They bring a wide range of skills and act in a parenting role, supporting and guiding young people to reach their potential.

Teams work in shift patters to provide round the clock care.

We also work closely with colleagues in children's services and with our partners.

Find out more in our "meet the team" section.

Our teams of trained professionals provide care and support around the clock, creating a family environment full of warmth, love and laughter.

Children will be supported in their education and to take part in activities so that they enjoy the same experiences as their peers.

It is very important that children and young people stay in touch with their family and friends where it's safe and possible to do so.

The majority of care-experienced children stay with our foster families. But for some children, a children’s residential home may be the best environmment in which they can be supported to overcome any challenges and trauma they may have faced and to reach their potential.  

The council has five children’s homes, including Kyloe House, a national secure children centre with education.

Our homes accommodate 25 young people aged 6 - 17 and our main aim is to provide a family-focussed, caring environment where children and young people can feel safe, thrive and reach their potential.   

The service employs over 200 care staff and 30 support services staff across the five sites.

We are inspected by Ofsted on a yearly basis and all our homes are 'outstanding' or 'good.'

We are part of the council's Children's Services team, which is also rated outstanding by Ofsted.

A number of children are living in children's homes in other parts of the country. We want to change that and the council is investing in opening more children's homes and expanding our fostering service so that more children and young people can grow up here in Northumberland close to their family, friends, schools and communities.

Read more here: https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/Children/Looked-after/Residential.aspx

 She said: “For me the most rewarding thing is when you go out with the children and for that first time you do something you’ve never done before or experienced before.  

“For example, coming back one night from the woods, we saw an owl and a shooting star and those moments were just magical as that child had never experienced that before. 

“There is no one kind of person that you want in the team – you want everyone to bring different skills and different hobbies. 

“If you have something that excites you, then that excitement will be picked up by the children, for example we’ve got staff who have passions including guitar, football and cooking. 

“If you had everyone from the same background, then it wouldn’t work – so we’re looking for younger staff, staff who are maybe parents themselves, grandparents, anyone who feels they have something they can offer, something they can share and a great personality and sense of humour.”  

He said: “It’s not your run of the mill job where you’re dealing with numbers and it adds up to a certain number at the end of the day, you’re dealing with people and human emotions and that’s the most rewarding aspect for me, you get to deal with people and help them on their own journeys.  

“This job, you get out of it what you put into it. If you care about the young people and invest in them, the rewards are limitless.” 

Working as residential support worker, he found he could combine his love of sport and the outdoors with making a difference to the lives of children and young people.    
 

Over two decades later, Adam is a qualified social worker and is our Children's Services Manager for Residential and Support Services.

Adam said:  “I started out my career as a residential support worker with a few casual shifts. I couldn’t believe I was getting paid to take the kids out on the bike, play football or rugby, watch a film or listen to music with some great young people.  

“Your typical working day is a typical day in the home – you have a routine to follow: waking young people up in the morning, cooking meals and planning our activities. Everyday can bring new rewards as we help to prepare young people for adult life.   

 
“The most rewarding and motivating thing for me was always making sure that the children had the same opportunities and experiences as I would want my child to have.   

 
“Over the years, I’ve been wild camping, canoeing, abseiling, coasteering, taken children to football matches, cubs and scouts, or supported them to find new interests.  

 
“It’s an exciting time to join the team with lots of opportunities to progress your career in care. Everyone wants the best for our children and will do everything they can to achieve that.” 

"For the first time I felt loved and cared for."

We are now building upon our experiences in developing the BA Social Work Apprenticeship route and we’re delighted to announce this exciting opportunity is being extended to the wider workforce.

All our Children’s Homes have been inspected during this reporting period and have been rated as GOOD. Comments from the inspections include:

Children benefit from a child-centered approach to meeting their needs. Leaders and managers are committed and lead by example, setting high and clear expectations for staff to follow and reinforcing the positive ethos supporting children’s progress.  

Staff importantly listen to children and incorporate their views, wishes and feelings into plans that staff deliver. This reduces the incidence of physical restraint and helps to keep children safe.   

Staff are nurturing and help children to develop trusting and meaningful relationships.

Staff support children to reflect on their behaviour and the choices they make.

Staff are committed to supporting children to access education. They are persistent and strongly advocate for children to receive education that meets their needs.  

Staff understand each child’s risks. Individual risk assessments are regularly reviewed and reflect the children’s vulnerabilities.

Children are cared for by staff who use their professional curiosity to understand the risks to children.  

Children are cared for by staff who use their professional curiosity to understand the risks to children

Families value the service and support that both they and their children receive from staff.  

Children’s views are important to staff.

"I have been working with young people in various capacities since around 2009 and have worked in residential and educational roles.

"The majority of this time was at Thorndale House, initially as a residential support worker and then shift coordinator.

"We did some fantastic work with our young people as well as creating a really nice homely place for them to live.

"We had some great adventures including cycling the coast to coast, climbing Ben Nevis and going on lots of short breaks and holidays with the young people.

"I really enjoy outdoor activities. I always try to get the young people involved in these when I'm at work as much as possible as its greatr way to build relationships which is key to everything we do.

"I also like playing music which is something a few of the young people have also enjoyed, we got some guitars at Thorndale and a few young people got quite into it which was good fun too."

Full training will be provided.

The ASYE Academy in Northumberland is a team where our newly qualified social workers join once they have left university, they are fully qualified and registered with Social Work England. They stay with us in our team for 6 months before going into their permanent roles. The assessed and supported year in employment (ASYE) is a programme that gives newly qualified social workers extra support during their first year of employment. The programme aims to develop their skills, knowledge and professional confidence.

"Being part of the Northumberland Social Work Academy has ensured that I have been surrounded by tailored support, learning and challenges aimed at preparing me to make the difficult transition from student to professional practice. The high level of support and reduced caseload offered within the Academy has helped me to feel valued and more confident in my role as a newly qualified social worker."

"Joining the ASYE Academy has been a great experience and one that I would recommend to any Social Work student looking to apply for a job! The Academy gives you the protection you need to explore and develop your skills as a Social Worker at a pace that is tailored to your needs. Both Catharina and Sarah have lots of experience and are great people to provide you the support and guidance you need to become great Social Workers!"

• police officer

• engineer

• ambulance driver

• youth worker

• early years worker

Read more here: https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/News/2023/Jul/Cabinet-approves%C2%A0-1-26m-investment-in-six-more-chi.aspx

We have homes in Cramlington, Alnwick, Bedlington and Pegswood.

Kyloe House, our secure children's home, is a purpose-build facility at Stannington, Morpeth.

She said: “Like any other family household, every day isn’t going to be perfect, there’s ups and downs, tears and laughter. We get outside a lot, going on walks, the beach, cooking tea on the beach, stargazing, and geocaching.

“You can see potential, loads of potential and it’s just helping them to reach that potential.”  

He said: “I went to a jobs fair looking for an apprenticeship, probably in a trade, but after hearing more about the role, it started to sound exactly right for me.  

“No two days will be the same and you’re making a difference - that’s what attracted me the most. You’ll also be out and about doing activities with the young people. 

“When I was younger, I enjoyed MCing, DJing and I volunteered in a youth club where I taught young children how to DJ and MC, so I hope I can bring some of that experience to the job too. 

“There’s lots of different training and qualifications available so I feel like there are real career opportunities.  

“I’ve moved to Northumberland too so I can be closer to work. I’ve really enjoyed it so far and feel like everything has fallen into place.” 

Joining the Children Residential Service through the Pegsworth team in January, 2024 has been a great experience.

The trainings and resources made available have been tremendous and having the opportunity to work in Phoenix and Coanwood Homes is a plus which has prepared me well ahead of the opening of Pegsworth House.

I hope to support the young people by establishing positive relationships and helping to change there lives for a positive brighter future.

I am looking forward to supporting the children and young people gain their full potential."

She said: "I was in this role for nearly six years and I have so many fond memories and great relationships with some amazing children and young adults. I was looking to be in a similar roll, caring for those in need.

"I love the world of books and imagination and hope we can turn that into some fabulous adventures. I also love walks, camping and animals.

"I am looking forward to sharing my previous experience with the children who come into our home and hope to make there world a happier place to be.

"Making a difference, even if it's a small difference makes all your work and time worth it, there's nothing more rewarding than seeing a child grow personally & thieve with encouragement."