Children's home run by Horizon Care and Education Group Limited

Assurance inspection report for children's home: 1253501 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. It is registered to provide care for up to 3 children who have learning disabilities.

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Information about this children’s home

There were no children living at the home at the time of the inspection.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager has an application in process to register with Ofsted.

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Information about this children’s home

Date of last inspection: 13 November 2024

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Information about this children’s home

Judgement at last inspection: outstanding

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Information about this children’s home

Enforcement action since last inspection: none

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Information about this inspection

At these inspections, 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. Inspectors have 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: 1253501 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

A manager has been appointed and is currently leading the home. The manager has submitted an application to registered with Ofsted.

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Findings from the inspection

The home has been refurbished to an exceptional standard and is beautifully presented throughout. It offers two children’s bedrooms, which will be personalised to meet individual needs when children come to live at the home. The environment is bright, warm and welcoming, with the manager demonstrating strong attention to detail to ensure that all communal areas remain both versatile and practical.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager has recruited a new staff team for the home. She has ensured that a comprehensive induction is in place for each staff member to support them to develop within their role. This includes a wide range of training, with additional learning provided to ensure staff are fully equipped to meet the individual needs of children. Staff are currently gaining experience in the provider’s other homes, which supports their development and ensures they are well prepared for children moving into the home.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager has ensured that staff receive regular supervision within the homes where they are currently working, and she maintains oversight of these records to monitor staff development. This approach is further strengthened through the use of workshops, and the team has recently held its first meeting with the manager, providing a valuable forum for peer reflection and shared learning. This approach helps maintain high-quality practice that is child-focussed.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager has implemented a range of quality assurance and monitoring processes. These are further strengthened by the use of the online recording system, which enables the manager to maintain oversight and review records remotely. The systems in place include weekly checklists and comprehensive monthly management audits, ensuring effective oversight of the home. A suite of templates, including care planning and risk assessment documents, is also prepared and ready for use.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager has undertaken a thorough and well-structured evaluation of the local area, incorporating insights from local police to develop a clear understanding of risks that may affect children. This analysis offers meaningful guidance for staff, particularly in circumstances where a child may go missing, by outlining relevant local risks and potential vulnerabilities.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager, when recruiting new staff, follows safer recruitment protocols. She completes a comprehensive range of background checks to ensure that there are no concerns about the ability and intentions of prospective employees when it comes to Assurance inspection report for children's home: 1253501 3 them providing care for children. These measures help to ensure that children are not harmed by those in positions of trust.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager says they feel well supported by the responsible individual and senior leaders within the organisation. She is confident that she can contact them at any time for guidance and support. She also receives monthly supervision from the responsible individual. Assurance inspection report for children's home: 1253501 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

13/11/2024 Full Outstanding 13/02/2024 Full Outstanding 13/02/2023 Full Outstanding 14/12/2021 Full Outstanding Assurance inspection report for children's home: 1253501 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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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Victoria Dirican

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Inspector

Zoey Lee, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children's home: 1253501 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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T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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