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Atkinson maintains its unblemished record as a good home

“This is a well-managed home.  Attention to detail and a thorough understanding of each child’s needs means that they all receive high-quality care and nurturing from committed staff.”  That is the verdict from Ofsted inspectors following their visit in February to … Continue reading

Bale, Arthur and Gracie, the Atkinson therapy dogs

Bale and Arthur have been visiting the Atkinson School since early March and the benefits and transformations have been incredible.  Bale and Arthur are therapy dogs, brought in by Bale’s Buddies who supply therapy dogs to schools, residential homes, and … Continue reading

Atkinson artwork at the Koestler exhibition

The Koestler Awards for arts in criminal justice started in 1962. Each year over 3,500 people in custody and in the community share their creative work by taking part. The Trust provides feedback and encouragement to entrants of all abilities … Continue reading

A young person’s view of Atkinson

What is good and what is not so good about living at Atkinson?  Please read this very honest presentation which one of our young people put together during school time. A young person’s view

Christmas collection for Exeter Foodbank

In the run-up to Christmas, one of our young people took the lead on a collection for the Exeter Foodbank. As well as creating posters and speaking to staff to encourage them to donate food items or money, he also … Continue reading

Ofsted assurance visit

We are delighted with feedback from the recent Ofsted assurance visit which consisted of two days virtual inspection and one day on site.  The inspectors said that “the children benefit from well-planned care provided by a staff team which shares … Continue reading

Just Right State

The Just Right State (JRS) is being delivered as part of a programme to support the staff and young people at Atkinson to explore and develop self-regulation and co-regulation skills.  The programme is eight weeks long and includes exploration of individualised … Continue reading

Refurbished living areas at Atkinson

We were lucky enough to attract a grant from the DfE in 2019 to help with the financing of our refurbishments.  Works commenced to transform the living areas of the home late 2019 and continued over the Christmas break into … Continue reading

Trauma Informed Practice for Children and Young People

As a result of funding from NHS England and the integrated framework internally known as ‘Secure Stairs’, Atkinson has led the development of level 3/4 qualification (Certificate and Diploma) which is being accredited through NCFE. Atkinson will be the approved centre for the qualification. The course comprises of seven modules: Continue reading

Raising awareness about radicalisation risks

Safer Devon has launched a public facing communications campaign to raise awareness about the risks of radicalisation and, in particular, the role the internet often plays in that process.   Continue reading