Children's home run by New Horizons NW Limited

Inspection report for children’s home: 2797984 1 Registered provider: New Horizons NW Limited

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This children’s home is owned and managed by a private company. It provides care for up to two children who may have social and emotional difficulties or learning difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in August 2024. Another manager has also been appointed and has applied to register with Ofsted.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of the inspection, one child was living in the home.

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Information about this children’s home

This is the first inspection after registration in August 2024.

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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: not previously inspected

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good

Overall judgement at last inspection: not applicable

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: 2797984 2

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child said that they feel happy and secure in the home. They are provided with good-quality care that prioritises their well-being. The nurturing environment and strong, positive relationships they build with staff contribute to their sense of belonging.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The home is welcoming and well furnished. There are some personalised touches, and photos of the child and staff enjoying activities are displayed throughout the home. There are plans in place to develop the outdoor area.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child now attends education; prior to moving into the home they did not. Staff liaise well with schools to support the child to attend and be involved in their education. The child’s education plans reflect the support that is provided, which is making a difference in their life.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child engages in activities that promote a healthy lifestyle and are also fun. Staff and the child plan these together, and the activities reflect the child’s interests. This gives them a sense of ownership and confidence. The activities help with building social skills and provide opportunities to create meaningful childhood experiences.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff have therapeutic training that enables them to identify different ways to support the child. Staff have access to a therapist and can discuss how they can best work with the child. Staff promote health and well-being and understand how to support the child. However, for one child who has left the home, staff were unclear of their responsibilities in relation to helping them to stop using electronic cigarettes.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff help the child to maintain their family relationships. Family time between the child and their siblings is well coordinated. Children are able to decide how they want to spend their time, which reflects their individual interests. This support helps the child to make positive memories with their family.

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

The child says that they feel safe in the home and have built good relationships with staff. Staff know how to respond to the child and help them to manage their emotions.

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

Staff follow well-written risk management plans and plans that help them to support the child effectively and appropriately. This helps to minimise potential risks and promote a safe and supportive environment. The plans provide clear guidance for staff, and they are updated regularly to enable staff to learn from each incident.

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

Staff are knowledgeable about safeguarding and demonstrate a clear understanding of their responsibilities in protecting children. Staff follow robust protocols for managing Inspection report for children’s home: 2797984 3 safeguarding incidents. One child was helped to move on from the home in a positive manner after a safeguarding concern.

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

Physical intervention is used only as a last resort and when necessary to prevent harm. Staff receive thorough training in approved techniques. All incidents are carefully documented, with opportunities for those involved to talk about the incident. The child has been involved in an incentive scheme, which has significantly reduced the need for physical intervention.

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

On one occasion, staff were unaware that a window had been left open when the home was unoccupied. This matter was addressed during the inspection.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager is experienced and is currently managing another home owned by the provider. Another manager has recently joined the home. She previously worked as a deputy manager in another home in the provider group and knows the child and staff well. Managers have clear visions for the service. Staff say that they feel supported and feel positive about the future. The staff team remains stable and committed to improving outcomes for the child.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff receive monthly supervision sessions that help them to understand their roles. The sessions are reflective and allow them to receive supportive advice from managers. Single topic-specific supervision is effectively used to enable more specific discussions with staff as required.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff attend weekly team meetings. The consultant therapist feeds into these meetings to further enhance staff understanding and the delivery of the therapeutic care model that the home uses.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The home follows safer recruitment processes to ensure that all staff members are suitable to work with children. In addition, comprehensive inductions and additional training, which is tailored to the needs of the children, provide staff with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the child’s needs.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Records are child focused and use respectful, understandable language that is accessible to the child. Documents are also available in child-friendly formats to ensure that the child understands their care. This inclusive approach empowers the child to be actively involved in their own care planning.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff have access to a clear training pathway to further develop their skills. Staff have been trained in the therapeutic approach for the home. They are being further trained through an in-depth therapeutic intervention course so that they are able to understand further methods of caring for children with specific needs. Inspection report for children’s home: 2797984 4

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that children are supported to be healthy and be aware of the dangers of smoking and vaping and discouraged from using vapes. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, paragraph 7.18, page 35)

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that the home is secure when leaving the premises. The locking of external doors, or doors to hazardous materials, may be acceptable as a security precaution if applied within the normal routine of the home. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, paragraph 9.62, page 50)

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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: 2797984 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: New Horizons NW Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Unit 17-18, Navigation Business Village, Navigation Way, Ashton-on-Ribble, Preston PR2 2YP

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Natalie Waterhouse

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Inspector

Colin Jones, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2797984 6 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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