For Referrers – Aspire Care and Support

PLACING AUTHORITIES & PROFESSIONALS

Making a Referral

We welcome enquiries from local authorities, Independent Reviewing Officers, social workers and other professionals. We aim to respond to all referral enquiries promptly and with the seriousness they deserve.

Who We Accept

Ashton House accepts referrals for children and young people aged 7–17 years (mixed gender), including children with:

Complex trauma histories and Adverse Childhood Experiences

Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs

Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Pathological Demand Avoidance

Attachment difficulties and a history of relational trauma

Repeated placement breakdown requiring a therapeutic reset

Child sexual exploitation and child criminal exploitation risk

Missing from care histories

Emerging or diagnosed mental health needs

Offending behaviour and youth justice involvement

A need for a solo placement in a fully therapeutic environment

Separated migrant young people requiring culturally sensitive support

Deprivation of Liberty arrangements

STEP BY STEP

Our Referral Process

Initial Enquiry

Call or email Teresa Farrelly to discuss the child’s needs. We are happy to talk before any formal documentation is submitted.

Referral Documentation

We will ask for the child’s most recent care plan, risk assessments, placement history and relevant reports. All information is treated in strict confidence in accordance with UK General Data Protection Regulation.

Matching and Decision

Teresa personally reviews all referral information. Where we can safely and appropriately meet the child’s needs, we confirm interest and move to a placement planning discussion.

Placement Planning

We agree the care plan, risk management strategies, contact arrangements, key worker allocation and start date. We do not accept placements without a proper planning process.

Transition and Admission

Where possible we support a planned transition including visits before admission. Every child is welcomed personally at a pace that suits them.

Contact to Discuss a Placement

Registered Manager	Teresa Alero Farrelly
Telephone	0151 363 1552
Direct	Teresa – 07984 973516 Ann – 07749 130565
Email	referrals@aspirecareandsupport.co.uk
Informal Chat	teresa.farrelly@aspirecareandsupport.co.uk

COMMON QUESTIONS

Referral FAQs

How quickly can you respond to a referral?

We aim to acknowledge all referral enquiries within one working day and provide a substantive response within two to three working days of receiving full referral documentation. We understand placements are often needed urgently and will always do our best to respond as quickly as the situation requires.

Do you accept emergency or short-notice placements?

We are able to consider emergency placements where we have a current vacancy. However, we will always need sufficient information to be satisfied that we can safely and appropriately meet the child’s needs before accepting any placement. Please call us to discuss the situation directly.

What age range do you cater for?

Ashton House accepts children and young people aged 7 to 17 years on admission (mixed gender). We can support young people into early adulthood where the placement began before their 18th birthday, and it is in their best interests to remain.

Can you accommodate a child with a Deprivation of Liberty authorisation?

Yes, we are able to consider placements where a Deprivation of Liberty authorisation is in place, provided the conditions can be safely met within our environment and staffing model. We will work closely with the placing authority and legal teams to ensure compliance at all times.

Do you offer solo placements?

Yes. We regularly operate with a single child in the home. For children whose needs mean a shared living environment presents a risk, a solo placement at Ashton House can be a genuinely positive and therapeutic option — enriching, not isolating.

What happens at a Looked After Child review?

Our Registered Manager or a senior staff member attends all Looked After Child reviews and prepares a written placement report in advance covering progress across all domains — health, education, emotional wellbeing, relationships, identity and safety.

How do you manage challenging behaviour?

We take a trauma-informed, de-escalation-led approach. Staff are trained in Motivational Interviewing, PACE and Safer Handling. Physical intervention is used only as an absolute last resort and every use is recorded, reported and reviewed. The child’s Behavioural Management Plan is a living document that is updated, risk assessed and reviewed in a multi-agency setting on a regular basis.

How do you support children’s education?

We work with schools, Virtual School Heads, educational psychologists and specialist providers from the outset of every placement. We support Education, Health and Care Plans, attend education meetings and promote every child’s progress. Where a child is not in education at admission, we provide in-home educational support.

How do you communicate with placing authorities?

We provide regular written updates, facilitate social worker visits, and are available by phone and email at all times. We notify placing authorities immediately of any significant incidents. Transparent, proactive communication is fundamental to our model.

Are you Ofsted registered?

Yes. Ashton House is registered with and regulated by Ofsted under the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015. Copies of our Statement of Purpose and any inspection reports are available on request.

What are your fees?

Our fees reflect the quality, specialism and intensity of the care we provide. Please contact Teresa Farrelly directly to discuss fees in relation to a specific child’s needs and placement requirements.

How do I make a referral?

Contact Teresa Farrelly by telephone on 07984 973516 or email teresa.farrelly@aspirecareandsupport.co.uk. You can also call the home directly on 0151 363 1552.

Making a Referral

Who We Accept

Our Referral Process

Initial Enquiry

Referral Documentation

Matching and Decision

Placement Planning

Transition and Admission

Contact to Discuss a Placement

Referral FAQs

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Making a Referral

Who We Accept

Our Referral Process

Initial Enquiry

Referral Documentation

Matching and Decision

Placement Planning

Transition and Admission

Contact to Discuss a Placement

Referral FAQs

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