Direct Care Blog

Lower Lodge - Outstanding

Lower Lodge has obtained an Outstanding accreditation from Ofsted.

Belview Recommendation

"As a Social Worker it is rare to find a ray of sunshine in amongst difficult and challenging circumstances that our young people face, however Belview Lodge was just that. I have nothing but praise for the care and provision that they offer the young people who are lucky enough to be placed in their home. The home itself was a safe and nurturing environment and this was reflected in the sense of ownership and pride the young people had for Belview Lodge.

The staff were fantastic, not one stone was left unturned, not one phone call or email went unanswered and communication was effortless. It is unusual to find a facility that not only delivers what is expected, but is proactive in going above and beyond it. It is the best example of child-centred care that I have seen in the many residential homes that I have encountered both in the UK and overseas. The young person I had placed with Belview left a completely different person. Not only could you notice a physical difference, but the self esteem and confidence, along with behaviours of this young person was drastically improved. I have no doubt this had much to do with the brilliant staff who were always available to guide and support the residents of the home. Any service that was needed was secured in a time efficient way, even down to extra-curricular and identity building activities. The staff showed much initiative and careful attention to each child to ensure their needs were utmost priority. For example, I mentioned an activity my young person would like to do, and the next day they had already visited and been enrolled without me having to even follow it up.

The routine in the home was well maintained and fair for all the residents and any I saw that any incidents were dealt with quickly and with professionalism. The staff were very good at keeping me informed of the progress and challenges encountered with my young person which ensured a holistic approach to their care. The key workers were excellent and the staff dealt with parents sensitively and firmly which can be difficult at the best of times. I saw staff develop excellent rapport with parents who have been very reluctant to engage with any services and this is a testament to the evidence of change the parents could see in their child.

I would recommend Belview Lodge and Direct Care without hesitation as an outstanding organisation that has the ability to produce"

Belview Lodge Education Update

Jimmy (Year 10) - Attends Belview Lodge School all day on Mondays and Fridays and half a day on Tuesdays and Wednesdays to improve his numeracy and literacy skills, whilst allowing for his individual needs and Statement provision. On the other days, he is at Maplefields School MORS site in Corby following a vocation educational course in construction and employability.

There are plans for him to investigate a construction course at Moulton College or possibly continue his education at MORS at the end of Year 11. He has also followed a structured Work Experience programme involving the complete renovation of a house where he has learnt a variety of skills associated with the building trade.

Nicola (Year 8) - Attends Belview Lodge School for five days a week, following a course which is structured to follow the National Curriculum whilst allowing for her individual needs.

Josh (Year 8) - Attends Belview Lodge School for five days a week, following a structured course which is designed to follow the National Curriculum whilst allowing for his individual needs and Statement provision.

Stella (Year 12) - is in Year 12 and is attending Wollaston School Sixth Form. She has successfully re-taken her English GCSE and has improved her grade. She is currently working on a Maths re-take as well as other related courses.

Angels Meadow Education Update

Emma (Year 11) - is currently at EYS, a complimentary EBD school in Wisbech, for five days each week. She has looked at doing her GCSE exams privately and hopes to follow a Media Course at Boston College as part of her further education.

Nadine (Year 11) - is currently at Bridger House (Complimentary Education) School doing a limited number of GCSEs. She has applied to two colleges in London to do a Child Care Course.

Jade (Year 9) - Jade attends Lady Jane Franklin Secondary School, a complimentary EBD school in Wisbech, for five days each week following a structured course which is designed to follow the National Curriculum whilst allowing for her individual needs.

Beacon Farmhouse Education Update

Jessica (Year 11) - Jessica is currently at the Glede School completing her GCSE’s. She wants to start college in September doing a Business Studies Course.

Chloe (Year 12) - Chloe has enrolled on a course at Peterborough Regional college for 6 months until July 2012. The course is a top-up course which will give her English and Maths qualifications and a variety of other projects to complete. Chloe hopes to go to a college in London in September and enrol on a Performing Arts Course.

Sophie (Year 9) - Sophie attends Glede School (a mixed State Comprehensive School) for five days a week where she follows the same courses as the other Year Nine students.

Abby (Year 9) - Since her recent arrival, Abby has been following a course of in-house education which is tailored to suit her needs. The work is checked every day by the staff and supervised by the Direct Care Tutor who visits Abby each week where any problems with the work are resolved and further work is set.

Lower Lodge Education Update

Joe (Year 11) - Joe attends CANTO on Monday and Wednesday to improve his numeracy, literacy and ICT skills, whilst allowing for his individual needs and Statement provision. On Tuesday morning he takes driving lessons and is studying for his English GCSE, in the afternoon at Molton College Joe works towards his BTEC in bricklaying. This is organised though The Gateway School facilitated by the Outreach programme.

Billy (Year 10) - Billy, having just arrived at Lower Lodge, is carrying out in-house education Monday to Friday as set by the visiting Direct Care Tutor allowing for his individual needs and Statement provision. Billy has also started to attend Molton College on a Thursday afternoon to work towards his BTEC in Bricklaying.

Steven (Year 10) - Steven has been working under the direction of Kingswood School carrying out in-house education Monday to Friday as set by the visiting Direct Care Tutor allowing for his individual needs and Statement provision. On Monday’s Steven attends college to work towards his BTEC in bricklaying. On Wednesday’s Steven attends the REAL Project which is an outdoors experience based leaning programme. Also Steven is gaining valuable work experience Tuesday and Thursday at a Fishing Tackle shop, accounting for stock and distribution.

Louise (Year 10) - Louise is awaiting confirmation and start date at Brooke Weston Academy. Whilst waiting, she is carrying out in-house education Monday to Friday as set by the visiting Direct Care Tutor allowing for her individual needs.

The Spinney Education Update

Jack (Year 10) - Jack attends Belview Lodge School for five days a week, following a structured course which is designed to follow the National Curriculum whilst allowing for his individual needs and Statement provision. He also has provision for education to be continued at The Spinney on Wednesday afternoons, where he is following a practical course involving woodworking and horticultural skills.

Charlie (Year 12) - since his arrival, Charlie has been following a course of in-house education which is tailored to suit his needs. The work is checked every day by the staff and supervised by the Direct Care Tutor who visits him each week where any problems with the work are resolved and further work is set. He is currently doing a course to help him with independent living and is pursuing courses at Peterborough College to gain qualifications to help him join the Army.