About Us
We are committed to driving positive outcomes in social care through innovation, expertise, and a deep understanding of the sector.
About AHLC - Experts in Children’s Social Care
At AHLC (A.H. Lancer Consulting), we think that all of us believe that each child has the right to grow and live in a safe, stable, and supportive world—and that begins with stable, well-managed children’s homes.
We are a stand-alone consultancy that specialises solely in children’s social care. Our services help residential providers, supported living services, and UK organisations that have just one aim in mind: delivering the very best possible care for children and young people.
We work by handshake. We don’t simply advise — we work in partnership with providers to improve all aspects of their service. From registration and Responsible Individual support to safer recruitment, Regulation 44 visits, training and workforce development, we help prepare homes to be compliant, confident and inspection-ready.
It’s our experience that makes us stand out. Each member of our team has worked in the children’s residential field — running homes, managing staff, and dealing with Ofsted requirements in their own flesh. That hands-on experience translates into support that’s realistic, empiricist-based, and informed by the things that actually work in practice.
We’re honored to stand by the providers making a difference in their customers’ lives every day — the persons constructing spaces where kids feel safe, heard, and encouraged to grow.
📩 Contact us: info@ahlancerconsulting.co.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear, helpful answers to common queries about our services, team, and commitment to children’s care.
What does Ofsted inspect in children’s services?
Ofsted inspects local authority children’s services to evaluate how well they support and protect vulnerable children. This includes:
- Child protection and safeguarding
- Services for children in care
- Adoption and fostering services
- Care leavers’ support
- Early help services
Inspections focus on outcomes for children, leadership, and the effectiveness of service delivery.
How often are children’s services inspected by Ofsted?
Local authority children’s services are subject to:
- A standard inspection every three years (ILACS – Inspection of Local Authority Children’s Services)
- Additional focused visits or joint targeted area inspections (JTAIs) may occur between full inspections based on risk or performance concerns.
What happens if a local authority is rated 'Inadequate' by Ofsted?
If Ofsted rates a local authority as “Inadequate”:
- The Department for Education (DfE) may intervene.
- An improvement plan must be developed.
- A commissioner might be appointed to oversee improvements.
- Ofsted will conduct monitoring visits to assess progress.
How can parents or carers give feedback to Ofsted about children’s services?
Parents and carers can:
- Submit feedback directly via the Ofsted website
- Participate in consultations or surveys during inspections
- Raise concerns through the local authority’s complaints procedure or contact Ofsted directly if necessary
Work Floor
A vibrant, professional space where our dedicated team collaborates.
Mail Delivery
Secure & efficient mail handling ensures smooth communication.
Conference Room
Focused meetings, team planning and collaboration with partners.
Space to make your
greatest impact.
An inspiring environment where ideas thrive and meaningful work in children’s care takes shape every day.
