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Life In The Care Home

At Headstart Residential Care, our homes are more than just places to live—they are safe, nurturing environments where young people can heal, grow, and thrive.

A True Sense of Home

Each of our homes is designed to feel warm, welcoming, and personal. From the moment a young person arrives, they are supported by a dedicated team who create a calm, structured, and therapeutic atmosphere. Bedrooms are personalised, routines are consistent, and every child is encouraged to take pride in their space and their progress.

 

Therapeutic Support Woven Into Daily Life

Therapeutic support is woven into the day to day support and environment provided at our homes. Staff work closely with our in-house therapeutic team—including a Thrive Practitioner, Clinical Psychologist (Trainee), Occupational Therapist, Speech and Language Therapist, and Behaviour Analyst, to ensure that therapeutic support is embedded into everyday routines and interactions.

Empowering Young People

We believe that every child should have a voice in their care. Through keyworker sessions, house meetings, and daily conversations, young people are encouraged to express their views, wishes, and feelings. Their Individual Care Plans are co-created and regularly reviewed to reflect their evolving needs and goals.

A Rich and Active Life

Life in our homes is full of opportunity. Whether it’s caring for animals on our rural sites, participating in cultural evenings, or enjoying activities like horse riding, music, or sports, every young person is supported to explore their interests and build confidence. We also focus on developing life skills, from cooking and budgeting to personal care and independence.

Education and Aspirations

We work closely with Headstart School and other educational providers to ensure each young person receives the support they need to succeed. Whether re-engaging with learning or preparing for further education or employment, we help young people build the skills and self-belief to achieve their goals.

A Culture of Respect and Inclusion

We celebrate diversity and promote equality in everything we do. Our homes are inclusive spaces where every child is respected, differences are embraced, and everyone is encouraged to be their authentic self.

Frequently Asked Questions

We understand that choosing a residential placement for your child comes with many questions. Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common queries about daily life in our homes and the support we provide.

Each home is designed to feel warm, personal, and familiar. Bedrooms are decorated to reflect each young person’s personality, routines are predictable and comforting, and staff encourage pride in both personal spaces and shared areas – creating a genuine sense of belonging.

Therapeutic input is part of everyday life. Our staff work alongside a multidisciplinary team including a Thrive Practitioner, Clinical Psychologist (Trainee), Occupational Therapist, Speech and Language Therapist, and Behaviour Consultant to ensure consistent, tailored support for each young person.

We actively encourage young people to have a voice. Through keyworker sessions, house meetings, and open conversations, they share their views and goals. Their Individual Care Plans are co-created and regularly reviewed to reflect their progress and aspirations.

Life in our homes is varied and enriching – from animal care and equine activities to music, art, and sports. We also focus on developing key life skills such as cooking, budgeting, and personal care to build confidence and independence.

I’ve consistently found the team to be highly professional, communicative, and responsive. Their commitment to supporting the child is evident in the positive progress I’ve observed, particularly in how they tailor care to individual needs. The collaborative approach and openness to partnership working have made a real difference in ensuring continuity and quality of care.

The young person has made great progress since being at Headstart, to the point that his staffing has now reduced to 1:1 in the daytime (he was 3:1 a few years ago). Staff really understand and appreciate him, and have helped him develop his independence and confidence. His keyworker in particular is amazing and so dedicated. The team are professional and keep me up to date.