Our home is a home, not a unit, not a centre – a home!
On school days I will be helping children to get ready for school to ensure that all their needs have been met in preparation for the school day. Often play and singing is in order and sometimes just a quiet catch up with young people and of course a few jokes or some friendly banter. During school hours there will be some housekeeping required or you might support some children with their Education. We also need to ensure that all documentation is up – to- date and all relevant information passed on where required. Communication with other professionals/families and the attendance of children’s meetings is an example of some Key Worker roles that can be completed during the school hours. At the end of the school day some children may want a relaxing bath, others a game of cricket in the garden and for some, time to chill and reflect and just some time away from adults! Our time is child led and children are supported to plan their time and activities at the home.
Weekends and school holidays are very different to school days and young people will be at the home and supported by the team during the day times. Day trips are frequent and may include fish and chips at the seaside, trips to the zoo and the local steam railway. Some children prefer to relax at home maybe enjoying a foot spa, some sensory toys and lights, seasonal crafts, gardening and water play.
Young people are encouraged to plan menus and to shop and prepare for mealtimes, we also welcome active involvement in the home’s environment and decoration.
We work hard to build positive relationships with our children so we can support with all their needs. Outcomes are in place to support young people to experience and achieve, and these often related to supporting with educational goals in line with the EHCP and some to support with gaining independence skills. Families are very welcome to the home and sometimes children are given the opportunity to spend time with family members where this may not be possible in their family home.
We support the wishes of children and their families very much value feedback from all involved in their care. We work collaboratively with other professionals for the best outcome and to ensure our young people have all their needs met holistically.