HELPING CHILDREN
BUILD A FUTURE
Willow Tree Kids Care 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.
OUR VALUES AT WILLOW TREE
T – Teamwork
At Willow Tree Kids Care we work together and in collaboration with a child or young person’s wider network to deliver great care and outcomes
R – Responsive
At Willow Tree Kids Care everything we do centres on the child or young person, providing person-centred support in a positive and nurturing way.
E – Effective
The experience of the team at Willow Tree Kids Care encourages each child or young person to develop and maximise their independence by developing their daily living skills ensuring a successful transition into adult life.
E – Excellence
At Willow Tree Kids Care we pride ourselves on being outstanding at what we do
What We Believe
Our care workers are supported by our in house therapy team who provide support and guidance through case management, group supervision and mentalisation. This ensures that the team around the child are providing a nurturing and loving home as well as using the most effective strategies to respond positively to presenting behaviour.
Key workers are an important member of the team around the child and meet regularly with their Key Child to put in place strategies and coping mechanisms which help manage feelings and anxieties appropriately.
Key workers recognise the importance of holding the child in mind. Going on holiday and sending a postcard, creating memories for young people that will be treasured by both. Working as a team around the child with a wider group of professionals, so that young people are clear in their plans for the future. Our outstanding approach stems from a passionate and committed workforce who encourage the young people to not just survive but thrive.
We recognise the crucial role residential care workers play in our young people’s lives. It is more than a career, it is a vocation that supports children and young people to develop relationships and a sense of self from which they can grow.
We believe that our relational model of care and the skilled dedicated group of professionals who deliver it every day provides those children placed in our care with the best opportunity to recover and rebuild their lives.
Organisations we work with:
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Ofsted
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Independent Children's Home Association
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Department for education
