Thoughtful matching
A placement should begin with confidence that we can offer the right home. We consider each child's needs carefully, including how a move could affect children already living with us.
EBD residential care
built around each child
From our six-acre Little Ash Farm home in Staffordshire, we provide residential care for children and young people with emotional, behavioural and increasingly complex needs.
Individualised care and support
Carefully matched placements
Six acres, with space
to breathe
Little Ash Farm has six acres of private grounds, giving children room beyond the house when they want it. There's a tennis court and trampoline to use when the weather allows and a large field for a walk or some breathing space.
Inside, everyday life brings opportunities to build relationships, whether that’s cooking together or catching up around the kitchen table. Staff encourage children to pursue their interests and try new activities, while respecting that some days they’ll want a quieter evening or time to themselves.
Explore Little Ash Farm
The principles behind our care
We want children to have the chance to settle, build trust and move towards a stronger future. These principles guide the decisions we make along the way.
Individualised support
We take time to get to know each child, rather than expecting them to fit a fixed approach. Their views matter and their care should adapt as we learn what works for them.
Commitment to excellence
We expect high standards throughout United Children. That means supporting staff to do their work well and being willing to question our own practice. When something needs to improve, we take responsibility for it.
Our homes in Werrington, Staffordshire
Based in semi-rural Werrington, Staffordshire, our homes combine access to the countryside with local services close by. Discover Little Ash Farm and our planned second home, Little Ash View.
Werrington, StaffordshireLittle Ash Farm
An established home with room to breathe
Little Ash Farm offers residential care for children with emotional and behavioural needs. Our spacious house and private grounds give children room to spend time together or find some space of their own.
Each referral is assessed carefully, with consideration for the children already living here.
Enquire about Little Ash Farm
Werrington, StaffordshireIn development · Subject to Ofsted registration
Little Ash View
A smaller setting for closer support
We are developing Little Ash View as a more compact home for children with emotional and behavioural needs. Its layout offers scope for closer day-to-day support, within a residential neighbourhood in Werrington.
In development · Opening and placements subject to
Ofsted registration.
Placements designed
to last
Children need time to settle and build trust. We work to sustain placements through difficult periods, adapting support when their needs change.
Rated Good by Ofsted
Little Ash Farm has been rated Good at two Ofsted inspections
Placements sustained beyond 12 months
We have supported children to remain at Little Ash Farm for more than a year, including following previous placement breakdowns. This continuity gives children time to build trust with the adults caring for them.
Support that responds to changing needs
When children have needed more support, we have increased staffing and helped arrange access to specialist services. We work with placing authorities to review what is needed and whether we can continue to provide the right care.
Working together
around each child
We work closely with placing authorities and the professionals involved in each child's life, keeping communication open as their needs change.
Keeping care connected
We share what we are seeing at the home and listen to those supporting the child elsewhere. Regular discussions help us review progress and agree when a different response is needed.
Accessing specialist support
When a child needs specialist assessment or treatment, we work with their placing authority to help arrange access. This can include mental health services or external psychologists, depending on the child's needs and the arrangements agreed.
Care for children with emotional and behavioural needs
We provide residential care for children with emotional and behavioural difficulties, including those whose needs become more complex over time.
Each referral is assessed against the homes Statement of Purpose and the support our team can provide. We are open about our experience and consider carefully whether we can offer the right care.
View our care approach
Leadership that takes responsibility
Our leaders review the care children receive and support staff through regular supervisions, addressing concerns where practice needs to improve.
Support that develops with the child
Care plans are reviewed as we learn more about each child. When their needs change, we consider what should change in their day-to-day support and the training staff need.
Specialist guidance in everyday care
Where external professionals are involved, we work to carry their agreed guidance into daily life at the home.
Build a career in
residential care
We’re always keen to hear from people who want to make a meaningful difference to children’s everyday lives.
Enquire about careers at United ChildrenLooking for the
right placement?
Every referral is different. Our homes team will take time to understand the child’s needs and discuss whether we can offer the right support.
Contact our homes teamWe welcome initial conversations about placement suitability and availability.
