Agincare is pleased to mark a new milestone with the successful opening of its first residential not-for-profit children’s home, Teal House in Dorset.
The new service has been developed in response to the shortage of care and support available to young people within the local community. Shortly after opening, the service underwent its first Ofsted inspection and was awarded an overall rating of ‘Good.’
This positive outcome builds confidence in the long-term effectiveness of the service, demonstrating that robust standards have been established to ensure consistent and high-quality care and support, a ‘green light’ for the next stages in its evolution.
A Promising Beginning
Upon inspection, the report noted that the young person had settled in well and was forming trusting relationships with team members. Plans to work towards greater independence and further education were evidenced and praise was given for their understanding of the individuals experiences. This highlighted their commitment to providing consistency and stability in view of child-centred approaches to care and support.
The report drew attention to the positive feedback received from the young person’s family. Describing the impact of the placement, the family member said that Teal House had given the young person the opportunity to “live again,” recognising the progress made through the care provided.
Professional Bodies
This not-for-profit home emphasised a strong collaborative working ethic with local authorities, education providers, families and wider professional bodies. These relationships are used proactively to overcome barriers that can present within these networks and strategies are implemented into the tailored support plans.
The future looks bright!
Central to the home’s approach, the young person’s future aspirations were seen to be advocated for and subsequently provided a progressive foundation for promoting emotional wellbeing.
During a visit by one of Agincares support office team members, the young person spoke of their hopes for the future which led to a considerable and heartfelt conversation. On this subject, they expressed, that these conversations weren’t commonplace in their previous placements. They continued to convey freely the substantial difference in the environment and rapport between people at Teal House, stating that:
The team feel like family.
Registered Manager Simon Coles said:
Our priority is to ensure that every young person who leaves Teal House feel more in control of their life, more hopeful, and more prepared for the next stage of their journey. Making this home a place where young people can rebuild trust in adults is essential. Showing them that they are valued as individuals with strengths, talents, and potential drives everything we do. We truly believe that the young people that come here can create a life that feels safe and full of opportunity with meaning and purpose.
From the point of referral, careful consideration is given to ensuring placements are well planned, appropriately supported and have strong foundations for long-term stability.
The Ofsted inspector recognised that the team were keen to take up the comprehensive training and mentoring sessions that were available. As a result, effective communication alongside shared values evidently lifted their confidence in delivering care and support.
Operations Director Toni Carr said:
Opening this new home is a significant achievement for us and our local community. Receiving a ‘Good’ judgement from Ofsted so early in the home’s journey is particularly encouraging and reflects the strong foundations that have been built by the team – we are delighted! We remain confident that every young person has the support they need to reach their full potential.
This new venture represents the beginning of a promising chapter for Agincare’s not-for-profit Children’s Service committed to providing high-quality care and support for all ages.
For more information about Agincare Children’s Services, please visit www.agincare.com/childrens-services/