Our Approach
At Downham Lodge we provide a small group setting for young people who flounder within a larger setting. We provide a safe, structured and stable environment, which affords young people maximum life chances. Individuals will learn to understand and to maintain control over their own behaviour and emotions.
Downham Lodge provides a total environment, although the opportunity exists for the individual to follow his own interests either singlularly or as a member of a group. On site facilities include a lounge with colour television, video, satellite, music system and board games, an activity room with Playstations and Scalextric, a quiet lounge, a well equipped kitchen and large dining room, and various outdoor activities. Extensive gardens surround the property. Bedrooms are comfortably furnished, fully carpeted and well decorated. Five of the bedrooms have showers fitted.
Downham Lodge works to achieve the objectives laid out in the "Every Child Matters" outcomes framework.
Philosophy
We recognise and accept that it is our duty to the young people to safeguard and promote their welfare whilst they are accomodated in the home. This responsibility will be taken on in partnership with the young people and those with parental responsibility.
We provide an environment that reflects national 'Quality Protects' objectives:
- Ensuring that young people are securely attached to carers capable of providing safe and effective care for the duration of childhood.
- Ensuring that young people looked after gain maximum life chance benefits from education opportunities, health care and social care.
- Ensuring that young people leaving care, as they enter adulthood, are not isolated and participate socially and economically as citizens.
How do we achieve this?
- Provide opportunities to develop social and life skills commensurate with age and ability.
- Provide educational opportunities, both academic and vocational, to enable attainment to a standard that reflects individual ability.
- Provide a safe, structured, consistent, stable environment.
- Provide health care through regular health checks, appropriate diet, exercise and education (including sex and sexuality).
- Provide independent living skills training.
- Provide food, warmth and shelter 52 weeks a year.
All our staff are trained to NVQ level 3 by our own in house NVQ Assessors.