Freddie’s House - Statement of Purpose
Freddie’s House is a 5-bedroom residential children’s home located in Forest Gate, London. Our home offers medium to long-term placements for children and young people aged 6 to 17 years who experience emotional, social, and behavioural difficulties. We are also able to support children with mild to moderate learning disabilities, neurodivergent conditions such as low-level verbal autism spectrum conditions (ASC), mild to moderate mental health challenges including anxiety, PTSD, and related conditions. Additionally, we are able to accommodate children with Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) in place where appropriate, in accordance with legal requirements. Freddie’s House adheres to the highest standards of care for young people.
Who We Support
We welcome children and young people who may present a range of complex care needs, specifically those with behavioural and emotional challenges. We support young people who may have mild to moderate neurodivergent conditions, cognitive developmental delays, and learning disabilities. Our focus is on helping those whose primary difficulties relate to emotional, social, and behavioural challenges. We are also well-equipped to care for children with moderate mental health difficulties, such as anxiety or depression, and can accommodate young people who have a Deprivation of Liberty Order (DoLS) in place, working closely with local authorities to ensure compliance with these legal protections.
Our Ethos and Approach
Our approach is to be build a warm, stable and caring environment where young people can develop to their full potential. Our team of highly trained and experienced staff work closely with the children, tailoring individual care plans to meet their specific needs and abilities, including those with learning disabilities and mental health conditions. We are committed to empowering young people by equipping them with the skills and confidence needed for their transition into adulthood or their next life stage, whether that involves returning to family, transitioning to foster care, or moving towards independent living.
Our homes promote a culture of consistency, predictability, and responsiveness to the needs of each child. The ethos focuses on fostering positive relationships, both within the home and with external family and support networks. We encourage the development of strong family connections wherever possible and provide support for children to engage in meaningful social interactions that contribute to their emotional, social, and cognitive growth.
A Tailored and Inclusive Environment
We recognise the uniqueness of every child and actively support them to express their individuality in a safe, supportive setting. Our children are given opportunities to participate in regular activities, both in and outside of the home, including sports, cultural festivals, educational trips, and leisure activities. This helps the young people build valuable life skills and encourages them to experience and enjoy new opportunities they may not have had before.
Our homes are committed to celebrating diversity and promoting inclusion. We carefully consider the cultural, linguistic, and religious needs of each child when they are referred to us. This extends to every aspect of their care, from personal care items and dietary needs to providing allowances for cultural or religious practices, such as hair and skin care. Our team of staff are trained in equality and diversity, ensuring that we offer a non-discriminatory, supportive environment for all young people, including those with learning difficulties and disabilities, as well as mental health challenges.
Education and Personal Development
Sifaa is dedicated to supporting the education and personal growth of the children under our care. We work closely with educational institutions and local authorities to ensure that each child has access to the appropriate education tailored to their specific needs, including those with special educational needs (SEN), learning disabilities, and mental health difficulties. We believe that a structured, stimulating, and caring environment is essential for helping children succeed, and we provide individualised educational plans to help them overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
Our staff actively support children in their educational journeys, as well as in developing employability skills. This may include participation in vocational training, personal development courses, and gaining life skills essential for adulthood. We ensure that young people have the resources and space they need to pursue their interests and become well-rounded individuals prepared for life beyond our home.
Our homes have ample space for learning, games and personal development. Freddies House for example features two spacious lounges, a garden and an outhouse which has a learning nook. Just a three minute walk from the home you can access West Ham park, which has playgrounds, exotic gardens, tennis courts, cricket fields and small food vendors. This gives support staff great opportunities to get children out exercising and accessing nature.
Safeguarding, Behaviour Support, and
Well-Being
Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. We are vigilant in protecting the children in our care from harm, including being alert to potential risks such as bullying, both in-person and online. We follow the safeguarding protocols of the local authorities and ensure that all staff are fully trained in safeguarding procedures. Our home also has systems in place to prevent bullying and to monitor children's well-being through close supervision and regular key-working sessions. We are fully compliant with all legal safeguarding requirements, including managing placements where Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) are in place.
Our approach to managing children’s behaviour is positive and proactive. We promote the development of self-control, personal responsibility, and positive social interactions. When children struggle to manage their behaviour, we offer support through positive behaviour management strategies, including individual work with the child to help them understand and manage their emotions. Physical intervention is used only when absolutely necessary to prevent harm, and all such incidents are carefully recorded and monitored. All staff are trained in conflict resolution methods and have relevant experience working with challenging behaviour.
Children’s Participation and Consultation
We believe that children should be actively involved in decisions that affect their lives. Regular consultations and meetings are held with the young people to discuss their care, including everything from meal choices and activities to staff feedback and house rules. This involvement fosters a sense of belonging and ownership among the children, helping them feel empowered and confident in expressing their needs and opinions.
We also work closely with external professionals, such as social workers, families, and local authorities and partnership projects to ensure that the care provided aligns with each child's individual care plan and long-term goals. Every child’s well-being is supported through regular reviews of their care plans and continuous collaboration with all stakeholders.
Contact with Families and Community Engagement
We actively encourage and support the maintenance of family relationships wherever possible, recognising that family connections are often key to a child's resilience and emotional well-being. We facilitate contact between the children and their families, as set out in their care plans, and we provide a welcoming environment for family visits.
We are also committed to helping young people engage with the wider community. Our home is located near a range of local amenities, such as parks, schools, libraries, and recreational facilities, providing children with ample opportunities to participate in community activities and broaden their social networks.
A Home Where Every Child Can Thrive
The way we run our homes goes beyond being just a residential home; it is a place where children can feel safe, supported, and valued. Our aim is to provide a nurturing and homely environment where each child is encouraged to reach their full potential. By offering a holistic approach to care, education, and personal development, we are dedicated to helping every child build the confidence, skills, and resilience they need to succeed in life.
We are always striving to improve our services and welcome feedback from all those who interact with our home, including local authorities, families, and the young people in our care. Together, we can continue to deliver exceptional care and ensure the best possible outcomes for every child.
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