Children's home run by Horizon Transitional Care Ltd

Inspection report for children’s home: 2597734 1 Registered provider: Horizon Transitional Care Limited

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Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

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

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Information about this children’s home

The manager is suitably experienced and qualified. The manager registered with Ofsted in February 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: 28 November 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: 2597734 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

28/11/2023 Full Good 21/03/2023 Full Outstanding 18/05/2021 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home: 2597734 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Since the last inspection, no children have moved in or out of the home. At the time of this inspection, four children were living in the home. Two of the children have lived in the home for over two years. The inspector spoke to all four children.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children greatly benefit from the affection and warmth shown by staff. The inspector observed a child holding a staff member’s hand while walking around the home, demonstrating trust and a positive attachment. Another child sat on a staff member’s lap, enjoying a cuddle. These interactions reflect a strong nurturing bond, similar to a parent-child relationship, providing children with a sense of security and emotional support.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff use various communication aids to interact with children effectively. These aids include Makaton, and picture exchange cards. The manager invests in high-quality speech and language resources to help children develop verbal communication, ensuring that their voices are heard and valued. As a result, one child who was previously nonverbal, has made excellent progress and can now communicate using up to 23 words. This achievement is a testament to the dedicated speech support and care provided, giving children greater independence, confidence, and the ability to express their needs and emotions more effectively.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children make noteworthy educational progress from their starting points. All the children receive education, and their attendance is good. Open lines of communication with schools enable staff to be highly attuned and responsive to helping children overcome their education barriers. For example, the manager and staff actively support one child, both in the school and at home, while they are on a reduced timetable. Through consistent support and partnership working, the child has made good progress, leading to an increase in their school hours. Their education provider said, ‘The staff absolutely support his education, and I can’t speak highly enough of the support the home gives to [Name of child].’ This collaborative approach ensures that children receive the stability and tailored support needed towards their learning.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff manage children’s complex health needs efficiently and sensitively, using research- informed practices to provide tailored care. For example, after conducting research, the manager developed a toileting plan that aligns with two children’s complex needs and level of understanding. To maintain consistency, the plan was shared with the children’s school, who also follow the care plan. As a result, both children have made good progress. Committed staff ensure that children receive holistic, individualised support to promote good health.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children engage in a variety of activities that enrich their social experiences, such as swimming and drama classes. Children go on day trips to explore new places and environments. Additionally, all the children enjoyed a beach holiday. These experiences Inspection report for children’s home: 2597734 4 help children to build healthy peer relationships, gain confidence, and create positive memories.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children participate in charity events, baking cakes and selling Christmas cards. One child performed in a talent show for the staff and other children at their previous home. This was enjoyed by everyone. All funds raised were donated to a children’s society, who rewarded children with achievement certificates and thank-you letters. These experiences teach children valuable life skills, help them gain a sense of responsibility and strengthen their connection to the community, while the community benefits from their positive contributions.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The home is a warm, welcoming and homely environment. It features a dedicated sensory room, a play area and calm spaces for children to enjoy and reflect. Children’s pictures with their families are displayed throughout, reinforcing familiarity and connection, giving children a genuine sense of belonging. This helps children to feel that this home is their home.

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

Children form strong relationships with staff, built on trust and affection. One child said, ‘I love living here. The staff really care about me.’ As a result, children trust the staff.

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

Detailed behaviour and risk management plans provide staff with effective strategies to minimise potential dangers and protect the children. Two children told the inspector about their current risks and how well staff support them. These plans with the staff support help ensure children feel safe and secure.

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

There have been very few safeguarding incidents in the home. When incidents do occur, staff manage them appropriately and follow the correct safeguarding procedures to ensure that children are kept safe.

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

There has been only one missing-from-home incident. Staff promptly followed the child’s missing-from-home protocol and quickly located the child. Staff spoke to the child about the risks and dangers of going missing and how to stay safe. This proactive approach has been effective, as there have been no further missing-from-home incidents.

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

Staff manage children’s behaviours well. Physical intervention is only used as a last resort after staff have exhausted all de-escalation techniques. The manager has oversight of all incidents and has discussions with staff and children after these incidents. In addition to this, staff help children to reflect on the incident. This gives children the opportunity to discuss how they are feeling.

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

Staff support children in understanding their behaviours and successes. They regularly write in children’s praise books, highlighting their achievements. Additionally, accomplishments are displayed on the home’s celebration tree, which is visible for everyone. Seeing their achievements recognised on the tree helps children feel proud of themselves and boosts their self-esteem. Children are rewarded with well-done Inspection report for children’s home: 2597734 5 certificates and can also choose a gift from their reward bags. As a result, positive behaviours are reinforced through restorative practice and praise.

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

Health and safety procedures, including fire arrangements, are in place. The home received a gold reward, the highest health and safety grading from an independent organisation. Children take part in regular fire drills and have personal evacuation plans to help staff understand the level of support they require to evacuate the home safely. This ensures that children live in an environment where high standards of care are provided, and children know what to do in an emergency.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The registered manager is an experienced and dedicated manager, who is aspirational and effective. She knows the children well and is child centred in her approach. Her approach and drive are cascaded to the team of staff in a way that motivates them. One member of staff said, ‘[The manager] is a very good manager. She’s proactive with the children… spends a lot of the time with them. She is one of the best managers I have had.’ Another member of staff said, ‘She gives us the necessary support we need, and also pushes us to be the best version of ourselves.’

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff say they like working in the home. They support each other and are well supported by the leadership team. There is a good atmosphere in the home. This culture promotes healthy working relationships.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff receive regular supervision. Reflective conversations about the children’s well-being and safety are central to these discussions. The manager understands the importance of staff welfare. This helps to ensure that staff are well prepared and supported to give children the care they need. One member of staff said, ‘She is very supportive and she guides me and helps me.’ This approach helps staff to feel valued, supported and motivated, enhancing the quality of care provided to the children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager is aware of the home’s strengths and areas for development. Overall, her monitoring and review systems are sufficient. However, they do not always identify shortfalls. For example, gaps were found in recording practices, such as conversations with children, are not always clearly recorded. The manager has given assurance that she will immediately implement processes to address these shortfalls.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

In addition to the above, the independent visitor does not consistently speak to the children during their visits. The absence of this feedback hinders the opportunities for enhancing the children’s care and services and prevents them from having the opportunity to share their views about their care with an independent person.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Most staff have completed their relevant training, but some staff still need to do so. This may impact the consistency of care for children, as not all staff have the necessary skills. However, the manager offers assurance that those staff with required training will be enrolled as soon as possible. This will ensure that all staff are fully equipped to meet children’s needs. Inspection report for children’s home: 2597734 6 Partnership working with external agencies is effective. The registered manager and staff develop strong relationships with parents and all external professionals, including social workers. One professional said, ‘I am really delighted with how staff support him.’ A parent said, ‘This home as a whole are brilliant with him.’ A common thread in the feedback from professionals is how well the manager and staff care for and support the children. Inspection report for children’s home: 2597734 7

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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 recruit staff using recruitment procedures that are designed to ensure children’s safety.

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Requirement Due date

the individual has the appropriate experience, qualification and skills for the work that the individual is to perform.

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the registered person must ensure that all staff have the required training to meet children’s individual needs. 30 April 2025

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must ensure that an independent person visits the children’s home at least once each month.

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Requirement Due date

When the independent person is carrying out a visit, the registered person must help the independent person—

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Requirement Due date

if they consent, to interview in private such of the children, their parents, relatives and persons working at the home as the independent person requires.

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the registered person must ensure that all children are provided with an opportunity to communicate with the independent visitor. 30 April 2025

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that staff are familiar with the home’s policies on record-keeping and understand the importance of clear and accurate recording. Additionally, they must ensure all children’s records are kept up to date. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 62, paragraph 14.4) Inspection report for children’s home: 2597734 8

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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: 2597734 9

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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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Inspector

Jas Nahar, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2597734 10 regulates and inspects 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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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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