Children's Home run by Brighter Horizons Care & Support Limited in Liverpool

Inspection report for children’s home: 2747025 1 Registered provider: Brighter Horizons Care & Support 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 private provider. It offers care for up to two children who may experience social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The home registered with Ofsted in June 2024. An acting manager has been in post since May 2025 and has submitted their application to register with Ofsted.

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Information about this children’s home

There were two children living in home at the time of this inspection. The inspector spoke to both children about their experiences of living in the home.

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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: 12 November 2024

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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: 2747025 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

12/11/2024 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home: 2747025 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children live in a comfortable, welcoming family home. They have been supported to personalise their bedrooms, which gives them a sense of belonging.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children say that they are happy living at the home and have good relationships with staff. One child is making plans with staff to celebrate their time living at the home. Staff provide children with warmth and nurture, which has supported their progression.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children enjoy new and exciting experiences with staff. One child has been to see a pantomime, enjoyed trips to funfairs and learned to swim. Another child has enjoyed a trip to London to support their sporting interests. This helps children to develop their confidence outside of the home while having fun.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children benefit from the positive relationships that managers and staff have with professionals and family members. Professionals say that staff support children effectively. Children spend time with people who are important to them. One family member said, ‘The staff are brilliant. I can’t fault them. Everything about the care is good.’

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff know and understand children’s health needs. Children are registered with local health services, and staff support them to attend routine health appointments. One child previously struggled to attend dental appointments. Staff have provided the child with reassurance and encouragement to help them to receive necessary treatment.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children make progress in education. Staff have worked closely with educational professionals to support the children’s individual needs. As a result, children’s attendance and engagement in education have improved.

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

Staff understand their safeguarding responsibilities. There have been very few incidents in the home. Any incidents have been managed safely. Managers and staff speak to children about issues that may impact on their safety and well-being. This includes conversations about internet safety and risks they may face in the wider community.

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

When one child was missing from home, staff responded quickly. They went out looking for the child and informed relevant professionals and family members. The child was welcomed back to the home, and staff supported the child to express their feelings in a positive way.

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

Plans for children are individualised and updated regularly. They provide staff with important information about children’s needs and vulnerabilities. Some records contain Inspection report for children’s home: 2747025 4 minor errors. However, this has not impacted on children’s safety or the quality of care provided to them.

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

A commissioned therapist spends time in the home. One child has accessed therapeutic support and said that they benefit from this help. Children can identify adults they trust and can speak to about any concerns.

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

Positive behaviour is promoted. Children understand what is expected of them, and they are praised and rewarded when they have done well. Staff encourage children to develop their independence skills at a pace that is comfortable for them.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

There have been changes to the management team since the last inspection. Leaders and managers have ensured that the changes did not impact on the care being provided to children. Managers know the children well and have high expectations and aspirations for them.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff say that they feel supported and that there is a culture of providing child-focused care. Leaders and managers spend time in the home with children and staff. One member of staff said, ‘My managers are amazing. Their support, understanding and hands-on approach make a real difference in the day-to-day running of the home.’

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Safer recruitment practices are robust and ensure that only suitable adults work in the home. New staff complete an induction and probation period. They have completed mandatory training as set out in the home’s statement of purpose. Roles and responsibilities are allocated to staff, which creates a shared ownership of how the home operates and enables staff to feel empowered in their roles.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Supervision takes place regularly and is used to reflect on children’s needs and staff practice. There is a focus on staff well-being, and the positive work staff do is recognised. Clear actions and timescales are set, which helps managers to support staff effectively.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Managers hold team meetings regularly. They are well attended and provide a forum for staff development. Managers provide clear direction to staff. This supports staff to work collaboratively and provide consistency and stability to children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Monthly reports from the independent person are valued, and recommendations are actioned promptly. The manager ensures that feedback about the home is gathered from children, parents and professionals. This feedback is used to ensure that children are provided with high-quality care. Inspection report for children’s home: 2747025 5

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that staff have access to training and resources that support them to meet children’s individual needs. This includes knowledge of the special educational needs and/or disabilities local offer and support to understand autism. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 53, paragraph 10.11)  The registered person should ensure that children’s records are kept up to date and that recording is accurate, fully updated and that language is child focused. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’ page 62, paragraph 14.4)

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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: 2747025 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Brighter Horizons Care & Support

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Curtis Martins-Brown

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Inspector

Anna Belshaw, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2747025 7 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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