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

Inspection report for children's home: 1258089 1 OFSTED USE ONLY

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Registered provider: Horizon Care and Education Group 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 and managed by a private provider. It provides care for up to 4 children who may experience social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children's home

The manager registered with Ofsted in December 2025.

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Information about this children's home

At the time of this inspection, one child was living at the home. The inspector spoke with the child.

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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: 22 September 2025

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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: 1258089 2 OFSTED USE ONLY

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

22/09/2025 Full Good 08/10/2024 Full Good 15/01/2024 Full Good 07/12/2022 Full Good Inspection report for children's home: 1258089 3 OFSTED USE ONLY

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Summary of findings

Since the last inspection, the manager has successfully registered with Ofsted. She leads by example and has earned the respect of her staff team and external professionals. The child is feeling safe and secure having lived in the home for 5 years. The child is making progress, which is due to the positive relationships that they have formed with staff. The child's health and education are prioritised by the manager and staff, who act as effective advocates to ensure that the child receives care and education tailored to their individual needs.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff have built effective relationships with the child, offering a sense of stability and security. They have balanced this with the provision of clear structure and consistent boundaries, which have supported the child's development and wellbeing.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

School has not always been easy for the child. The manager has been a strong advocate, ensuring that the child can access a nurturing educational setting that can provide individualised learning experiences designed around the child's interests to promote their engagement in education.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The manager and staff have worked diligently to promote the child's health and emotional wellbeing. Staff have helped to alleviate some of the child's anxieties. This is through the positive relationships that they have developed with the child, alongside the use of dynamic and creative approaches to meet their needs. As a result, the child has become more willing to engage with services, which reflects the increased trust in those around her.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Furthermore, this year has seen a significant positive change with the child actively participating in events both at their home and outside. This reflects the progress that has been made and highlights the work undertaken by the manager and staff in creating an environment where the child feels safe, supported and valued.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff actively support and promote family time with individuals who are important to the child, recognising the value of maintaining these relationships. The child has a limited friendship network and few opportunities to develop peer relationships. Staff seek to encourage and facilitate friendships; however, this is at the child's pace and is not always wanted.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Professionals consistently spoke positively about the child's progress over the past year. They attributed this progress to the child feeling safe, supported and genuinely cared for by a staff team that is resilient, nurturing and patient in their approach. Professionals described how the consistency of care, the quality of relationships established and the team's commitment have enabled the child to build trust, develop confidence and Inspection report for children's home: 1258089 4 OFSTED USE ONLY

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

engage more positively with opportunities and support. This reflects the positive impact that the manager and staff team have had in helping the child to achieve improved outcomes and emotional wellbeing.

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

Staff work hard to keep the child safe and have a good understanding of the child's individual risks, vulnerabilities and things that cause them to go into crisis. They respond appropriately when the child is in an unsafe situation or when concerns are identified. Staff take prompt action to share relevant information with the appropriate professionals and agencies. This ensures that safeguarding concerns are addressed effectively and that the child receives the necessary support and protection.

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

The child has high levels of supervision and there are some restrictions in place to promote safety and the child's wellbeing. Staff continue to work with the child to help them understand the reasons for these restrictions and to ensure that their views and feelings are listened to and considered.

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

There are concerns regarding the child's use of the internet and mobile phone. Staff take immediate action whenever concerns are identified. The manager and staff work closely with the child to develop their understanding of internet safety and when they communicate online and use digital devices. This work is ongoing and it is too early to determine its effectiveness fully. Nevertheless, staff remain committed to providing consistent guidance, education and support to help the child develop safer online behaviours.

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

Children do not go missing from the home. Incidents when the child hurts themself are infrequent and low level. Staff demonstrate a good understanding of the child's individual risks and are aware of the signs and triggers that may indicate a deterioration in the child's emotional wellbeing. Staff respond appropriately and sensitively when concerns arise, providing reassurance, emotional support and opportunities for the child to talk about their feelings. Staff work proactively to help the child develop safer coping strategies and ensure that effective support is available when needed.

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

When allegations have been made, they have not always been thoroughly investigated and the appropriate procedures for notifying the regulator have not consistently been followed. This limits transparency and reduces the ability to provide assurance that concerns have been fully explored and appropriately addressed. However, leaders are committed to maintaining regulatory compliance and promoting a culture of openness, accountability and learning.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager operates an open-door policy, which staff value and respond to positively. This approachable and supportive leadership style promotes a culture of openness, learning and continuous development. Staff are encouraged to reflect on their practice Inspection report for children's home: 1258089 5 OFSTED USE ONLY

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

and incorporate relevant research into their work, enhancing their understanding of trauma and its impact on children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The management team leads by example, demonstrating the values and behaviours expected within the home. This creates a positive working environment where staff feel supported, empowered and committed to achieving positive outcomes for children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager knows both the child and the staff team exceptionally well. She recognises the importance of celebrating achievements in ways that are meaningful and comfortable for the child. While significant milestones are acknowledged, it is often the smaller achievements that receive the greatest celebration. These moments are valued because they reflect the child's personal progress and the unique challenges that they have overcome.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff receive regular, child-focused supervision that provides meaningful opportunities for reflection and supports the ongoing development of their practice. Supervision discussions are centred on the child's needs, progress and experiences, ensuring that staff remain focused on achieving positive outcomes.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager facilitates regular, reflective team meetings, providing staff with opportunities to discuss the child. These meetings encourage open and constructive discussions about what is working well, alongside identifying any changes or adjustments that could further improve outcomes. Staff collectively reflect on their practice, share insights and explore new approaches to support the child effectively. The outcomes of these discussions are used to inform and develop the child's plans, ensuring that they remain relevant, responsive and focused on the child's goals.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager has high aspirations for the child and is relentless in her efforts to secure the best possible outcomes for them. The manager is confident in holding professionals and partner agencies to account, advocating strongly on behalf of the child to ensure that their needs are understood, prioritised and met. This strong leadership and effective partnership working has played a significant role in the child's continued progress and positive experiences.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The home has an independent visitor who visits each month. The independent visitor forms an overview of the home, making recommendations when necessary. Over the last reporting period, there has been a lack of independent feedback being obtained. The manager has not identified this to action it with the visitor. Inspection report for children's home: 1258089 6 OFSTED USE ONLY

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions that the registered person 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 notify HMCI and each other relevant person without delay if—

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Requirement Due date

there is an allegation of abuse against the home or a person working there. (Regulation 40 (4)(c)) 29 November 2026

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Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure that any individual appointed to carry out visits to the home as an independent person must make a rigorous and impartial assessment of the home's arrangements for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children in the home's care. This includes seeking feedback from all parties involved with the child. ('Guide to the Children's Homes Regulations, including the quality standards', page 65, paragraph 15.5)

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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: 1258089 7 OFSTED USE ONLY

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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

Angela Ross, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children's home: 1258089 8 OFSTED USE ONLY

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Inspector

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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