Children's Home run by Horizon Care and Education Group Limited in Kent

Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 1276442 1

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Horizon Care and Education Group Limited

Monitoring visit Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home provides care for up to three children and is operated by a private organisation. According to the statement of purpose, the home caters for children with complex needs.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in September 2018.

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This monitoring visit

At the full inspection on 30 June 2021, the home was judged to be inadequate. A compliance notice was issued which required the provider to ensure that staffing levels are sufficient to meet the care and safety needs of the children. Five requirements were also made. This visit was conducted to review progress in meeting the compliance notice and requirements.

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This monitoring visit

The staffing structure for the home has been reviewed. The number of permanent staff for the home has been increased. Interim arrangements are in place to cover remaining vacancies within the team, for example the use of regular agency staff. Further recruitment is taking place. Adequate arrangements are in place to respond to emergencies and unexpected staff shortages.

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This monitoring visit

Risk management strategies are improved. Staff now have plans to follow in response to the full range of risks and vulnerabilities of the children. Current staffing arrangements are adequate to respond appropriately to any safeguarding concerns that may arise away from the home.

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This monitoring visit

Since the previous inspection, the manager and her deputy have completed safer recruitment training. They have reviewed all the current staff personnel files and these now comply with regulations. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 1276442 2 The leadership of the home has taken action to address the identified shortfalls in partnership working with placing authorities. This has included meeting with a placing authority to discuss a child’s individual plans.

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This monitoring visit

Since the previous inspection, the manager has ensured that Ofsted has been notified of all serious events in line with regulation. This assists Ofsted in overseeing safeguarding arrangements in the home.

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This monitoring visit

The disciplinary policy and procedures for the home are currently being reviewed centrally, within the wider organisation. The process has not yet been completed and the requirement set in this regard is repeated.

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This monitoring visit

A significant reduction in incidents shows that the home has become more settled since the previous inspection. Overall, the response to the enforcement action taken has been swift and meaningful. The compliance notice is met in full. Four out of the five requirements have been met.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 30/06/2021 Full Inadequate 05/02/2020 Full Outstanding 19/03/2019 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 1276442 3

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions that the registered person(s) must take to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the ‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’. The registered person(s) must comply within the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must operate a disciplinary procedure which, in particular—

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Requirement Due date

provides for the suspension from work of an employee if necessary, in the interests of the safety or welfare of children. (Regulation 33 (2)(a))

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Requirement Due date

This requirement was made at the last inspection and is restated. 3 November 2021

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Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to monitor the action taken and the progress made by the children’s home since its last Ofsted inspection.

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Information about this inspection

This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000.

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Horizon Care and Education Group Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Venture House, Unit 12 Prospect Business Park, Longford Road, Cannock WS11 0LG

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Rebecca Grimshaw

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Inspector

John Pledger, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 1276442 4 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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Inspector

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