Welcome to The Meadows

The Meadows is an Ofsted registered children's residential therapeutic care home and outstanding independent school; where outcomes for children really matter.  We provide care, accommodation and education for up to eight children aged between 10 and 17. The Meadows is a warm, therapeutic environment; offering the child real hope for the future.

Children are given opportunities through education, achievement and support, to plan for a better future. Children have the chance to put damaging and disruptive environments and experiences behind them; whilst maintaining their place in their own families.

The Meadows is a positive choice for children for whom residential care is the preferred option. Most placements are long term; shorter placements are available for children working towards independence or moving towards family placements.

At The Meadows positive outcomes for children have always been a priority and we have had demonstrable success in helping children to achieve under all five of the Every Child Matters categories.

The Meadows was established to meet the needs of children who have been identified as needing a period of residential care. During their stay we assess and address their needs through education, planned activities, individual direct work and group work. Our routines ensure safety and satisfaction.

At the end of their stay children are prepared for moving on and helped through that period. Post placement support and follow up work is undertaken as necessary.

The Meadows offers a safe, structured, stable and warm environment, which affords the child positive experiences; new, achievable challenges; success; and positive reinforcement. We create firm, recognisable boundaries and employ a consistent, structured approach within a safe framework.

Each child is treated as an individual and has privacy, freedom and choice. We encourage and assist the children to express themselves appropriately; assess their own situation; and take part in planning their own futures. Children work toward their own goals and learn to take control of their own lives. As they progress they will be reintegrated to mainstream education and a positive move on from The Meadows. We actively encourage and support children in developing their potential through higher education.

The Meadows is a registered children’s home with education. The Meadows was initially registered with Derbyshire Social Services in 1999, and in 2002 this registration transferred to the National Care Standards Commission, subsequently to CSCI and subsequently to Ofsted. 

The Meadows is an independent school registered with Ofsted.  The Meadows is an accredited examination centre for examinations up to and including GCSEs with the AQA scheme.

The Meadows is a licensed activity centre, licensed by the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority. The Meadows is also a Duke of Edinburgh Award training unit.

Country Care, the owner of The Meadows, holds the ‘Investor in People’ award.

The Meadows provides care 365 days per year; 24 hours a day. A structured programme of education, activities and individual therapeutic support is tailored and responsive to the needs of each child. This will include enabling and empowering the children to exercise choice and control over their life space and choice of activities, as their programme progresses.

For some children, residential care is the positive choice.

All staff are trained in the University of Cornell Therapeutic Crisis Intervention range of behaviour management techniques and interventions. These will be deployed throughout the day, as needed by the child. Where appropriate, children are offered Art Therapy. Other psychological or therapeutic support is offered as identified in the child’s Care Plan and Country Care’s Placement Plan. However we are always conscious that any interventions must be carefully planned considering the needs of this child at this time.

Full professional reports are produced for each individual. At the end of their stay they will be prepared for moving on and helped through that period. Follow up work will be undertaken as necessary. This includes participating in Pathway Plans where appropriate.

Our activities include adventurous, physical endeavours that are led by our multi-qualified outdoor education instructors. They include mountaineering, hill walking, rock climbing, abseiling, kayaking, open canoeing, paddle surfing, gorge scrambling, coasteering, sailing, horse riding, off-road cycling, caving and mine exploration. Other activities include sports; making use of local resources e.g. fencing, football, rugby, netball, cadets, youth clubs and others. We also make use of arts and crafts (including Art Therapy). Our rural location adds a sense of peace and tranquility that's hard to match.

The Meadows offers additional services including escort services, supervision of contact, court reports, outreach work, independence support, post-placement support and assessments.

Children spend time away from The Meadows. There are regular holidays and expeditions to different parts of the country. Children have been abroad and enjoyed sailing holidays. Children may also spend time away when they need time on their own away from the group. In addition to this children may, on admission, spend time away from The Meadows as an introductory period; giving them the chance to adjust to the change from one living situation and another. This is particularly important where the child is coming from a distressing background such as a family or placement breakdown. Specific programmes are developed for the individual child. For example one child spent weekdays at The Meadows, and weekends away from The Meadows with staff as they were having difficulty coping in the group during free time.

Country Care Children's Homes Ltd is the registered name of the company; the registered address is: The Meadows, Beech Lane, Dove Holes, Buxton, SK17 8DJ.  Registered company number 4143257

Dfes Number:  830/6035

Ofsted registration number:  SC020151

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