The last paintbrush has been soaked in spirit, the cushions plumped, the new bedding and towels laid out…our newest children’s home is almost ready to open its doors!
The team are all in post. Highly experienced in the care sector and with specialisms and interests including equine therapy, basketball and lacrosse, self-harm, crisis intervention mental health and fostering, the diverse group have completed six weeks of full-time training at Kedleston covering safeguarding, trauma and attachment, self-harm and therapeutic parenting.
Choosing artwork and furnishings that will comfort and inspire children, and make them feel truly at home was a change of focus for Registered Manager Tracey Power after the intensive and wide-ranging induction.
She says:
“Every bedroom is totally unique. One has a Victorian fireplace, which we have Health and Saftey’d. Another is two rooms in one. We’ve chosen different colours for each room, so each room has its own feel.
“Once we’ve been inspected by Ofsted and given permission to open, and the first children join us, of course they will choose their own furniture and personalise their rooms. We’ve just put in the essentials because choosing what they want is so important in them understanding that this is their home, and they are important, and individual and that should be celebrated and it helps them settle.
“We’ve gone for some Banksy art, and we’ve got uplifting quotes around the place. Sofas, beanbags, outdoor furniture, there’s so much space and because we have totally renovated the entire place, we’ve really been able to keep all the lovely features but make it work for what the children will need.
“I’ve opened a new home before, and so has my Deputy Manager, Suzanne, but not like how they’ve done it at Kedleston, not with all this support and training and such a fantastic team. Everyone just wants the absolute best for the kids. We are really looking forward to them joining us and us building memories together.”