Living here

Living here

Facilities and activities

We recognise that each young person we care for is a unique individual with complex needs. Our dedicated staff team works in partnership with local authorities to meet these needs through individualised placement plans, created at child-friendly planning meetings.

An educational assessment on admission allows for a bespoke education package to be developed for each young person. High teacher-pupil ratios allow for increased support for individuals who struggle in a classroom setting.

Encouraging young people to develop healthy lifestyles is paramount to improving a young person’s general health and wellbeing. Our Atkinson home develops these lifestyles by encouraging young people to eat healthily, exercise regularly and to increase their knowledge of sexual health and substance misuse.

Atkinson seeks to develop young people’s emotional, intellectual, social, creative and physical skills by creating a stimulating environment. Young people are encouraged to pursue individual interests and hobbies.

On the Atkinson site we have a wide range of facilities including:

  • a large garden with poly tunnel
  • an outdoor seated area for education and social purposes
  • a multi-purpose activities track
  • an outdoor multi-purpose pitch and play area
  • a new lounge and life skill areas
  • a fully equipped outdoor workshop
  • a music room and range of instruments
  • a full-sized gymnasium and cardio gym
  • regular visits from therapy dogs
  • an indoor sports hall
  • a fitness room (weight machine)
  • a sensory room
  • Atkinson school, with updated classrooms and a professional kitchen

Outside Atkinson

For those young people who have ‘mobility’ (which requires social worker approval and risk assessment) they can explore and pursue activities outside Atkinson. These include surfing, kayaking, climbing, fishing, cinema, shopping and educational trips to art galleries, the zoo and museums.

Leaving Atkinson – resettlement and transition

The case co-ordinator works closely with placing authorities to identify which placement will be suitable as a future placement for the young person. Within this process, the young person has the opportunity to express his/her views and opinions as to what kind of placement he or she would like to go to. The case co-ordinator and key worker help prepare the young person for independent living.