Children's home run by Horizon Care and Education Group Limited in Cannock Chase

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged Good at the full inspection. At this interim inspection Ofsted judge that it has improved effectiveness .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The period between inspections has been a time of significant change for the home. The two older young people have moved on from the home and two, much younger, boys have moved in. Staff have refocussed the way they work in order to provide more age appropriate, nurturing care for these two young boys and introducing more detailed routines for each child providing the structure and boundaries they need. This is already proving very effective, with both children making progress in the short time they have been here. A social worker commented: ‘I am very impressed. Previously there were many behaviours, but this is a nurturing home, his behaviour is getting better, really calmed down. They have adapted the way they work with him and he is responding really well. I cannot fault what they do.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Both children have experienced a number of placements in a short space of time before coming here. This home is already providing very good, nurturing care and support, in a warm and welcoming environment, enabling them to settle quickly and establish some firm foundations. One member of staff said: ‘We are already helping them to establish roots, settle down and we are working on integration and socialisation. These children are like a ray of sunshine.’ Another said: ‘You can really see the difference we are making to their lives.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff ensure there is a wide range of exciting, challenging experiences and activities for the children to enjoy. They take part in trips to the zoo, adventure parks and playgrounds. The children enjoy ice skating, attending the community scout group, swimming and karate. This means they pursue their interests and hobbies and their social interaction skills are improving.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Children are happy here. They have good relationships with staff and as they develop their social skills, they begin to form positive relationships with each other and their peers. This in turn is helping one child to improve his relationship with his sibling and contact has increased as a result.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff and education providers work closely together to ensure the right programme of education is in place and the children are effectively supported to make progress. Information, risk assessments, and behaviour management plans are shared ensuring consistency in managing the children in education and in the home. One education provider stated: ‘The big difference is in his behaviour since he came here in September. Previously he was always fighting, gradually as the months have gone by his behaviour has improved tenfold. We cannot ask for anymore from the home, we get the support we need from them.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff are committed to providing positive memories for the children. Memory books provide a lasting memento of the time spent here, the progress they have made and their achievements. These books record special moments in a child’s life such as their first day at school with a photo of them in their new uniform.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager has undertaken a review of paperwork, policies, and procedures ensuring these are more child friendly and appropriate for the children living here. Placement plans, incentive charts, and meeting formats have been revised and reflect the nature of the care provided.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Children attend regular meetings to discuss their views on the home and make choices for the menu and activities. The meetings are recorded in a simple format and the manager feeds back to the children about what action he is taking. He also informs them when it is not possible to action their requests, explaining why. This means children are aware their views are taken seriously. Children also share their views through feedback forms. This provides regular reflection on the home and any concerns the children may have. For example, one child said he was not happy at school. The manager responded, asking questions about school, and ensuring more in depth key work was carried out to help the child.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The two young people who have moved on from the home have done so successfully. Staff have maintained contact and offered support where needed. A social worker from one placing authority wrote to the staff saying, ‘thanks for your hard work and commitment.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Children are safe here. The manager has revised some of the safeguarding resources, making them more age appropriate. For example, the e-safety programme now focusses on risks associated with gaming rather than risks of social media. Programmes of road safety awareness have been delivered with the support of the road safety officer, ensuring children are safe when they are outside of the home.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There have been no incidents of restraint, no missing, or absence from the home. The children’s behaviour is improving and they are establishing better relationships with each other. One child is beginning to manage his own behaviour, taking himself into the garden to calm rather than getting involved in negative behaviour. Any incidents of negative behaviour are responded to swiftly with appropriate consequences being implemented. These include writing letters of apology and tidying up any mess that has resulted from the behaviour. The manager evaluates the consequences, praising children for the work they have done to make amends. For example, he praised one child for working hard to rectify the damage and mess he had made in his room. This helps them to understand the consequences of their behaviour.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager is very experienced and motivated for continued improvement. He has spearheaded the development of the home to ensure it operates effectively, providing good care for younger children. He supports the staff, ensuring they receive the appropriate training and support to meet the needs of these children. They benefit from a good range of training, with more face-to-face programmes being developed to supplement on-line training opportunities. The organisation is currently developing its own therapeutic service. This will provide training for staff in therapeutic parenting techniques. They already benefit from consultations with the organisations psychologist, helping them to understand the needs of the children and how best to support them.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Internal and external monitoring is robust. The manager performs monthly checks, identifying any trends, patterns and concerns as well as the progress the children make. The independent visitor attends monthly and reports on the home, identifying strengths and areas for development. The visitor has devised a feedback form for the children ensuring their views are heard if he has been unable to see them during his visit.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager has met the previous requirements. Safeguarding processes are clear and staff have a very good understanding of procedures to follow in the event of an allegation or child protection concern. Referral paperwork is very detailed ensuring all the available information is received as soon as possible, aiding a smooth transition into the home. All staff recruitment checks are completed ensuring children are protected. No requirements or recommendations are made following this inspection.

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Information about this children's home

This home is privately owned and is registered to provide care for up to two young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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What the inspection judgements mean

At the interim inspection we make a judgement on whether the home has improved in effectiveness, sustained effectiveness, or declined in effectiveness since the previous full inspection. This is in line with the Inspection of children's homes: framework for inspection.

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Information about this inspection

Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children and young people living in the children's home. Inspectors considered the quality of work and the difference adults make to the lives of children and young people. They read case files, watched how professional staff work with children, young people and each other and discussed the effectiveness of help and care given to children and young people. Wherever possible, they talked to children, young people and their families. In addition the inspectors have tried to understand what the children's home knows about how well it is performing, how well it is doing and what difference it is making for the children and young people who it is trying to help, protect and look after. This inspection focused on the effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of children and young people since the most recent full inspection.

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Information about this inspection

This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000 to assess the effectiveness of the service 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. the guidance raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted, which is available from Ofsted's website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted . If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Information about this inspection

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, workbased learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It inspects services for looked after children and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team,

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Information about this inspection

The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

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Information about this inspection

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

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Information about this inspection

Store Street Manchester M1 2WD T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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