Easy Read · Cameron House
A safe home for children.
Cameron House is a children's home. Ofsted's latest report gives separate judgements. Children can feel safe, understood and able to thrive.
About Cameron House
Cameron House is a small, nurturing home for up to six children aged 10 to 18.
Who lives there
There are six single bedrooms for children aged 10 to 18.
Spaces in the home
There are two lounges, a sensory room and an activity space.
Outside and activities
Children can use the garden, trampoline, vegetable patch and dedicated minibus.
Ofsted inspection judgements
Ofsted checks children's homes. The latest Cameron House report has separate judgements: two Outstanding and one Good.
Keeping in touch
Children can stay connected with family, school, health professionals and trusted people.
Our goal for every child
We learn about communication, sensory needs, interests, strengths and hopes. Then we build support around the child.
Feel safe and emotionally secure
Children can feel safe and emotionally secure.
Build trusting relationships
Children can build trusting relationships.
Improve communication
Children can improve communication.
Build confidence and cope with difficult times
Children can become more confident and get help to cope with difficult times.
Increase independence
Children can increase independence.
Education and community
Children can access education and community opportunities.
Prepare for adulthood
Children can prepare successfully for adulthood.
Nine quality standards
A Statement of Purpose is a document that explains how the home works. It covers nine quality standards.
How we support children
Relationships are at the centre. Adults stay calm, curious and kind. Behaviour can tell us that a child needs something.
Relationships
Consistent adults help children feel safe, build trust and manage difficult feelings.
Understanding behaviour
We look at what behaviour may be telling us. We teach new skills and help reduce distress.
Sensory and everyday skills support
A specialist can help with senses, routines, spaces and everyday activities.
A calm way to support children
Adults stay playful, accepting, curious and kind. This approach is called PACE.
Children's voices
Children help shape their care, routines, activities, menus and the way the home develops.
Working together
We work with families, schools, therapists, health professionals and local authorities.
How a placement starts
We arrange visits and introductions, prepare the bedroom and first days, and plan carefully with the child and people around them.
1. Tell us about the child
A social worker or placement officer tells us about the child and what support they need.
2. See if the home is right
We think about the child's needs, communication, relationships and whether the home is right for them.
3. Read reports and visit
We read the reports and arrange a visit to Cameron House.
4. Get to know the home
The child can have more visits and meet people at the home before a move.
5. Prepare the home
We plan the bedroom and first days around the child's interests, routines and communication.
6. Make a plan
A planning meeting takes place within 72 hours. Reviews continue after the child moves in.
People communicate in different ways.
We will not assume how you communicate. We will ask you what works best for you.
Pictures and signs can help.
You might use pictures, symbols or a communication board or book. You might use PECS, which is a specific system for exchanging pictures. You might use Makaton signs and symbols with speech.
There are many ways to communicate.
You might use speech, gestures, pointing or eye pointing. You might use AAC. AAC means tools or devices that help you communicate.
You can ask for communication support.
You might use Easy Read or BSL, which means British Sign Language. You can ask for an interpreter or advocate. Family or a supporter can be involved if you want.
How do you like us to communicate with you?
We will ask you. We will listen to your answer. You can say no. You can change your mind.
How we remember your choice
- Ask: we ask what works for you.
- Record: we write down your choice in the right place.
- Flag: we make it easy for the team to see.
- Share: we share it with people who need to know.
- Act: we use your preferred way to communicate.
- Review: we check with you again because your needs can change.
You can ask us anything.
There is no pressure to make a decision. We will listen and help you find the next step.