis Mandache

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Inspector

Jennie Christopher, Social Care Regulatory Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 1244160 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 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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