Children's Home run by Horizon Care and Education Group Limited in Staffordshire

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2586943 1 Registered provider: Horizon Care and Education Group Limited

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home is privately owned and registered to provide care for up to four children with social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in January 2026 and holds the relevant qualification.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of this inspection, four children were living at the home. Three children were seen by the inspector.

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Inspection date: 6 January 2026

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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Inspection date: 6 January 2026

Enforcement action since last inspection: none

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Information about this inspection

At this inspection, the inspector evaluated:

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Information about this inspection

 the care of children  the safety of children  the effectiveness of leaders and managers. The inspector has looked closely at the experiences and progress of children, using the social care common inspection framework. This assurance 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’. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2586943 2

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Findings from the inspection

We did not identify any serious or widespread concerns in relation to the care or protection of children at this assurance inspection.

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Findings from the inspection

Four children are living in the home. Three children were seen and one child was spoken to as part of the inspection. The children are settled and have positive relationships with the staff. Positive interactions and light-hearted chat was observed between children and staff.

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Findings from the inspection

One child has recently moved into the home; their move was carefully planned with consideration given to the children already living in the home. The child benefitted from visits to the home prior to their move to meet their peers and staff. This child- centred approach helped to prepare the child for their move and reduced any anxieties they may have had.

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Findings from the inspection

There have been positive improvements to both the interior and exterior of the home. Following consultation with children, the home has been fully redecorated to a high standard. Furniture has been thoughtfully arranged to create a more homely and comfortable environment. All children’s bedrooms are now well maintained and personalised according to their preferences, with new furniture provided. This ensures that each child has a safe, nurturing space that reflects their individuality.

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Findings from the inspection

The use of consequences has reduced significantly. Staff now adopt a therapeutic and restorative approach when supporting children, focusing on helping them understand and repair relationships. Where consequences are applied, there is management oversight and reflective practice to ensure they are appropriate and proportionate. This approach promotes positive behaviour and strengthens children’s emotional well-being.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff respond promptly and sensitively when concerns arise about self-harm. They use appropriate interventions and draw on their understanding of each child’s individual communication style to provide reassurance and support. This approach helps children feel safe and understood during times of upset and reduces the risk of further self-harm. Staff demonstrate enthusiasm and a strong understanding of each child’s individual needs. As a result, there has not been any use of physical intervention since the last inspection.

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Findings from the inspection

The response to complaints and allegations raised by children has improved. Investigations are clearly recorded, and referrals to external professionals are made when required. Children are engaged throughout the process and receive feedback from the registered manager on the outcome. There is consistent management oversight, ensuring transparency and accountability. These practices help children feel listened to and safeguarded.

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Findings from the inspection

Since the last inspection, an experienced registered manager has been appointed. He demonstrates a strong understanding of the home’s strengths and areas Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2586943 3 requiring further development. He has introduced a robust action plan and strengthened monitoring systems, enabling effective review of incidents and driving continuous improvement in practice. The registered manager identified the need for more consistent and accurate recording and has implemented a computerised system to support this. As a result, children’s records are updated daily, ensuring that staff have timely and accurate information about current vulnerabilities and behaviours, which enhances the quality and responsiveness of care

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Findings from the inspection

The registered manager ensures that staff access specialist training tailored to chil- dren’s individual needs, and learning from this is embedded in daily practice. He has also strengthened the culture of openness by reinforcing staff confidence to speak out about safeguarding and practice-related concerns. These expectations are con- sistently reinforced through team meetings and regular supervision, promoting a safe and transparent environment for children.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff speak positively about working in the home and about the leadership of the new registered manager. They report that he models therapeutic practice effectively, knows the children well, and has created a more settled and happier environment. Staff morale has improved due to the responsive and supportive culture he has established within the home. This strong leadership promotes consistency in care and contributes to positive experiences for children.

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Findings from the inspection

All the requirements raised at the full inspection were met. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2586943 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

12/08/2025 Full Requires improvement to be good 06/12/2023 Full Good 22/03/2023 Full Good 16/06/2021 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2586943 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Horizon Care and Education Group Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: C/o DWF Company Secretarial Services Limited, 1 Scott Place 2 Hardman Street, Manchester M3 3AA

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Inspector

Julia Tompson, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2586943 6 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 children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspector

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Inspector

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