Birtenshaw Children's Homes & Short Breaks

Children’s Homes and Short Breaks Thank you for your interest in Birtenshaw’s Children’s Homes and Short Breaks

Our vision is ‘brightening lives and building futures’, offering care and support in a warm environment where even young people who have previously struggled to reach their potential can thrive.

We offer care and support to children and young adults with a moderate to Severe learning disability and/or complex health needs, in conjunction with: - Autistic Spectrum Disorder - Communication difficulties - Multi-sensory impairment - Significant medical conditions - Physical disability - Behaviours that some may find challenging.

The care teams at Birtenshaw’s children’s homes encourage and motivate children and young people to develop life skills, and participate in a range of leisure activities, educational interests and social opportunities which offer positive challenges within a safe and structured environment. We successfully support young people moving into adulthood through bespoke services designed to meet their individual needs.

Choosing care services for someone with complex needs can be a difficult decision. We recognise that everyone is different and it is important to listen to people who know the child or young person well.

If you would like to view the services or would like further details about our services I would be delighted to meet with you.

Julie Barnes Director of Education and Care Services

Learning and Development Centre

Specialist Children's Homes Birtenshaw provides 52 week care placements in specialist Children`s Homes located in the local community.

Small numbers of children and young people live together supported by a dedicated care team, in a homely environment with communal areas for all the young people to enjoy. Each child has their own bedroom, which they are assisted to personalise.

Children may either attend Birtenshaw School or other schools in the local area.

Care is based on ‘ordinary life principles’, and staff actively encourage children and young people to try new experiences and participate in sport, hobbies and interests in the evening and at weekends.

Ofsted comment ‘Staff work with young people in a way that maximises their potential.

Strong attachments and a genuine commitment to care underpins all aspects of care practice’.

Accommodation A number of our homes are specifically adapted to meet the needs of children and young people with physical disability, including significant medical needs.

Key workers: Each young person has a key worker who meets with them every week to listen to their views, and helps them to make choices.

Children and young people are supported to choose interests and hobbies they enjoy to include in their activity plan.

Older children have the opportunity to develop independent living skills and contribute to looking after their home.

Other homes are skilfully adapted to provide a safe environment for children and young people with an autistic spectrum condition whilst maintaining a warm homely atmosphere.

We assess which home children will live in based on their individual needs.

Statement from a parent “I ring the home regularly for reassurance and the staff are always prepared to talk to me and keep me informed.”

Specialist assessment

Young people in our specialist Children Homes have access to a multi-disciplinary team of professionals, including speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and specialist health staff.

Every young person who lives within one of Birtenshaw’s Children’s Homes has an individual programme of therapeutic support including a communication plan, sensory diet and a behaviour plan.

Individualised strategies are implemented and reinforced on a daily basis in the home environment by the care team to ensure young people reach their full potential.

Simon’s Story Simon is a very sociable and lively young man and likes to be involved in everything going on around him. When Simon came to live at one of Birtenshaw’s children’s homes and attend Birtenshaw School he was 9 years old, his diagnosis is that he has a severe physical disability, complex health needs and communication difficulties. Simon would become very frustrated when he could not communicate with other people and do things for himself. His family were unable to care for him and give him the 100% attention he required.

Initially Simon would put himself in dangerous situations on a daily basis, moving and pulling at heavy furniture, pulling at electrical wires, falling out of his wheelchair and causing cuts and bruises to his arms and legs. Simon also found it very difficult to make friends with his peers and interact with adults, as he would scratch, hit and spit anyone who came too close to him. He would often harm himself by biting his hands and arms, causing them to bleed and become infected.

Living at one of Birtenshaw’s Children’s Homes has given Simon the opportunity to lead a much fuller life, and keep him safe from harm. With daily Speech and Language Therapy, consistent approaches to behaviour management, modelling of appropriate social skills, and of course having lots of fun, Simon is now able to talk to people and tell them about his day. When other young people and adults get close to him, he will shake their hand or stroke their arm. Simon doesn’t try to harm and bite himself anymore, and has a good understanding of how to keep himself safe. *name has been changed

Statement from a young person “Its fun here, I like it and I can do horse riding and go to the Lads and Girls Club and go shopping.”

Short Breaks Short Breaks are arranged to support families and to meet the needs of children and young people aged 3 to 19. The breaks can range from a few hours during the day or evening to overnight, weekend or week long stays.

Accommodation is provided in a purpose built four bed short stay centre which has access to the hydrotherapy pool, multi sensory facilities, sensory suite and an activity programme. The young people have fun spending time in a new environment with the opportunity to socialise with other young people Our care staff have a thorough understanding of and expertise in meeting the needs of young people with a disability.

Staff create a warm, happy nurturing environment where children can have fun, enjoy new experiences and feel safe.

Ofsted Comment Short Breaks

Essential Information: Birtenshaw Darwen Road Bromley Cross Bolton BL7 9AB Phone: 01204 304230 Email: enquiries@birtenshaw.org.uk Website: www.birtenshaw.org.uk Registered Charity 1092798

“Staff know the young people and their specific needs really well and this enhances the strength of the relationships.”