Children's home run by Horizon Transitional Care Ltd

Inspection report for children’s home: 1268535 1 Registered provider: Horizon Transitional Care Limited Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home is owned by a small private company. The home provides care for up to three children with a range of complex needs and learning disabilities.

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Information about this children’s home

The registered manager post has been vacant since August 2023. A manager has been appointed and she has applied to be registered with Ofsted.

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Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

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good

How well children and young people are helped and protected good

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good

The effectiveness of leaders and managers good

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good

The children’s home provides effective services that meet the requirements for good.

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good

Date of last inspection: 10 January 2023

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good

Overall judgement at last inspection: good

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: 1268535 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

10/01/2023 Full Good 07/09/2021 Full Good 05/11/2019 Full Good 22/01/2019 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home: 1268535 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Three children live in the home. Since the last inspection, one child has moved into the home. Their move into the home was sensitively planned. As a result, the child has settled into the home quickly. Children and staff have positive relationships with each other. One member of staff said, ‘Children are loved and cared for in this home; staff really care for the children.’

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children live in a home that is comfortable and warm. The home provides a dedicated sensory space for children to enjoy. There are photos of children on their trips and adventures displayed throughout the home and the children’s bedrooms are personalised and comfortably furnished.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are encouraged to have their say by using their preferred methods of communication. These methods include Picture Exchange Communication System, Makaton, and signs and symbols. Staff know the children well and can interpret children’s vocal tones, signs, facial expressions and body language, understanding what children want. As a result, staff can act on children’s wishes and feelings effectively.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

All the children are in education. A school staff member said that the home’s staff, ‘support [name of child]’s personal needs very well; they put everything in place’. The manager and staff advocate for children when they do not have the right education to meet their needs. For example, a child’s current school is unable to meet their needs in the long term. The manager is working with education professionals to secure a suitable school for the child.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children have access to a range of activities that they like and enjoy. Recently all the children went on holiday together. Staff showed the inspector photos of children doing activities and enjoying each other’s company on this trip. The staff help children to develop mutual respect and live in harmony.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

The manager and staff promote a safe and positive environment for the children. They understand the children’s complex needs and disabilities and manage the risks associated with each child.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Since the last inspection, there has been one incident of physical intervention. Restraint is used only as a last resort and is managed well. Staff ensured that the child involved in the restraint had the opportunity to reflect on the incident and understand the risks from their behaviour. Staff support and teach children how to keep safe. Inspection report for children’s home: 1268535 4 Health and safety procedures, including fire arrangements, are safe. The home has won an award from an independent organisation for the quality of its health and safety checks.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Staff and children participate in regular fire drills. Children have personal evacuation plans to help staff understand the level of support they require to evacuate the home safely. This keeps all those living and working in the home safe in the event of a fire.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Medication is kept and administered safely. If medication expires due to unforeseen circumstances, staff do everything they can to obtain stocks as soon as possible and seek medical advice to ensure that any impact on the children is minimised.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

On one occasion, leaders did not notify Ofsted of an allegation that was made against a member of staff. This limits the regulator’s oversight of the home.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager has recently started her role in the home. She has a wealth of experience and is qualified to level 5.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

In the short time the manager has been in post, she has developed a good understanding of the home’s strengths and areas for improvement. She uses monitoring systems to ensure good oversight of the home. The manager is planning to bring in new practices to improve monitoring further. As a result, the manager has a good understanding of the children’s needs and can address any shortfalls quickly.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The home is staffed by a stable and consistent staff team. Staff said that morale is positive, and all the staff get on well and are supportive of each other. One staff member said, ‘Working in the home is like being in a family, which is good for the children.’ This culture promotes healthy working relationships.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager ensures that staff are supported to undertake their roles effectively. Staff have completed a variety of relevant training to meet the children’s needs, including children’s individual communication needs. Consequently, staff have the knowledge and skills to provide good-quality care to the children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff receive regular supervision and appraisal, which helps them to remain skilled and supported in their professional development. The manager is supported by the home’s operations manager and responsible individual. This level of support demonstrates positive relationships between the leadership team and staff. One staff member told the inspector, ‘The management are hands-on and very in- volved with the day-to-day care of the children.’ Inspection report for children’s home: 1268535 5

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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, The 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 notify HMCI and each other relevant person without delay if—

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Requirement Due date

there is an allegation of abuse against the home or a person working there. (Regulation 40 (4)(c))

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Requirement Due date

The registered manager must ensure that all significant incidents are notified to Ofsted within the required timescale. 30 November

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Information about this inspection

Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children and young people, using the social care common inspection framework. This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000 to assess the effectiveness of the service, how it meets the core functions of the service as set out in legislation, 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’. Inspection report for children’s home: 1268535 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Horizon Transitional Care Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Carthorne Cottage 55 Woodfield Avenue, Wolverhampton, West Midlands WV4 4AG

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Inspectors

Jas Nahar, Social Care Inspector Vicky Smith, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 1268535 7 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 looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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