The Caldecott Foundation has been committed to providing outstanding childcare for more than a hundred years. We recognise that caring for children who have experienced extreme trauma in their young lives is a challenging and complex task. The basis of our approach is the creation of a secure base for each child which we achieve through our relational model of care.

For us this work begins with the key worker. We believe it is important for the child to initially build a safe, secure, trusting relationship with one individual rather than expecting them to manage multiple relationships as soon as they arrive. Indeed the key worker plays a crucial role for our children and young people throughout their placement and beyond.

We also recognise the importance of providing a warm, safe and emotionally containing home for our young people and invest in the environment as a family would. Having school photos on the bookshelf and toys in the living room to play with. A bedroom which they can personalise to create a space where they feel comfortable and can enjoy spending time. Mealtimes together to talk about their day at school and what they would like to do at the weekend.

Routines, structure and boundaries are there to support and nurture the unmet needs of the children. Regular meetings, study days and case management meetings are all in place to maintain a culture of containment and space to consider each child’s progress.

The Caldecott Foundation has seven registered children’s homes across Kent and Nottinghamshire, all of which are rated either good or outstanding.

We are also able to offer a complete assessment of need led by our Clinical Psychologist and children can access individual therapy through our in-house therapy team. We support each child’s individual educational needs with a range of options including home tutoring, small classrooms within our homes, our on-site school and support with attending a mainstream provision.