As part of my professional development, I had the opportunity to shadow Rebecca Lillie, the Quality Assurance Manager and YVPG Lead for H2I. During this visit, we explored two residential homes operated by Homes to Inspire, an organisation dedicated to providing safe, nurturing, and high-quality care for children who have often experienced trauma. The visit allowed me to gain insight into the operational standards, engagement strategies, and the overall environment provided for the young people residing in these homes.
Overview of Homes to Inspire
Homes to Inspire operates children’s homes that are designed to be more than just residences; they are structured to provide stability, consistency, and empathetic support to young people. Their focus on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) ensures that staff are well-trained to help children build emotional resilience, trust, and positive relationships.
Key principles of Homes to Inspire:
- Providing a safe and nurturing environment that fosters independence.
- Ensuring homes are well-furnished and thoughtfully designed to create a family-like atmosphere.
- Supporting education and local school attendance, with additional academic assistance where required.
- Actively engaging young people in decision-making through participation groups and community activities.
- Maintaining high care standards through rigorous staff recruitment and Ofsted registration, while addressing challenges related to unregistered children’s home provision.
Visit to Edgecote House
Edgecote House was the first residential home I visited. Upon arrival, I was warmly greeted by both the young people living there and the staff. The home was clean, spacious, and inviting, with a strong emphasis on creating a comfortable and personalised environment. Notably, the young residents themselves play an active role in selecting the decor, allowing them to create a space that feels like home.
During my visit, I had the opportunity to engage with the young people and staff, gaining valuable insight into the day-to-day operations of the home. One of the young residents had prepared a buffet style lunch, showcasing their confidence, hospitality, and ability to take initiative. It was clear that the home actively encourages personal development and independence, with young people being rewarded for their contributions to projects and activities through vouchers and gift cards.
Through conversations with staff and residents, I learned about the various trips, activities, and community engagement initiatives that the young people participate in. These initiatives not only enhance their skills but also reinforce a sense of belonging and responsibility within their living
Visit to Oak House
The second home I visited, Oak House, had a notably different atmosphere. It was a smaller, cozier setting, home to a single young person, making it a more personalised and intimate environment. The young resident had left their personal touch throughout the home, reinforcing the importance of individual expression in making a house feel like home.
During my visit, I engaged in discussions with the young resident, staff members, Rebecca Lillie, and Joshua Day (Digital Marketing Executive for Homes to Inspire). Over a cup of tea, we spoke about the young person’s future plans, educational aspirations, and daily life, providing a deeper understanding of the support structures in place to help them thrive.
To conclude the day, we conducted drive-by observations of other residential properties, including Swan House, Wendover House, and Kimber House.
Reflections and Key Takeaways:
This experience provided me with a firsthand perspective on the exceptional level of care, dedication, and support that Homes to Inspire offers to young people in their residential settings. Key reflections from my visit include:
- Personalised and child-led environments: Allowing young people to participate in decision-making, particularly in home design, fosters a sense of ownership and stability.
- Encouraging independence and life skills: Young people are supported in developing confidence, hospitality, and responsibility, preparing them for adulthood.
- Strong staff commitment: The dedication of the staff was evident in their interactions with the young people, ensuring that their emotional, educational, and social needs are met.
- Tailored support: Each home provides a unique approach depending on the needs of its residents, ensuring a flexible and person-centred approach to care.
Conclusion:
To conclude my visit to the two residential homes reinforced the importance of high-quality care in children’s residential settings. Homes to Inspire is clearly committed to providing a nurturing, stable, and empowering environment for young people, with a strong focus on emotional well-being, education, and personal development. The experience highlighted the significant impact that well-structured and compassionate residential care can have on young people’s lives.
However, during my visit, one concern that stood out was the transition process for young people as they leave residential care. Homes to Inspire provides residential care until the age of 18; however, is unable to offer supported living beyond this point. It is important to clarify that care does not end by choice, but rather due to the structure of the social care system.
While some care leavers maintain contact and receive ongoing support for a period of time from other external agencies, others may not have a reliable support network in place. This raises critical questions about their long-term well-being, particularly in terms of access to guidance, stability, and assistance when needed. Ensuring that young people have a strong and sustainable support system beyond residential care is essential in helping them navigate independence successfully.
