Children's home run by Horizon Transitional Care Ltd

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

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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 4 children with a range of complex needs and children who have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

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Information about this children’s home

The manager is suitably experienced and qualified. The manager registered with Ofsted in November 2025.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of the inspection, 4 children were living in the home. The inspector spoke with all of them.

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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

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

19/03/2025 Full Good 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, one child has moved into the home and one has moved out. Three children have lived in the home for a significant period, which demonstrates that they experience stability and consistency in their care.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

When children move into the home, the manager undertakes a thorough assessment of each child’s needs and potential risks to ensure that these can be met effectively. Staff visit children beforehand and provide clear information about the home and the staff team, helping them feel informed and reassured. When children move out, staff support their transition sensitively, which includes organising a farewell celebration where children receive cards and gifts. This personalised approach helps to reduce anxiety and prioritises children’s emotional wellbeing by ensuring they feel supported and prepared for change.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children develop strong, positive relationships with staff, who understand and meet their individual needs while investing in their progress. The manager also spends dedicated time with the children. Children display affection, often laughing and enjoying warm interactions with staff, which demonstrates the secure emotional bonds they share. One parent said, ‘My child has a lovely rapport with their carers and loves living in this home.’

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff encourage children to express their views using their preferred methods of communication. These include the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), Makaton, and signs and symbols. Staff know the children well and are skilled at interpreting vocal tones, facial expressions and body language to understand each child’s wishes. As a result, staff respond effectively to children’s needs and feelings.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children enjoy good health because staff understand their individual health needs and support children to attend routine appointments. Staff also help children make sense of their life experiences through daily conversations and the use of social stories, which promotes their emotional wellbeing.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

All children are in education, and their attendance is excellent. Two children have 100% attendance, and the other 2 children have attendance rates above 97%. The manager and staff work closely with education providers to ensure that each child’s educational needs are met. They attend parents’ evenings and actively participate in educational reviews. One education provider commented, ‘Staff support [child’s name] with his education targets and attend school meetings. He is well supported.’ This consistent approach helps children to achieve and reach their full potential.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Although the home is welcoming and furnished to meet children’s individual sensory needs, not all bedrooms consistently support children’s understanding of their personal space. For example, bedroom furniture and surrounding areas lack clear visual prompts, Inspection report for children’s home: 2597734 4 such as pictures to help children identify the contents of drawers and storage spaces. The manager took prompt action to address this during the inspection.

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

The manager and staff demonstrate a thorough understanding of each child’s vulnerabilities and the risks they face. They develop and maintain detailed risk management plans, which are reviewed regularly to ensure they remain effective and up to date. These personalised plans provide staff with practical guidance and clear strategies to keep children safe, ensuring that risks are managed in a dignified and child- centred way.

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

Disclosures and complaints are rare. When they do occur, they are managed effectively. The manager ensures that children remain safe and protected from harm and provides them with updates on the outcomes. These actions help children feel confident to raise concerns and reinforce their sense of safety.

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

Staff promptly seek medical advice when children are unwell, ensuring that they receive timely care. By acting quickly, staff help to keep children safe and ensure their health and wellbeing are closely monitored.

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

Restorative conversations encourage children to express their feelings. Staff continue to develop their skills and understanding of how to support children when they experience difficult emotions. They help children to understand behaviours that may present a risk to themselves, which promotes safety and wellbeing. As a result, physical intervention is rare, and there have been no incidents requiring its use since July 2025. Following any intervention, staff speak with children and provide opportunities for them to express their feelings and reflect on what happened.

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

Robust medication systems are in place to promote the safety of all children. Medication is clearly labelled, and detailed information is recorded on personalised medication sheets to maintain accuracy and prevent errors. Staff complete daily audits to promptly identify and address any shortfalls. This rigorous approach ensures the health, safety and wellbeing of children in the home.

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

Staff and children participate in regular fire drills. Each child has a personal emergency evacuation plan, which helps staff understand the level of support required to evacuate the home safely. These measures ensure that everyone living and working in the home remains safe in the event of a fire or any other emergency requiring immediate evacuation.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The registered manager is experienced, dedicated and aspirational in her practice. She is supported by a highly effective operations manager. Both know the children well and adopt a child-centred approach. Their leadership and commitment are cascaded to the Inspection report for children’s home: 2597734 5 staff team, motivating them to deliver high-quality care. One member of staff said, ‘The manager provides very good training, which is regular, it’s fantastic.’

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager supports staff to carry out their roles effectively. Staff receive a range of relevant training to meet children’s needs, including children’s individual communication requirements. As a result, staff have the knowledge and skills to provide high-quality care for children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff receive regular supervision and an annual appraisal. These sessions are reflective and help staff identify opportunities to develop their practice. For example, during one appraisal, a staff member set a goal to enrol on a leadership qualification. This goal has been achieved, and the staff member is now in the process of completing the qualification. Staff report that they feel well supported by the leadership team.

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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, following children’s reviews, the manager does not consistently address actions in a timely manner, which can delay children in achieving their desired outcomes.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager and staff have developed strong relationships with parents and external professionals, including social workers. One professional commented, ‘I cannot fault this home or the support they provide for [child’s name]. Communication is good, and I have no concerns whatsoever.’ A parent stated, ‘[Child’s name] is very happy and well supported in this home. He has definitely made good progress.’ Feedback from professionals consistently highlights the quality of care and support provided by the manager and staff, and confirms that children are happy, settled and making progress. Inspection report for children’s home: 2597734 6

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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 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

In meeting the quality standards, the registered person must, and must ensure that staff—

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Requirement Due date

seek to secure the input and services required to meet each child’s needs. (Regulation 5 (b))

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Requirement Due date

The registered manager must ensure that, following children’s reviews, all agreed actions are completed within the required timescales and without delay. 9 February2026

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that the home provides a nurturing environment that meets the needs of the children. This specifically relates to ensuring that each child’s bedroom is designed to their individual needs. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 15, paragraph 3.9)  The registered person should ensure that their internal monitoring systems are robust and effective. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 55, paragraph 10.24)

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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 7

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Horizon Transitional Care Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 55 Woodfield Avenue, Wolverhampton WV4 4AG

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Inspector

Jas Nahar, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2597734 8 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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