Setting run by Acorns to Oaks Children’s Care & Support Limited

Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2836914 1 Registered provider: Acorns to Oaks Children’s Care & Support Ltd

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

A private provider owns this home. The home is registered to care for up to 4 children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and experience social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The home has not provided care to children since its registration in August 2025. This inspection focuses on whether the children’s home meets its statutory requirements in order to maintain its registration and is ready to accept placements.

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Information about this children’s home

The registered manager resigned from their post in November 2025. A new manager, who holds a relevant qualification, has since taken up the role and has applied to Ofsted to become registered.

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Inspection date: 9 March 2026

Date of last inspection: not previously inspected

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Inspection date: 9 March 2026

Judgement at last inspection: not applicable

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Inspection date: 9 March 2026

Enforcement action since last inspection: not applicable

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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: 2836914 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 home registered, no children have moved into the home. Following the resignation of the registered manager, senior leaders successfully recruited a new manager to the post. At the time of this inspection, the new manager had submitted their application to Ofsted for registration.

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Findings from the inspection

Leaders are proactive in engaging with local authorities to review the suitability of children moving into the home. They maintain a thorough approach when considering each child’s needs, carefully assessing whether the home can meet those needs effectively.

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Findings from the inspection

Leaders ensure that the home is maintained to a high standard. The environment provides a welcoming and nurturing space for children to live in. Leaders have demonstrated their commitment to helping future children feel confident in personalising their surroundings by introducing bespoke welcome baskets and children’s guides, which are displayed in each bedroom. Communal areas include a range of books and games that are readily available for children to use. When repairs to the property are required, the manager responds promptly. This ensures that the home continues to meet health and safety requirements and provides children with a safe and secure living environment.

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Findings from the inspection

Since the home registered, managers have regularly updated the location risk assessment to reflect any changes in the local community that may impact children’s safety. The assessment includes clear details of the actions staff will take to mitigate identified risks and promote children’s safety. Managers have established positive working relationships with the local policing team and neighbouring residents. This proactive approach helps to develop a supportive and protective network in the community in preparation for children moving into the home.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff complete a comprehensive induction and training programme. All staff are enrolled on relevant qualifications to develop the knowledge and skills required to meet the needs of children in their care. Team meetings are held regularly, during which the manager reviews the progress of staff training and sets clear expectations to support the timely completion of required qualifications. Staff are encouraged to reflect on and share the impact and effectiveness of the training they receive. This open approach ensures that training remains responsive to the needs of children and supports the ongoing professional development of staff.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff provided positive feedback to the inspector about the level of support they receive from the leadership team. They receive regular, reflective supervision, which helps them to feel confident in delivering good-quality care to children. When staff have worked shifts in other homes in the organisation, the manager routinely seeks Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2836914 3 feedback from leaders in those homes and discusses this information during supervision. This approach ensures that staff practice is consistently monitored and that any areas for development are identified promptly so that appropriate support can be provided.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager has developed effective monitoring systems to review the quality of practice across the home. Internal records consistently include clear prompts for discussions with staff about the progress children are making, how their safety needs are being met and the actions leaders are taking to ensure that staff have the skills and support required to safeguard children effectively. These monitoring arrangements help leaders to maintain strong oversight of practice and ensure that, when children move into the home, there is a clear and consistent focus on promoting their safety, wellbeing and progress without delay. Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2836914 4

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Acorns to Oaks Children’s Care & Support Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Suite 3, 125-129 Witton Street, Northwich CW9 5DY

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Inspector

Charlotte Tippett, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2836914 5 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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Inspector

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